London Fashion Week - SS16 Trend Tips For Her

Apr 2, 2016
4 min read

“Fashion changes, but style endures” (Mademoiselle Gabrielle Chanel).

This is genuinely one of my favourite quotes, yet it subtly contradicts the purpose of this article.

No wardrobe is complete without some timeless pieces. I think this is irrespective of your gender. Defining your personal style is so important, because it is a way of exhibiting your individuality without having to follow any pre-conceptualised rules. I would go as far as saying that it becomes pointless to follow trends unless you can express your own individual style. Another aspect is that, as we all know, humans are beings of senses and, for that reason, first impressions do matter.

Naturally, your personal style will be shaped by a number of factors, namely how you feel in yourself; your mood; your taste; your confidence levels and your lifestyle. It is, therefore, very unlikely that your style will remain unchanged throughout your life.

Understanding trends, without feeling the need to have to follow them religiously, is just a way to get some ideas on accessories or loose pieces that can add a certain je ne sais quoi to your wardrobe and personal style.

However agnostic you may consider yourself as far as fashion trends are concerned, there are some very easy and quick wins to help you create a current and fresh look, without the need to change your whole wardrobe. DQ Contour attended the LFW SS16 in order to bring you some first hand succinct tips on some of this season’s fashion trends, for both men and women, and to help you on your journey of defining your style, if you haven't got one yet. Please remember that the below are just some tips on this season's trends and not a style guide. Enjoy some of my tips below and be creative:-

Denim

We love denim. In fact, we love double denim.

In his SS16 women’s collection, @marcjacobsb (Marc Jacobs) taught us how to look fabulous wearing double denim. Add fun and contrast with a combination of reds and whites, maybe on footwear, extra layers and/or accessories.

The London based Portuguese designers Marques’ Almeida bring the reintroduction of the 90s jeans with their extravagant and, yet again, reinvented printed denim and Chambray dresses.

You can get inventive by creating your own printed jeans. @Levi’s Made to Order service allows you to personalise your jeans. The trend started in their Meatpacking store in NYC and is now in Paris. We may still have some wait to go before the trend reaches our dearest flagship shop in Regent Street, but in the meantime, you can get to some DYI and patch your own jeans. If you are not too confident on your skills, start by using some old pair of jeans (even better if they have an 80s or 90s cut!). Pair it up with a sexy denim shirt and a red belt or scarf and white @Converse.

New Romance

This trend was en vogue some seasons ago and it is so feminine that I would generously recommend every 'her' to have a few pieces in their wardrobe. When you think of New Romance think pastels and flattering light colours from your colour palette. Think flexible and gentle materials, which give the impression that you are as heavy as a feather. Add equally versatile flats for an understated look.

The Slip Dress

You can bring a lot of creativity with this one too. A lovely slip dress paired up with a denim shirt or jeans for a day look. Overuse the drastic contrast of material choice, such as soft wool cardigans. For footwear and/or accessories, add some chromatic pattern from your colour palette or, for those of you like it, glitter (please use with moderation), for a more sophisticated evening look. Hedi Slimming, who is now officially leaving Saint Laurent, endorses a true timeless slip dress masterpiece.

Silver

Silver is back. I would recommend you understand whether silver is in your metallic colour palette. If it is, this one is a winner. You can wear Silver in foil trousers, platform slip on platforms or flats, New Romance dresses, bomber jackets, clutches, on your nails and lips… you name it. Remember to always have a base colour and accessorise wisely. Some look ideas below, so you get a feel.

Latin Ruffles

Ruffles always add an accentuated presence. Use ruffles on your upper body if you have small sized breasts or a pear-shaped body line, in order to create a greater sense of proportion. Invest in structured, floaty and breezy materials. For your office wear, a ruffled top and a straight line skirt will look trendy and sophisticated.

Lines

Dolce & Gabanna ( @D___y___G ) showed us the very rare to find vertical stripes, perfect for those with a shorter upper body or rounded body line, as it elongates your silhouette. Look out for scattered lines and wet look materials. Watch Alexander Wang SS16 ( @AlexanderWangNY ) collection for some inspiration.

Footwear & Accessories

This is season is all about flats. Slip On’s, mules, kittens, trainers, you choose!

Some pictures from this season's catwalks:-