Modern Utility | Tailoring Relaxed | Full Bloom | White Romantic | Summer Luxe
Head to McArthurGlen Bridgend this season where designers have emerged from collective lockdown with a renewed sense of positivity for Spring/Summer 21, merging the timeless with the modern and all bound together with a stampede of colours and patterns.
M&S Outlet
Dune
M&S Outlet
Dune
Power dressing needn’t be all edgy tailoring and attitude - this season’s empowermentcomes courtesy of a softer, more feminine mix of sartorial and technical details for a day-to- day look, encapsulated by the boiler suit, which has become something of a second suit in recent seasons. In a palette of beiges, khaki greens, greys and rust oranges, look for belted styles in lightweight technical fabrics at GAP and H&M for a modern approach, or go with the more feminine shorts style by Ted Baker. Sneakers keep the look everyday, but heels will take you through the night. Failing the boiler suit, another great option is the oversize tunic as seen at Next and M&S. You’ll find a trove of sustainable styles in organic cotton and linen at McArthurGlen this season, too.
M&S
Kurt Geiger
M&S
Kurt Geiger
Tailoring Relaxed
The tailoring train built up a head of steam in 2020 and even though so many of us were working from home, the momentum is staying on track. In fact, this season’s tailoring is exquisite, especially with the inclusion of the season’s must-have item - the bralette. Worn with statement-colour suiting at Drome, Jason Wu, and Alberta Ferretti, it’s a powerfulcombo that redefines business chic. Trend hawks should train their eyes on the oversize co- ord suits at Ted Baker and M&S and look out for matching Bermuda shorts too, for a directional play on the classic two-piece. If co-ord feels too uniform, opt for bold tailored trousers and a separate blazer to break things up. Then dress the look down with a contrast bralette or crop top and strappy sandals.
Ted Baker
Ted Baker
Ted Baker
Ted Baker
Full Bloom
Nature is a wonderful muse and so it’s not surprising that designers often tap into it for inspiration. Florals are once again huge this season (quite literally oversize at Valentino), but it’s the interior space that provided the petals, rather than the garden. From Rodarte and Elie Saab to Carolina Herrera and Issay Miyake, florals took on a figurative, painterly style that emphasised colour and volume. We’re big fans of the interior-inspired prints at [brand] and [brand], and love how floral motifs have been applied to voluminous maxi dresses at [brand] and co-ord suits at [brand]. Clash with brightly coloured strappy footwear and you’ve got a look that will keep on flowering right through the season.
Ted Baker
Radley
Ted Baker
Radley
White Romantic
The saying, “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” could be applied to this season’s most timeless of trends, which sees the ancient Grecian Goddess reimagined for 2021. Romantic to the core and sexy to boot, the lacy white summer dress is back with a bang. Inspiration ran amok at Alberta Ferretti, Burberry and Elie Saab, where dresses we’re cut high on the thigh in sheer layers or delicate lace, and often with big puffy sleeves for an eye-catching silhouette. It’s a vintage look with ‘60s collar details, but you can equally opt for a white layer mini skirt and coordinated white blouse to give yourself more wardrobe options. Head-to-toe white is the statement look, so coordinate your sunglasses, wedge sandals, bag and jewellery options for maximum impact.
Ted Baker
H&M
Ted Baker
H&M
Summer Luxe
Whether you’re a fashionista, brand devotee or someone who draws influence from the seasonal fashion trends, you’ll all get something from the most simple yet sophisticated look of the season: the slip dress. Fluid, floaty, and fabulously bohemian, the slip dress was the understated star of the show at Chloe, Jacquemus, Alyx, and so many more. From striking shades of pink and lime options at Ted Baker and H&M to more muted hues of light blue, beige and white at the likes of Klass and Roman, the key features to look for include asymmetric cuts with elaborate draping, delicate spaghetti straps, and deep necklines. Think satin and silk for eveningwear, and cotton and linen blends for boho daywear, all accessorised with square-toe sandals. If you can’t go on holiday, then bring the holiday to you.
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