SS19 Womenswear Trend Report

With cold weather gripping us tightly, it seems hard to remember the endless summer that was almost too good to be true. But fear not, we have got the best of the new season’s trends to bring some heat back into your wardrobe.

Spring Summer ‘19 brought us nuclear neons, creamy neutrals and enough taffeta to make RuPaul jealous. The colours are daring, the prints are fierce and the silhouettes are extreme, so of course we have already started an unapologetic wishlist.

Our Womenswear Buying Team have picked their favourite fashion trends from the SS19 runway shows that will get you inspired and out of those winter coats in no time.

Celebrating the beautiful markings that exist within the animal kingdom, SS19 is taking a walk on the wild side. With tiger stripes from Burberry, neon snake print from Off-White and zebra markings from Etro, it looks like the designers have been as hooked on David Attenborough documentaries as we are. Whether its remaining true to their camouflaging colour patterns or making them nu-rave neon, these bold prints will make you queen of the urban jungle.

Subtle fluid metallics that catch the eye are the focus of this season’s party pieces. Gone are the holographic mirror ball effects and in come the molten metals. With sunset sequins from Balmain, liquid pewter from Isabel Marant and medieval chainmail from Paco Rabanne, SS19’s metallics will help channel your inner Barberella. These ore-like colours and illusionary textures have the wonderous ability to glisten in both the summer sunshine and gilded moonlight.

Being described as ‘beige’ has never felt so good. SS19 brings us a warming palette of soft neutral tones designed to be layered up in shades of vanilla, blush and tan. Go oversized and girly in Jil Sander, wear a gradient of utilitarian caramels in Fendi and rock business casual in Tibi. Nude is most definitely the new black and this ultra-feminine mix of colours will compliment any skin tone.

With mini slip dresses and tank tops that would make 90s Kate Moss jealous, these pieces are understated yet elegant. Taking us back to the time where the late Corrine Day’s photographs dominated fashion magazines, this trend strips it all back to basics. Drop the waist in Deitas, raise the hem in Skiim and keep it monochromatic in Goldsign. Pair these pieces with barely-there heels and natural make-up and you’ll be a 90s poster girl in no time.

Homecoming is yours for the taking in these 80’s puffball party dresses that will drown the competition in a sea of tulle, organza and satin. Take out half the school hall when you twirl in the trapeze dress from Jacquemus, channel Molly Ringwald in Preen and go all out ruffles in Y/Project. Presented in a range of candy-like colours, these bold pieces will match that tiara perfectly.

With an energy that replicates the Venice Beach drifters who are high…on life, these skater/surfer inspired looks will carry us through those hot summer days. Harness psychedelic powers in Ganni, add tribal details in Chloé and spark your creativity in tie dye from Stella McCartney. Bringing a touch of DIY style to your wardrobe, this season has us craving crochet, cut off denim and plenty of tie dye.

Bring your fitness obsession out of the gym and rock Lycra at all times of the day. With a mix of boyish shapes contrast with feminine fabrics, this activewear trend will make getting ready a lot easier. Race home in skin tight Off-White, squat up the stairs in cycling shorts from Mugler and take sports styling to a luxury level in leather from Calvin Klein 205W39NYC. What were once gym bag essentials have taken centre stage so you will have more reason to wear your windbreakers, leggings and sneakers all day every day. Olivia Newton John would be proud.

Express yourself through the art project of dreams and wear expertly crafted pieces that utilise ancient techniques. From batik and applique to knitting and crochet, SS19 brings an artistic spin to your look. Be bold in printed trousers from Cap, lightly cover up in loose knits from Hyein Seo and remember the swinging Sixties in laser cut flowers from Paskal. These crafty ensembles have a handmade appeal that makes them truly one of a kind.

With enough pockets to leave you hands free, utilitarian style has dominated the runway this season. Taking inspiration from the armed forces, these pieces will not only house all your daily essentials but help camouflage you from any unwanted attention. Deconstruct it in Asai, rock a flight suit in Givenchy or channel Glasto 2004 style in R13.

The neon demon that took hold of us in AW18 is back in a new form for the summer season. The colours are just as daring but the fabrics have moved onto meshes, taffeta and Lycra across ready to wear and accessories. Experiment with structural satin in Balenciaga, keep it sporty in House of Holland and let it cling to all the right places in Versace. A bold statement but undeniably a SS19 wardrobe must-have.

Last season we borrowed from the boys with boxy suits and sharp tailoring and for SS19 this has been reworked with a more feminine twist. Across a range of pastels and tropical colourways, summer suiting has graceful appeal. Stay minty fresh in Joseph, be bright and beautiful in Roksanda and harness metallic mermaid powers in Matthew Adams Dolan. With a variety of luscious textures and colours at your disposal, this season’s co-ords will be your go-to look for all summer events.

Words by Alexandra Oliver