From earthy minimalist to flashy metallic decadence, trends for Spring/Summer 2020 run the gamut.
The season’s themes are influenced by cultural issues like sustainability and connectedness, emphasizing the need to slow down and experience life with all five senses. And then, there’s the resurgence of ‘80s grit and glamour—a completely opposing sensibility with influences from urban streetwear to nightclub culture.
Fashion Snoops’ trend expert Melissa Moylan outlined the season’s four biggest trend stories at Sourcing at Magic Wednesday.
Ethos
FOMO is out, and JOMO (the Joy Of Missing Out) is in, says Moylan. The Ethos trend story centers around groundedness and connection to the world around us, she explained. A less-is-more approach defines the trend, with minimalistic silhouettes and expert craftsmanship on display. This “purpose-driven” approach to styling pulls emphasis from “slow living practices and different forms of sustainability,” she said.
Colors: Soft grey-brown neutrals are prominent throughout clothing and accessories, along with warm, earthy browns. Verdant greens and tranquil aqua hues are complemented by ruddy tones like coral and rust.
Materials: Plant-based, Earth-friendly textiles like textured linens and crafted crochets are seen throughout men’s and women’s apparel.
Design details: Color blocking dye techniques and “watery,” almost tie-dyed stripes of varying width and color.
Core items for women: Oversized overcoats in light, airy fabrics made for layering, pleated skirts with mid-calf hemlines, flowy maxi-dresses, baggy pants with paper-bag waistlines, Bermuda shorts, crocheted sweater dresses and shirt dresses.
Core items for men: Linen bombers with short sleeves, summer suits with gingham checks, open-knit sweaters, oversized polos and shorts.
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Accessories: Shoes include short-heeled mules, platform sandals, and retro sneakers with color-blocking. Handbags like woven basket bags and oversized leather totes figure prominently.
Dose
“Psychedelics are going through a mainstream revolution,” said Moylan, adding that it’s impacting the way we dress. The “Dose” trend pulls from “sensory experiences of all kinds,” she added, referencing virtual reality simulations and immersive art installations. The result? Trippy, entrancing patterns in bright colors and Jetsons-like “futuristic” ensembles.
Colors: Bright, artificial neons are the basis of the Dose trend story, according to Moylan. “It’s a complete departure” from the down-to-earth Ethos aesthetic, she added. Highlighter greens, bright reds and vibrant blues are rounded out by soft whites, pinks and lavenders.
Materials: Shiny technical synthetic fibers can be found in this story.
Design details: Blurred geometric prints, pastel gradients with a dip-dye effect can be found throughout clothing and accessories for men and women. Drawstrings, exposed zippers, cutouts and contrast stitching are used as accents.
Core items for women: Slip dresses with asymmetric hems, athletic-looking nylon track pants, oversized parkas and windbreakers, sports bra tops, biker shorts.
Core items for men: Rainbow windbreakers, relaxed vacation suits with mismatched separates, tie-dyed sweaters in bright colors, resort button-downs, skater pants, mock neck zip-up sweaters, neoprene sneaker-boots.
Accessories: Shoe styles include color-blocked slingback sandals, slip-on sneakers with mesh knit uppers, and a continuation of the chunky sneaker with glossy finishes for a futuristic slant. Handbags include structured angular tote bags and belt bags to be worn around the waist, accented with zippers, stitching and hardware.
Genesis
As its name would suggest, the Genesis trend story pulls inspiration from Earth’s origins and the birth of civilization. The aesthetic is reminiscent of an impeccably-styled archaeologist on a dig, featuring practical elements like utility pockets and simple, tailored jackets and pants. One might imagine the wearer at “the unearthing of ancient burial sites,” said Moylan. It’s an earthy, “elemental aesthetic” blended with “modern minimalism,” she added.
Colors: Warm Earth tones and a range of neutrals dominate this palette, offset by a few brighter tones of red, mauve, cerulean blue and forest green.
Materials: Exotic animal skins, aged or distressed synthetics and soft cotton canvas can be found in apparel and accessories.
Design details: Elegant draping, rugged patchwork, fringe, exaggerated pockets, and worn or distressed textures. Animal prints, paisleys, and muted florals are used to complement solids and neutrals.
Core items for women: Button-down shirts with oversized pockets, patterned maxi dresses, baggy, wide-leg pants, sarong-like wrap skirts, lightweight parkas, cargo pants.
Core items for men: Simple suits with shorts, crewneck sweaters with visible seams, lightweight parkas with unexpected pocket placements, zip-front short-sleeved collared shirts, short-sleeved hoodies, cargo pants with a straight-leg fit, athletic “trekking” sandals, research backpacks, duffle bags.
Accessories: Footwear trends include huarache-like slip-ons with an open weave, simple slide sandals in leather or croco, and sandals with ankle wraps or tassel ties. Handbags include large carry-all totes with fringe or feather embellishments and drawstring bags with contrast stitching and metallic details.
Flash
The ‘80s are back, Moylan said, and they’ve returned with a vengeance. The Flash trend story harnesses the “pulsating excitement” of the era with decadent, over-the-top styling. Shiny surfaces and near-blinding metallics lend a flashy, slightly futuristic edge. “Everything about this trend is ‘extra,’” she added.
Colors: Rich jewel toned pinks, purples, greens, and blues, along with metallics.
Materials: “Disco” metals, fierce feline prints, liquid metal effect, plastic coating, synthetic textiles, waxed denim, geometric patterns, all-over printed logos.
Design details: “Statement sleeves and shoulder action,” fringe, feathers, ultra-tailored silhouettes.
Core items for women: Power blazers with contrast lapels, bright suits with satin, high waisted pants, knee-length pencil skirts, puff sleeve tops, mini dresses and skirts, slip dresses with ruching or draping.
Core items for men: Suiting inspired by early Armani, trench coats, bucket hats, track shirts, “puddle” pants, sweatshirts spliced with different logos and patterns, dress loafers.
Accessories: Footwear includes pumps with prominent ankle straps, embellished slingback sandals, ultra-pointy toed shoes of all kinds. Baguette clutches, small evening pouches and patent totes make up the handbag quotient.