5 Takeaway Trends

EASY DOES IT

The year may feel as though it has just begun, but fashion is already springing into action. After the glitter, sequins and excess of the festive season, the arrival of PS23’s uplifting, easy dressing feels like a much-needed breath of fresh air.

Across the board, energising, cleansing colours are setting the tone, with soft pastels, buttery yellows and palate-cleansing neutrals dominating many of pre-spring’s coolest collections. Sartorial staples, from tailoring to knitwear, are reworked in warmer hues, providing pieces-a-plenty to make fair-weather dressing a breeze.

Low-rise waists and sheer fabrics show the trend for Y2K skin baring is here to stay this season. Trousers, from jeans to tailored, continue to get slouchier, with wide-leg style silhouettes dominating the runways.

Overall, a sense of longevity underscores the PS23 collections with invest now, wear forever, pieces dominating the sartorial landscape. Curious? Spring into the know with five of pre-spring’s takeaway trends. Optimism, guaranteed.

KNITS TO KNOW

Thanks to a resurgence on the catwalk, knits are stepping out of their comfort zone to enter daring, new territories. Cardigans are shunning their cosy reputation to creep higher up our waistlines, as demonstrated by Jacquemus’ A-list approved micro cardigan, which has earned a cult following from Kendall Jenner and Bella Hadid.

Meanwhile, Wales Bonner’s experimental knitwear comes in the form of crochet, to create unique, hardworking pieces that celebrate cultural heritages. Style the cotton vest with a crisp white shirt or dare to bare all with nothing underneath when the weather warms.

Purists, don’t fear. Among all the excitement, classic knits still reign supreme as spring’s sartorial staple. TOTÊME, LOEWE and Extreme Cashmere have your neutral needs covered, while JW Anderson and Erdem offer a splash of colour to your spring capsule.

IT’S IN THE BAG

A cult piece of the 90s, slouchy shoulder bags became a staple of the street style set last season. This time around, the shape has crept a few sizes larger, which is good news for those who fear packing light. Unlike some accessory trends, there’s no sacrificing important belongings before you head out the door (we’re looking at you, micro bags.)

If you’re looking to invest in the perfect plus one, Saint Laurent’s neutral hues will stand the test of time, and seasons. Plus, it’s spacious enough to squeeze in an extra pair of shoes if you’re dashing from desk to drinks. On the other end of the spectrum, green and burgundy hues offer an updated take on the trend.

The even better news is that these early aughts heroes can be styled with almost everything; go slick and structured with LOEWE or embrace the power of the slouch via Givenchy, complete with Mathew M. Williams’ signature industrial details.

PRETTY IN PINK

Last season, fuchsia dominated collections from established designers after Pierpaolo Piccioli coated the Valentino Fall/Winter 2022 runway in a hot-pink hue. But, come spring, things are cooling down as the colour is reworked in softer, pastel hues. Enter candy floss pink, which offers an easy access point to the trend.

The bold and the brave can channel head to toe pink via By Malene Birger’s mohair-blend two piece, for a look that packs a powerful, yet pretty, punch. For a unique take on the trend, Remain by Birger Christensen’s jeans provide the perfect contrast of pastel pink and tough leather.

For monochrome devotees who want a more subtle approach, look to accessories in saccharine shades to instantly elevate any ensemble. Bottega Veneta’s mini bag is the only arm candy you need to give your outfit a pop of pink, while Acne’s scarf offers a cosy spin on this season’s staple shade. Invest now to think pink come spring.

TONAL TAILORING

Over the last few seasons, tailoring has gotten softer and slouchier, allowing new colours to step into the spotlight. Gone are the days when suit aficionados could only choose between black or beige; as the weather warms, so do these sartorial shades.

From mint greens and pastel blues; to buttery yellows, silky creams and tonal greys, this season’s suits are repurposed in a full pastel palette. Purists should look to matching sets for a traditional take on the trend. Classic beige is reworked to buttermilk yellow via Victoria Beckham’s suit, while Alexander McQueen’s pastel trousers are the perfect piece to nail any dress code.

When it comes to blazers, bigger is better so keep things supersized. Choose boxy shoulders and relaxed silhouettes for a look that’s straight off the runway.

DENIM FOR DAYS

This season, denim drenched the runway. Kate Moss deceived onlookers by walking for Bottega Veneta in a pair of denim illusion leather jeans, cementing the return of normcore across the board. Meanwhile, wide leg jeans also dominated the runway at Jacquemus, Givenchy and JW Anderson.

No longer for the preserves of lazy days, oversized denim is ready to get an elevated twist for spring. Pair slouchy styles from the likes of Khaite, Jacquemus and TOTÊME with a pair of power platforms for a look to take you from boardroom to bar.

When the weekend comes, raise a glass (or two) and channel 90s glamour in double denim via TOTÊME’s oversized shirt and Magda Butrym’s blazer. Style with straight leg jeans and tan accessories for the ultimate off-duty ensemble. Happy weekend!

Stylist, Sophie Henderson; Photographer, Charlotte Hadden; Model, Harriet Longhurst

Words by Alice Hall