Safari garb can be endlessly reinvented while still retaining its utilitarian roots. For next spring designers inject newness into the tried-and-true influence with filmy nylons, tech touches, pieced fabrics and surprising prints. Cargo pockets are flat or gusseted, and plenty of snaps, tabs and zips work as both fashion and function. In general the palette is softer, with muted neutrals and bright pops that work for any urban jungle.
If the recent menswear runways are any indication, fluorescent shades will be big for next Spring. Neon and nearly-neon brights showed up on sweatshirts, sweaters, woven tops and casual bottoms, and look especially right for warm-weather outerwear pieces like a featherweight parka. There were even neons used for tailored suits. The hues look great in bright color-blocks or 70s style supergraphics, or in little touches as appliqués or accessories. Many designers combined the fluos with a neutral like gray, olive or khaki, giving the beachy brights a nice urban twist.
The showers that bring spring flowers rarely keep city dwellers inside. For next Spring/Summer expect men to take to the streets in fashion-forward raincoats and parkas in sheer nylons or new soft vinyls. These featherweight slickers come in solids or prints, and can be sophisticated enough to layer over a tailored suit or playful enough to adapt for young men or even kidswear. Lengths range from fingertip to almost-ankle; hoods and drawstring hems are key.
Tracksuits lose their tacky reputation and make a hipster-approved comeback. The new sets are made from tech fabrics or cotton blends, and get their newness from contrast details, cuff treatments and an easy, somewhat tailored, fit. We’ve seen the jogging-pant versions on the street this summer, but expect to see short-suits next spring.
If the recent menswear runways are any indication, fluorescent shades will be big for next Spring. Neon and nearly-neon brights showed up on sweatshirts, sweaters, woven tops and casual bottoms, and look especially right for warm-weather outerwear pieces like a featherweight parka. There were even neons used for tailored suits. The hues look great in bright color-blocks or 70s style supergraphics, or in little touches as appliqués or accessories. Many designers combined the fluos with a neutral like gray, olive or khaki, giving the beachy brights a nice urban twist.
Whether the reality is glossy nylon, glazed organza or supple latex, the effect is plastic. Recent Cruise and Men’s collections showcased all sorts of sheer and shiny items, from translucent blazers to ripstop silk tops. Outerwear seems like the most wearable option when using these cellophane-like materials — like a 60s graphic raincoat or flesh-toned topper that mixes mild fetishism with minimalist chic.
The fine-gauge jersey turtleneck, a key item for layering, moves forward with prints. Geometrics, pen-and-ink scribbles, abstract leopard spots or florals are printed on smooth or ribbed knits or stretch velvets. The tops work on their own or are styled under other tees, polos or dresses, adding a fall-appropriate layer while providing visual interest.
Drawstrings are no longer for sloppy sweats or casual hoodies. The new breed of drawstring appears on polished skirts, pants and dresses, providing an adjustable fit and a sense of ease. Designers used the strings in unexpected ways: wide tape creates a “bunched” hemline, or a self-fabric sash gathers in a halter neckline.
Joggers abound on the runways this season. While some women dismiss the roomy gathered leg silhouette as being “unflattering”, the style is showing up on the street, and embraced by early adapter bloggers like Danielle Bernstein, known on Instagram as @weworewhat. Bernstein, an influential fashion blogger, embraces the new wave of the jogger in contemporary ensembles (as in the image above), or in the activewear looks she sports in dance videos with the @rickeysisters. Designers cut the item in a wide variety of fabrics and pant widths, making it adaptable for all occasions and markets.
Pen and ink is having a moment. Black lines against a white ground inform prints, embroideries and intarsias; motifs suggest astrological diagrams, toiles, Aubrey Beardsley curlicues or vintage illustrations. Dior even used a model drawing with ink and brush for their Spring 18 campaign, emphasizing the timeless sensuality of the hand-drawn line.
