August is here, and there’s only a finite amount of time before leaves and hemlines fall. Here are the trends you need to rock before the sunshine turns to snow (sob)
Five minutes ago it was May. The birds were singing, people were smiling, and September seemed like a distant, foggy dream. But 100 sweaty nights later, suddenly we look at our phones to find that it’s now AUGUST. That’s right, August. And as this scorcher of a summer draws to a close, it’s time to think about what we’ll be wearing in these final 30 degree days. Nobody wants to be shivering in October because they forgot about culottes.
Speaking of culottes, let’s begin with a vibe that took over summer 2018: slouchy chic. If you didn’t see a pair of these swishing around the city, I don’t know where you were, because culottes were everywhere. So, too, was the slouchy suit. As soon as April hit, relaxed blazers and wide-leg trousers were flying off the racks. A crisp, white two-piece is super hot right now, and looks gloriously radiant in the noon o’clock sun.
When it came to men’s slouchy chic, things took a turn for the 80s. Is it oxymoronic to put ‘chic’ and ‘80s’ in the same sentence? Usually, yes. But not this August. This summer it’s totally acceptable to appear in a pair of shoulder pads and light wash jeans, so do it now.
Bucket hats, also, have had a serious moment - championed by the likes of Chanel and Fenty x Puma. Guy or gal, lob one on and with your cringiest hawaiian shirt - the dad-on-holiday look has never been more coveted.
Biggest of all, though, when it came to the 80s, was 80s-infused sportswear. Fendi menswear championed the baggy, colour-blocked, zip-up jacket, while models both male and female bounced down the catwalk in huge, hideous trainers. These spongy monstrosities appeared everywhere, from Louis Vuitton runways to the Instagram feeds of the most stylish bloggers (I wrote a whole column on the trend here, FYI).
And speaking of ugly clothes, it’s time to wear your fanny pack loud and proud. There’s no season better than the summer to wear one - getting a bit lost under multiple layers, and not pairing well with a wooly scarf and gloves. Channel Sportmax with a bum bag you could wear running (especially effective layered over a suit jacket), or some festival glam with a neon, sequinned piece.
Western is also still huge - having begun with the cow print, denim, cowboy hats and belt buckles that appeared during Fashion Week in Milan, London and New York. Blame it on Nashville, Miley Cyrus, Kacey Musgrave or Dolly Parton - spurs are definitely back. And in weather so warm you feel like you might as well be in the desert, now’s the perfect time to tie on a neck scarf. To avoid looking like you’re in a halloween costume, opt for subtle nods to the land of bald eagles and dollar bills.
Leather and denim are an edgy combo, and cowgirl boots are never a bad move. Wear them with a flowing midi skirt, and use touches of fringe (on your bag, for example) to complete the look without looking gimmicky.
For the cowboys, the 2018 trend was a bit more literal. Calvin Klein is on the more subtle end of the spectrum, suggesting a muted palette to balance out the boxy shirts and pointed boots. Dsquared2, on the other hand, was all about check print, string ties and black leather trousers - feat. tassels and ten gallon hats, of course. Depending on your bravery, it’s up to you how far to take this trend - do it now before the beanies and gloves start calling.
But maybe the most memorable trend of all this summer has been the will to make things weird; to use your clothes to turn heads and to prompt questions. Floral splicing is a case in point, so take this moment to embrace a slightly different take on the flowery dress/shirt.
Colour is also crucial. Leave this glorious summer with a bang, not a whimper, in shades so bright that people can spot you from a mile away. Vogue hailed this year’s trending colours as sky blue, sunshine yellow and tomato red, while the ultimate hue this year has been named as ultraviolet. Pay homage to the happy weather with an outfit just as jubilant; dress top-to-toe in a rainbow, if you dare.
Accessorise, too, as boldly as possible - taking inspiration from the likes of Frida Kahlo, Versace and Dolce & Gabbana. Big earrings, big sunglasses, and loud, floral headpieces - wear it all, if you want; the bright blue sky is your limit.
As sad as it is saying goodbye to the summer, there’s still time to embrace the season’s most stylish (and hilarious) crazes. Do it today, because winter (and coat season) is coming.
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Need some last minute summer inspo?
Follow: @erika_boldrin
If you’re looking for summer wardrobe inspiration, Erika’s Insta is endlessly chic.
Follow: @sonjiawilliams
I discovered this designer’s feed after bingeing on Project Runway, and hit ‘follow’ immediately. If you’re wondering how to add more colour into your OOTD’s, Sonjia can give you a masterclass.
