Beautiful You

From pretty pastels to poolside chic, Hanna Prince shares the key style and colour trends for summer 2021

Looking forward to ditching the tracksuit bottoms of lockdown for something a little more on-trend? Bright, bold and flamboyant, the colours and styles of summer are inspired by optimism. DRESS TO IMPRESS Most of us have spent the past year in loungewear and slippers, so it’s no surprise that the lifting of Covid-19 restrictions is expected to coincide with a craze for occasionwear. The spring - summer 2021 catwalks were overflowing with fantastical dresses, with full skirts,

Alongside Hawaiian shirts and swimwear as streetwear

elaborate embellishments and layers of tulle all featuring heavily. The high street has already embraced this flamboyant trend – a clear sign that it’s here to stay for the season. In male fashion, the occasionwear mode has manifested itself in creative shirting. Voluminous shapes, origami-style shirts and bright prints have all made an appearance on the catwalk. THE GREAT ESCAPE We might be debarred from foreign travel, but that hasn’t stopped the fashion world embracing a creative escapism. Poolside attire – brightly-coloured beach bags, platform espadrilles and beach prints – are

Summer

having a moment this year, alongside Hawaiian shirts and swimwear as streetwear. Along the same lines, men’s designers have been making a splash with nauticalthemed outfits. Think Breton tops, anchor-covered knitwear and sailor sweaters.

LOOSE DENIM Good news if you like to live in jeans – denim is having a style resurgence this summer. Forget the slim silhouettes of last year. This summer’s trend is more jogging bottom than drainpipe, with 70’s-style wider leg jeans a popular choice. But the yen

STYLE

for denim isn’t limited to jeans. Denim dresses will be popular this year – wear them long, low-necked and with three quarter-length sleeves for the latest look. BRIGHT AND BEAUTIFUL This summer’s colours aren’t for shrinking violets. The catwalks have thronged with mood-lifting shades, including bright yellows and hot pink. Neon is on trend as well, particularly in menswear – try teaming fluorescent separates with muted tailoring for a trendy touch that won’t blind onlookers. Not quite brave enough for brights? Pastels have been making a comeback too, with lilacs, light pinks and pistachio shades bringing an ice cream shop vibe to spring - summer 2021 fashion shows. BLACK IS BACK At the opposite end of the colour spectrum, slinky black dresses are once again making their way into designer collections. The key to taking this trend from average to outstanding is in the detail – cut-out necklines, strap detailing and textured materials are where it’s at. On the subject of dark colours, black face masks in silky fabrics are also set to be a summer sensation. The best bit is they look good with almost any outfit. l