Sun’s out, shorts out. As the temperature rises, clothes become shorter and looser according to a fashion expert.
Christine Benet, chairperson of De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde’s Fashion Design and Merchandising Program, revealed this season’s key items based on trend forecast website World Global Style Network.
“This summer, everything will be shorter in length—both tops and bottoms and for both men and women,” spilled Benet. This, according to the fashion guru, is given considering the humid weather in the Philippines. “It demands for us to wear more cotton and free-breathing fabrics and styles.”
Crop top continues to reign both on the runway and on the streets, but this year, thoughtful construction improves wearability, making the cut ideal for activewear, swimwear, and even evening looks paired with a matching bottom.
“As compared with last year’s crop top which was more above the waist, this year’s would be a little higher and nearer to the empire cut or under the bust line—more of a midriff length,” Benet expounded.
For texture, cropped shirts with ruching features are expected to be hot. Pull-cord details do not just make for a decorative approach to ‘90s basics but also allow the wearer to go for varying levels of crop. Meanwhile, twisted knot-front midriffs, especially crisp-white or checked ones, go for a more laid-back daywear.
Dishevelled looks create a modern mixed-up look. This is the season to don asymmetric off-the-shoulder sleeves and geometric cut-outs, cut boring romantic blouses into frills, and exhibit romance with a panache of ditsy florals or vintage buds in sharp pastels or primary brights.
Lingering on the concept of dressing down, Benet said summer calls everyone to play with perfection. The year 2019 is indeed a celebration of individualism and character and it continues so these dog days.
“There would still be a play of graphics this season, creating a ‘put-together chaotic’ look,” she Benet.
Summer 2019 transforms boring florals into boisterous tropics. Resort shirts with vibrant prints and patterns continue to be the staple across markets; this time, with eye-catching surface updates.
“In the past three years, different kinds of florals have been on trend, from surreal and dreamy to dainty. But this year is more about boldness and colors and very much reflective of tropical flora and fauna,” she explained.
Men’s wardrobe likewise joins in the high-summer graphics trend with clashing bright tropical prints that explore classic nature as motif but embraces odd hue shifts, color gradient filters, and popping florals recolored on dark grounds for a dash of surrealism.
Menswear also marked retro and vertical stripes as the resurgence of nautical trends. Considered as “the new checks,” these bold lines have become the latest classic pattern reigning in major fashion capitals such as Milan and New York. It exudes a smooth combination of commercial and cool especially when in pastels and sophisticated neutrals.
It is high time for men to elevate casual shirts into oversized elegant silhouettes with a luxurious sheen of satin and silk.
For a super casual vibe, boxy shorts that fall right above the knees are in. Reminiscent of the ‘90s street style, basketball culture, and US West Coast, this preppy pair features waistbands and subtle side entry pockets for comfort and style.
Following the vibe, drawstring pants with a selection of fabrics exhibit a worldly feel as it can come as a smart piece or a true casual gem.
For those who are more into mix and matching hues, the color of the year still stands as the mood for the season. “It is the most appropriate color because Living Coral in itself is very earthy in the sense that it is an organic color of nature,” explained Benet.
Adding to the intensity of the warm sunset palette are shades in elements of pink, evolving from the focus on oranges in spring/summer 2018, such as Emberglow, American Beauty, Java, Mango Mojito, and Tigerlily.
For the feel of summer nights, new shades and contrasts with natural tones such as Aqua Haze, Oil Green, Garden Green, Aspen Gold, Blue Sapphire, and Windsor Wine, offer a different perspective.
