Back to the Fashionable Future

As another London Fashion Week draws to a close and the Fash Pack get on their flights for Milan, we have about half an hour to take stock before London becomes old news and we turn our attention to Italy’s Spring Summer 2017 offering. We all know that just as we pack away our bikinis and start thinking about covering up fashion week comes along and dangles next year’s summer wardrobe in front of our noses. It’s hard enough to focus on the onset of autumn without all that but then I’m easily distracted, I’m sure Anna Wintour doesn’t find it confusing at all.

However this year there was a big difference, London Fashion Week 2016 was showcasing at least one Spring Summer 2017 collection which could be bought right now – in Autumn 2016. Are you still following? Burberry’s helpfully tagged ‘See now, Buy now’ catwalk collection was immediately available all over the world meaning surely that by the time it is actually summer in the UK, the Burberry SS17 collection will be six months out of date? This is where it all feels a little bit like Back to The Future – and it took me months to get my head around that film.*

So in the interests of being ahead of the game in addition to saving some cash and wardrobe space I have identified those trends and details which will see us through to next spring. There was a definite whiff of the eighties at London Fashion Week but fear not, if you felt you didn’t exactly rock this look the first time around, because this more grown up version should be easier to wear.

Shoulders

The most universally flattering trend in ages. Never has shrugging looked so gorgeous.

Pringle of Scotland SS17

Gareth Pugh SS17

Jasper Conran SS17

 

Asymmetric hems

As with asymmetric bars, approach with caution and try not to look down.

Simone Rocha SS17

Gareth Pugh SS17

Bora Aksu SS17

 

Ruffles

You might have sworn off them after Princess Di but you’re tempted now aren’t you?

Simone Rocha SS17

Top Shop Unique SS17

David Koma SS17

 

Sleeves

So many more interesting things to wear on it than just your heart nowadays.

David Koma SS17

David Koma SS17

Burberry SS17

 

Midis

The friendly trend for knee high boots and the not so great knees that sit just above them.

Jasper Conran SS17

Paul Smith SS17

Paul Smith SS17

 

Gingham

Just don’t wear this on a date to an Italian restaurant.

House of Holland SS17

Pringle of Scotland SS17

Peter Jensen SS17

So it’s farewell London Fashion Week until next year and ‘Ciao’ to Milan Fashion Week, I for one am still embracing the mild London weather with bare legs and short sleeves – with a few summer 2017 details thrown in for good measure. Live for the moment… or should that be the next moment?

*in my defence I was a bit distracted by Michael J. Fox.

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