Fresh options
Earthy tones and sustainability at the forefront of spring trends
Loungewear was, without a doubt, the biggest style story of 2020. And it's a trending topic that's expected to stick around this year as well.
“Loungewear will still be here, especially since working from home is going to become a new way of life for a lot of businesses,” says Sarah Moore, buying manager for the new-to-canada brand Prettylittlething. “While it may decline slightly, there will still be a big presence.”
While athleisure-inspired pieces will undoubtedly continue to be closet constants this spring, Moore says we can also expect a return to less comfortable fashion options.
“We are starting to see lighter colours pick up and sweat products slow off,” Moore explains. “Linen-look fabrics and ribbed fabrications are key for spring-summer '21 styling.”
COLOUR PLAY
Cotton and linen textiles are sure to be popular options this spring, according to Chris Parnell, head of design at Prettylittlething, spurred on by runway collections from designer brands such as Jacquemus. Varsity styles — think: polo shirts and knitted vests — are also going to be front of the fashion pack, according to Parnell.
When it comes to colour, shoppers can expect to see several neutral tones hitting shelves this spring among the more predictable cheery shades and patterns of the season.
“Earthy tones are coming through strong, lots of rusts and tobacco tones,” Moore says. “However, we are still predicting pastels and florals will be present for occasion wear.”
SUSTAINABLE STYLE
While this season's biggest trends are undoubtedly influenced by the continuing nostalgia for the '90s and the earthiness of the '70s, Jill Guenza, vice-president of global women's design at Levi's, says sustainability is also at the forefront of the trend conversation.
“Sustainability is the most important theme across the industry right now,” Guenza says.
The American denim company has introduced new fabrics for the season, according to Guenza, including organic cotton, cottonized hemp and Tencel (a rayon-like fabric made from wood pulp) with the ambition of reducing “waste and water and energy use.” The company has also incorporated more recycled and recyclable materials into its production processes, shifts that reflect a growing interest in sustainable practices.
“Our nature-inspired spring collection combines the trend toward looser denim silhouettes that currently dominates the streets and runways with a range of more sustainable fabrics and practices,” Guenza explains of the seasonal pieces.
While denim fans can expect to see baggier fits on offer at their favourite shops this spring and summer, the style insider says the ever-popular skinny fits will still stick around.
FUN WITH FOOTWEAR
Of course, one can't consider a seasonal style shift without considering footwear.
During a recent spring preview organized by the brand Dr. Martens, celebrity stylist Jason Bolden highlighted a more-is-more approach to layering prints and patterns — and anchoring said looks with a shoe that's both structured and playful.
“I love the idea of being able to take it to the max and show all of the ways that you can actually do print-on-print and to still have fun on the shoe,” Bolden says, pointing to the Dr. Martens 1461 leather oxford in a fun shade such as pink or yellow.
“The 1461 is just easy — and anyone can pull this off,” Bolden says of the style. “It's a way to really toughen things up, but still have some femininity to it.”