What you’ll be wearing this spring: Annmarie O’Connor’s trend report
Fall into spring/summer fashion as reveals the top trends and how to wear them.
BOILER ALERT
With the frenetic pace of modern living, the cognitive ease of a boiler suit has earned its place in our hearts. With more heft to its weft than the average jumpsuit, the structured one-piece keeps its shape for a no-nonsense approach to looking put together. One minute to get dressed; a whole day to look incredible.
Style tip: The beauty of the boilersuit? Its all-in-one simplicity. Pair with sandals and a bucket hat by day or `90s-inspired strappy sandals and a waist bag by night.
FLURO BRIGHTS
Fashion gets electric this season with a power surge of neon hues. From acidic streetwear to `80s-inspired power suits and Insta-worthy evening regalia, prepare to shine your light brightly. Sunglasses optional.
Style tip: The secret to wearing fluro brights? It’s black and white. Anchor your look with monochromatic accessories that ground the trend and make for a balanced statement.
HEY,PETAL!
Florals ditch their darling bud reputation for a brasher variety of blooms. Out with the flirty and feminine; in with cacophonous bouquets, some spliced with polka dots and animal prints. It’s going to be one hell of a garden party.
Style tip: Make like Rixo and reimagine florals with polka dots, chain prints and animal stripes. Top tip? Keep to similar colours for a more considered clash.
NEUTRAL GROUND
A shade at which we formerly threw shade, brown has officially reversed its outlier status. Once the remit of school uniforms, retro carpet, expect a contour kit of natty neutrals that are perfectly positioned with this season’s big story – beige.
Style tip: Create a high-end look by sticking to a tonal dressing mantra. Too strict? Mix it up with complimentary shades like toffee, caramel, cappuccino and cream.
PROWLSTER
Prepare to unleash your inner hunter as animal prints continue to roam the style jungle. Expect jungle cats, zebras and reptiles aplenty with tigers ranking top of the fashion food chain. No pussycats here, folks.
Style tip: Keep wild stripes fresh and summer-ready with a pop of optic white. Try a crisp shirt or ankle boots for best results.
SLIP OF ATHING
First popularised by Calvin Klein in 1994, this simple yet sexy number is experiencing a warm weather redux. Revised proportions (less nineties; more nightlife), the lingerie-inspired summer staple.
Style tip: Dress yours up with a blazer and mules or layer, like Victoria Beckham, over a tank top and straight-leg trousers.
SURF’S UP
Calling all Bettys, the new wave of surf-inspired separates is a pure knock out. Tie-dye, wetsuits and board shorts have reinvented tired athleisure tomes; while bucket hats and neoprene booties make us want to hang loose and enjoy the board life.
Style tip: Take a tie-dye sweatshirt from beach to bar with a feather-trimmed skirt like Prabal Gurung and MGSM.
TECHNO TARTAN
Heritage prints get a 2.0 update with a new order of punchy checks in bold silhouettes and unabashed hues. Whether you prefer Mulberry’s multi-coloured tote or Versace’s punchy power suit, this closet keeper has oodles of staying power.
Style tip: Box clever by pairing notice-me prints with equally bright separates and accessories.
KEY PIECES
trenches, plastic coats, safari jacket, oversized blazers.
shell-shaped shoulders, plunging neckline, puff sleeves, ruffled blouses.
wide-legged and high-waisted cuts; trouser suits; cycling shorts; straight-leg trousers and jeans with split front hems.
hiking and cowboy boots; dad sneakers and surf sandals; kitten heels, slingbacks, Mary Janes and decorative slides; 90s style nude sandals; rhinestone and crystal embellishments.
prom and prairie frocks; statement florals; princess, tea length and slip dresses; sheer, mesh, sequin and fringed styles.
midi lengths; pleats; scarves as skirts and sarong styles.
hair clips, headbands and headscarves; visors, bucket and straw hats; statement
earrings; chain and logo necklaces; arm cuffs, toe rings and ankle bracelets.
PVC and transparent materials; novelty shapes; mini, waist, top handle, shoulder
and bucket styles.
Style Notes
oversized, voluminous and relaxed silhouettes; sharp tailoring.
60s, 80s and 90s.
washed out denim, leather, jacquard, boho netting, raw silk.
checks, florals, stripes, abstract art; animal, folk.
white, beige, shades of brown, black, silver, neon, auxiliary brights.
crystal accents, fringing, sequins, power shoulders, logos, ruffles.
STOCKISTS
& Other Stories – www.stories.com
Arket – www.arket.com
Asos – www.asos.com
Bimba y Lola – www.bimbaylola.com
Brown Thomas – Patrick Street 021-4805555; www.brownthomas.com
COS – Wicklow Street 01-6111080; www.cosstores.com
Debenhams - Patrick Street 1890-946779; www.debenhams.ie
Ganni – www.ganni.com
Hobbs – Dundrum Town Centre 01-2079619; www.hobbs.co.uk
Littlewoods Ireland – www.littlewoodsireland.ie
M&S – Merchants Quay SC 021-4275555; www.marksandspencer.ie
Mango – Henry Street 01-8788008; www.mango.com
Matches Fashion – www.matchesfashion.com
Mulberry – www.mulberry.com
Net-a-Porter – www.net-a-porter.com
New Look – Opera Lane 021-4273572; www.newlook.com
Next – Opera Lane 021-4204000; www.next.ie
Check out Annmarie O’Connor’s style blog at iblogfashion.blogspot.com
