get set to sparkle
A sneak peek at what’s in store for fashion in 2016
All that glitters is on the catwalk in the year ahead, as fashion takes a fun approach in 2016, with playful, colourful, kooky designs trickling down to the high street.
The spring 2016 fashion weeks in Paris, New York, London and Milan — as well as closer to home in Canada — were anything but basic.
Trends were romantic, maximalist, even kooky. They were colourful, sexy and sometimes see-through.
Taking inspiration from decades past, especially the ’70s, with prairie florals, voluminous sleeves, tie-dye and denim, they also leaned toward the futuristic with sequins and sparkles galore and spacesuit silver that showed up in several collections.
Romantic ruffles, Spanish elegance, eye-catching cut-outs and even lacy boudoir looks also trotted down the runways.
But how much of that will trickle down to the real world? Which trends will reinvent themselves for everyday work and play? We asked Janis Galloway, Chelaine Kerr and Stacey Boruk, Canadian fashionistas, to tell us what to expect on the racks and in the streets in 2016.
Galloway is a fashion publicist for the Publicity Room and blogs at Dress Me Dearly; Kerr is manager at Edmonton’s Floc Boutique; and Boruk is the co-owner of Edmonton’s Bamboo Ballroom.
Q What new fashion trends are you expecting to hit Canadian streets this year?
A Galloway: Spring 2016 is all about the ’70s. We’re seeing the transition already in winter fashion this year. Expect to see lots of fringe, suede, orange, light denim, print-mixing and wide-leg pants. Think Almost Famous.
Kerr: The ’70s are alive and strong and still going into 2016 — a lot of suede/faux suede and bohemian styles. But what’s really exciting for us is the shift in denim. We saw a lot of wide legs, flares and straights coming back in a really strong way. There is a lot more choice in terms of bottoms — don’t get us wrong, skinnies still have a place. But pairing a pretty blouse with a flare jean is such an effortless, fabulous look for so many women.
Boruk: We are inspired by high-fashion ’80s bold pieces. Think sequins, bold colours and prints, geometric shapes, fun fabrics and textures. Denim skirts and dresses, psychedelic prints and Spanish flair are also a few trends we’ll be seeing in stores.
What new colours will we be incorporating into our wardrobes?
Galloway: Expect the spring classics — pastels galore as well as bright pops of cobalt blue and orange.
Boruk: Bright colours of all kinds will be big for spring 2016, and the Pantone colours of Rose Quartz and Serenity (light blue), will also be popular.
Kerr: We have been seeing a lot of shades of yellows and golds, beautiful cobalts, sky blues and pops of corals. Springtime is always exciting for the explosion of colour, especially after a dull winter.
How will the runway looks of New York and Paris trickle down?
Boruk: I think layering, fun, eclectic, fitted pieces mixed with statement accessories will appeal to the girl who knows how to mix and match her clothing shapes and prints. Lace and florals will be big for spring, and the ’70s vibe of bohemian and offthe-shoulder is sticking around as well.
Kerr: Bare shoulders and florals have coincided with the ’70s freespirit trend, and there will definitely be a lot of “folk” looks out on the streets. In denim, the flares with a bit of distressing were huge and totally easy to incorporate into a spring wardrobe. But we couldn’t be happier to see the return of the boyfriend jean again. Who doesn’t want a slouchy pair of jeans for a Sunday?
How can you wear the year’s hottest looks right now?
Galloway: Fringe is an easy one and can be added through accessories — add a fringe bag or suede fringe ankle booties to your wardrobe. Instead of wearing the same old black parka everyone else has, opt for a fun ’70s-inspired faux-fur coat. But in all honesty, don’t obsess over trends. Wear what feels good and flatters you individually. Be unique. That’s the best advice I can give to be “on trend.”
Boruk: Sparkles and metallics are going forward into spring; don’t be so quick to hide them away.
Kerr: Sweater weather is perfect ... to go with the Boho looks. Throw on your favourite comfy cardi over a paisley blouse for a transitional winter-to-spring look, or even better, pair them with a boyfriend jean and booties — you’re ready to rock the weekend.