We're unlikely to ever surrender to the phrase, New year, new you. We're far more interested in meaningful growth over total reinvention. In that spirit, hold on to those pieces you've put such care into adding to your wardrobe and build from that foundation. Let's not throw the baby out with the bathwater, shall we? Perhaps, this season is when you invest in warm-weather leather by way of a great suit. Maybe summer will be that much cooler with open-weave crochet separates. Neons are back and are much more approachable. And for those with a glimmer in their eye, get your hands on anything shiny, from crystal shoes to tennis necklaces. And then pack them all up in one of your new mega bags. How tidy. Below, see the trends and shop the looks, mined directly from the Spring 2020 runways and shot on stunning model and artist Sharon Alexie, on location at the stylish Palm Heights Hotel in Grand Cayman.
— LE WHITE DRESS —
Loewe dress, loewe.com; Zimmermann swim top, zimmermannwear.com; Araks brief, araks.com; Loewe boots, luisaviaroma.com.
If no woman ever had a toddler or NYC streets to contend with, her whole wardrobe might just be filled with dreamy white dresses of lace, and linen, and everything nice. Every once in a while, we can live like we dream, can we not?
Shop White Dresses
REJINA PYO Aida off-the-shoulder paneled cotton-blend poplin midi dress
Significant Other Voyager Wrap-Effect Cupro-Blend Mini Dress by Significant Other
Anna Quan Emma-Kate Shirred Cotton-Poplin Midi Dress by Anna Quan
— IN NEON LIGHTS —
Valentino dress, modaoperandi.com; Only Hearts brief, onlyhearts.com.
Neutrals have been running the sartorial show, and though they show no signs of bowing, bold hues, namely neons, are entering the scene with a pop. As it stands, we love mixing the two—highlighter-like pieces against subdued khakis. But by all means, if the bright pink gown presents itself, get prepped to make an entrance.
Shop Neon
Wandler Isa neon satin mules
Jacquemus La Veste Tablier Belted Wool-Blend Blazer by Jacquemus
PatBO Cutout neon crepe maxi dress
— MEGA BAGS —
Bottega Veneta bag, bottegaveneta.com. Carla Guler
After so many seasons of the incredible shrinking bag—including styles so small they doubled as necklaces—designers are giving girls on the go a respite. For those who like to keep their athleisure, silicon water bottles, and laptops on their person, you're in luck. The message is clear: The bigger the bag, the chicer—and the more you can carry.
Shop Mega Bags
TOTE BAG
Inda cotton-blend tote
Studio Amelia Croc-Effect Vegan Leather Tote Bag by Studio Amelia
— GET —
BOOT CUT
Celine vest, celine.com; Celine jeans, celine.com; Prada loafers, farfetch.com; shot at Palm Heights Grand Cayman.
We've seen skinny jeans replaced by boyfriend jeans, replaced by '90s skater jeans. And while all those styles are still wearable, the denim to don now is once again the almighty boot cut. This classic style has made a resurgence in a dark wash with a high waist—which means it has major staying power and is well worth the investment.
Shop Denim and Loafers
Prada Leather Platform Penny Loafers
Mother The Tripper Weekender distressed high-rise flared jeans
WARM-WEATHER
— LEATHERS —
Proenza Schouler leather blazer, proenzaschouler.com; Proenza Schouler leather pants, proenzaschouler.com; Proenza Schouler white heels, proenzaschouler.com; Fallon necklace, fallonjewelry.com.
Great real and faux-leather pieces—from blazers to trousers to maxi skirts—are now year-round staples. Consider them a buttery one-step guide to looking super rich.
Shop All Weather Leather
Nanushka Eddy belted vegan leather shirt
MATERIEL Knotted faux leather tapered pants
Peter Do Convertible faux leather blazer
— SWEATER —
VESTED
Miu Miu dress, miumiu.com; Miu Miu sweater vest, miumiu.com; Saint Laurent belt, ysl.com.
This is one of those pieces that just screams, "Instant update" Or perhaps you prefer, "Closet refresher"? However you convey it, a sweater vest layered over a button-down, or under a blazer, and paired with jeans, or even with your new Bermuda shorts, is nothing short of smart. And we love a smart look.
Shop Sweater Vests
Ganni Sequined Argyle Wool-Blend Sweater Vest by Ganni
Maison Margiela Cropped distressed striped wool-blend tank
Gucci Appliquéd checked wool vest
— THE NEW SUIT —
Max Mara blazer, maxmara.com; Max Mara waistcoat, maxmara.com; Max Mara shorts, maxmara.com; Fallon necklace, fallonjewelry.com.
The pulled-together appeal of suiting isn't waning, but the need for a fresh approach is taking hold. Think outside the box in regard to your go-to tailoring for a new look at workwear and beyond. Are you game for a three-piece? A shorts suit? Put your Savile Row savvy to the test.
Shop Suiting
Frankie Shop shorts, $125, net-a-porter.com.
Tibi Tropical Sculpted Wool Blazer by Tibi
Tibi shorts, $450, modaoperandi.com.
— AND WE —
ALL SHINE ON
JW Anderson dress, matchesfashion.com; JW Anderson bra, farfetch.com; Amina Muaddi sandals, nordstrom.com.
Go ahead and wear that metallic silver dress with those crystal-embellished heels and those Swarovski earrings and, yes, that diamond choker too. If you're not willing to let yourself shine, who will?
Shop the Shine
BY FAR Tanya crystal-embellished suede mules
Fallon Armure Rope Chain Pavé Necklace
— HEY, SHORTY —
Chanel romper, chanel.com; Chanel chain belt, chanel.com.
From hot pants to Bermudas, we're in for some serious leg. The trick is in leaning into neutral colors like black and tan, and keeping the overall ensemble simple: a clean double-breasted jacket over longer shorts or a white blouse tucked into a short that's as cropped as you'll go.
Shop Shorts
Frankie Shop Suzanne pleated Tencel-blend shorts
Les Rêveries Faux leather shorts
GRLFRND Beverly distressed denim shorts
— ON THE SPOT —
Carolina Herrera dress, modaoperandi.com; Araks bralette, araks.com; Lisa Marie Fernandez bikini bottom, lisamariefernandez.com; Celine loafers, celine.com.
Who doesn't love the inherent femininity and whimsy of a good polka dot? The look now is a bit more streamlined though. You'll find the quirky pattern on sheer maxi dresses, simple tanks, and sleek silk bias-cut skirts that call the '90s to mind. The secret is maintaining your cool while adding a little wink.
Shop the Dots
Orseund Iris Romantique ruched polka-dot satin skirt
— CROCHET —
ALL DAY
Fendi top, fendi.com; Fendi skirt, fendi.com; Lisa Marie Fernandez swimsuit, lisamariefernandez.com; Prada loafers, farfetch.com.
With an emphasis on sustainability has come a bit of a renaissance in old-world techniques. There's something so appealing about handwoven pieces, like artfully crocheted tops, dresses, and skirts, and there's nothing more luxurious than beautiful craftsmanship.
Shop Crochet All Day
Dodo Bar Or Jane crocheted cotton maxi dress
Altuzarra cropped crochet knit jumper
Anna Kosturova Crochet cotton minidress
THE
— NEW TRENCH —
Burberry dress, burberry.com; Burberry trench (worn as a skirt), burberry.com; Burberry sandals, burberry.com.
As necessary to the closet as the hanger it dangles on, the trench coat is an undeniable wardrobe staple. Designers are expanding on that idea with innovative approaches to the timeless topper—from using interesting fabrics to having it double as a skirt to hemming new lengths. Simply put, it might be time for a new trench.
Shop New Trenches
Nanushka Greta belted double-breasted woven coat
Apparis Sky Blue
REJINA PYO Gladys paneled cotton-blend canvas and drill trench coat
Photography by Carla Guler | Executive Editorial Director: Joyann King | Fashion Editor: Kerry Pieri | Hair & Makeup: Holly Gowers for Chanel Beauty at The Wall Group | Model: Sharon Alexie at IMG | Feature Design: Ingrid Frahm | Special Thanks to Palm Heights Hotel
