The dust may have settled on the Fall, Cruise, Resort and even haute couture collections for the year in all the major fashion cities, but my head is still reeling from ogling all the to-die-for pieces!
But how relevant are these runway trends to sunny Singapore anyway? Far too often, there’s an emphasis on layering and dramatic, over-the-top styles that’s never going to be appropriate for our tropical weather. While I’d like to think we’re courageous enough to ignore the heat and take on these challenging trends, the truth is, it’s almost impossibly impractical.
However, after carefully going through all of the themes, materials and styles this year, I’ve winnowed it down to four impactful trends that can instantly elevate all your ensembles (be it for work or play) and make you look expensive to boot.
Here’s the best part: These designer pieces have really affordable counterparts and can be inserted effortlessly into your existing wardrobes with no drama! You can thank us later.
1. Anything velvet
The fashion world has rekindled its love with this lustrous material. It was one of the most popular fabrics back in the glamourous 70s up ‘till the 90s, and was frequently worn by the pop culture icons of those decades. Fun fact: Velvet has also often been associated with nobility because of its unusual softness and high cost of production.
These days, the term “velvet” refers to the structure of the fabric, not the fibre. With advancements in technology, you can find many faux velvet pieces made with materials such as cotton, rayon, polyester, nylon, viscose and more that cost less than traditional velvet made entirely out of silk.
Some of these cheaper materials can produce very soft and reflective fabrics that look incredibly luxurious. If you find wearing full-on velvet to be too warm, opt for velvet accessories like the trending chokers, shoes or even a hairband!
2. Bows
The most classically feminine detail of all time are the new ‘It’ embellishments of the season. I know you ladies love your Ferragamo bows, so this should be really easy to work into your outfits.
Bows come in all forms; from silk scarves to belts and even on heels. However, there’s one important thing to note: We’ve mentioned previously that looking expensive on a budget boils down to the finest details, so make sure the material of your bow does not look cheap. Your best bets are silk scarves, velvet (see point 1), faux suede and grosgrain ribbons.
3. Single dangling earrings
Jewellery is the final touch that pulls together an outfit, and one of the hottest trends in recent seasons would definitely be the single earring trend.
Brands like Louis Vuitton, Dior, Celine and Fendi have released their own versions, while style stars like Amal Clooney, Emma Watson, Rosie Huntington Whiteley and even the Duchess of Cambridge Kate Middleton have all been seen wearing them.
This accessory will add sophistication and polish to your outfit. Just remember to eschew faux jewels as they scream cheap, and go for clear crystals instead.
4. Gingham
This style pops up frequently on the runway, so it’s a little baffling why it’s never really taken off here in Singapore. That said, we’ve actually pegged this “gridlock” pattern as one of the must-have prints in any woman’s wardrobe. I mean, even sex symbol Brigitte Bardot got married in a gingham dress!
Gingham looks best when it’s done in a crisp material such as cotton, which you can usually find at your regular high street stores. This versatile print also comes in many different variations, so you’ll be spoilt for choice.
Most importantly, it adheres to one of our rules of looking expensive while on a budget: Stick to classic prints in high contrast colour combinations.