The Trend Edit: Sarong skirts and wearable knits reign supreme at NYFW S/S’20

Out with the old, and in with the new

1/11

The promise of new styles to covet as per every fashion month is essentially the fuel we in the fashion industry live on, and the first in line to deliver that promise, as always, is The City That Never Sleeps – a.k.a, New York. 

ALSO READ: WHAT YOU MIGHT HAVE MISSED OUT AT NEW YORK FASHION WEEK FALL/WINTER 2019

Stepping up

2/11

It’s already clear to see which trends are about to overtake last season’s hottest frontrunners. For a start, the resurgence of balloon sleeves seen at the runways of Staud, Brock Collection and Tory Burch almost certainly threatens last seasons’ prevailing puff sleeves’ time in the spotlight. We’ve also got sarong skirts ala Jason Wu, Khaite and Prabal Gurung that are bound to take over the satin slip. 

Not to mention our newfound love for the overarching urban safari trend that features a tonne of chic, loose tailoring saturated in neutrals, as we prepare to bid goodbye to S/S ‘19’s modern hippie revival featuring bohemian crochet and seashells (RIP, we’ll miss you). Read ahead for our round up of NYC’s emerging trends for spring.

ALSO READ: PUFF SLEEVES ARE FASHION’S NEW FAVOURITE TREND RIGHT NOW

Knit for speed

3/11

Take all the comfort of your favourite fall knits, but add to it a streamlined, lengthening silhouette and a level of breathability that’s almost requisite for spring. What you’ll get is next season’s emerging trend: Feminine knit co-ords and dresses.

ALSO READ: BREEZY OFF-SHOULDER DRESSES TO KEEP YOU STYLISH ON THE WEEKENDS

Knit for speed

4/11

Signifying a need to cosy up and keep snug even in warmer seasons, designers are introducing knits into our spring/summer wardrobes. Seen in the mix of delicate and dainty crochet patterns ala Jonathan Simkhai, bold eclectic stripes at Ulla Johnson and chunky knits at Eckhaus Latta, next season’s offerings promise to refresh your impression of stuffy knitwear.

ALSO READ: SHOP FOR THE MOST FLATTERING SWEATER FOR YOUR BODY TYPE, FROM $29

Summer sarong

5/11

The blithe, bohemian beach essential, with an uptown take – introducing next season’s sarong, an urban reinterpretation of the sarong skirt with a polished twist that allows us to easily picture it on us as we strut our way downtown, full-on Sex and The City-style. Featuring an asymmetrical silhouette and a gathered, ruched or twisted detailing on one side to form a thigh high slit, these sarong skirts successfully rock an off-duty yet sophisticated look. 

ALSO READ: THE ULTIMATE BUSY GIRL'S SKIRT STYLE GUIDE (AND HOW TO WEAR THEM)

Summer sarong

6/11

We’ve got our eye on Khaite’s silk brocade number, Prabal Gurung’s cheerful yellow skirt that’s cut with a sexy waistline, and Jason Wu’s punchy hot pink take on the sarong that comes with a matching blazer.

ALSO READ: SPRING FASHION UPDATE: 5 COOL CO-ORDS TO ROCK (AND WHAT TO PAIR THEM WITH)

Powder blue

7/11

Though there were plenty of neons and bright lime shades sprinkled across the S/S ‘20 runway, pastel springtime blues seem to be a stronger contender if we’re talking about THE colour of the season. Seen everywhere from Jonathan Simkhai in the form of the dreamiest tiered ditzy floral maxi, to a sheer polka dotted stunner from Lela Rose, soft bright blues are about to be next spring’s colour du jour.

ALSO READ: BEST COLOURS TO WEAR FOR A SMOOTH-SAILING SEPTEMBER

Safari ranger

8/11

Oversized tailored cargo trousers, boxy collared shirts, utility-style trench coats, and a whole lot of neutrals. Spring 2019 is the season for the chic safari ranger in all of us, appealing to our fondness for clean minimal lines, modern silhouettes, and a utilitarian vibe. 

ALSO READ: WHERE TO GET ETHICALLY MADE MINIMALIST-CHIC BAGS FROM THIS JAPANESE LABEL

Safari ranger

9/11

Sies Marjan’s sensible styling includes a beige blouse cinched at the waist with a belt piece, a buttoned down midi skirt, and trousers underneath – all in the same hue. Tory Burch crafted a monochromatic look we’re dying to adopt as our go-to work uniform, and Self-Portrait rules on the accessory front with a dramatic oversized sun hat. 

ALSO READ: THIS NO-HASSLE GUIDE WILL HELP YOU DRESS YOUR BEST, TO COMPLEMENT YOUR SKIN-TONE

Balloon up

10/11

Last season, we had the puff sleeve. For S/S ‘20, we’re introduced to the bolder balloon sleeve. And if the puff sleeve is your hopeless romantic, uber-feminine lass playing dress-up in her bedroom, think of the balloon sleeve as its older, more sophisticated, urbanite sister. 

ALSO READ: 5 NEXT-SEASON SHOE TRENDS THAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Balloon up

11/11

Riding up to the elbows and beyond, balloon sleeves are the blown-up (pun fully intended) version of the shorter puff sleeves. Whether you’re looking at Staud’s ocean blue off-the-shoulder number, Noon by Noor’s stoic black tunic, or Zimmermann’s tie-dyed dress, the balloon sleeve is challenging us to rethink our sleeve game with greater volume.

ALSO READ: STATEMENT WALLETS THAT'LL HAVE YOU TURNING HEADS