Fashion trends come and go and clearly, some are coming around again if you look at what is trending right now. According to Cosmopolitan and Pinterest Predicts, we are headed back to the early 2000s with a renewed popularity of crop tops, cargo pants and slip dresses.
South African stylist, image consultant and makeup artist, Suna Robberts says the cargo style is not just for pants, but also for jackets and tops. “Alongside this trend is the lowering of waistlines. Where high-waisted was the thing for the last few seasons, we are now heading back to low-rise styles. However, this won’t happen overnight in SA, and I expect high-waisted will still be popular for another season or two. Pants’ legs are looser, and we’ll see more straight, flared, and bootleg pants.”
When it comes to fashion trends, we might even be going further back in time. Think Versailles at the time of Louis XIV with ruffles (yes, even for men), lace and tulle. “For me, this is more about layering and textures. It’s easy to incorporate an item with lace or a ruffle into your look, and it works especially well with denim,” adds Suna.
Transparent or sheer clothing items are also a hot trend and are constantly being seen on runways, says Cosmopolitan. Suna says there are fun ways to incorporate this trend into your look. “Layer sheer skirts or dresses over more solid fabric, or wear a bra-style top with a sheer T-shirt over it. Novelty or kitsch prints like cartoon characters are also fun and fashionable, and we’ll see it on everything from jumpsuits to socks.”
She adds that metallics and bling are big news, even for daytime wear. “Sequins are no longer just for nights on the town. Incorporate a shiny top or dress even if you are going to a daytime function. Men can add a touch of bling by dressing up with a sequins bow-tie, or go all out with sequins pants or jackets.” For men, the style is also moving to more loose suits (especially pants), so pack away those skinny jeans.
For both sexes, fringes and tassels on everything – from jackets and shoes to wedding dresses – are big news, says Pinterest Predicts. Suna agrees: “We see fringes on dresses, jacket sleeves and shoes. Combine this with a leather jacket, and you are seriously on-trend. Leather is a big trend, especially leather bomber jackets for both men and women.”
Suna adds that the season’s must-have colour is blue, especially cobalt and aquamarine. “Add a pop of colour with a blue jacket, crop top, or jewellery in these eye-catching colours.”
When it comes to hair trends, the focus is on everything short. Short fringes and bobs are the way to go, says Pinterest Predicts and Bernard Buys, a hairstylist from the salon Refine Line in Linden, agrees. “Haircuts like the Pixie and very short bobs like the French Girl are popular, and we also see a mixing of styles. The ‘Bixie’ is a combination of a bob and Pixie. It has the texture of a Pixie but the length of a bob.”
Dual hair colours, like combining a blonde do with lavender streaks or brown hair with a pink balayage, are also very trendy. “Highlights are still popular, but we also see people opting for a very definite pop of colour in their hair,” adds Bernard.
Men are choosing more natural styles and even curls. “You won’t believe how many perms I’ve recently done on male clients!” says Bernard.
For similar articles, click here.
Find more fashion-related content on our editor’s blog, Suitcase & Chardonnay here.
Subscribe to our weekly newsletter here.
Stay up-to-date on the hottest, hippest and most happening things to do in Mzansi!