It’s that time of year again when the global fashion world stops, gives us a slightly disapproving look and tells us what we should be wearing and how we should be shopping for the next few months. So, where are they going to be leading us, what trends should we pay attention to and how do we make sure we’re ready for the next wave of change? Today my friends it is all about fashion trends!
1. Go back to the 1980s
To see the future, we need to go back in time four decades to 1980. What goes around comes around, and in global fashion trends this is certainly the case as the 1980s revival that began this year is expected to gain pace and go mainstream. So dig out those old pictures of your parents for a little inspiration – or perhaps a clear idea of how not to do it! We’re expecting power-dressing and business-style office suits to become a mainstay. Colour-wise, you probably can’t go wrong but just remember more is better. Everything from pastel shades to electric and neon pinks, blues, yellows and greens will be on the cards. Expect to be wearing big prints with your leggings, too. Check out Retrowaste for some tips and ideas, if you dare.
2. Go green
2020 is going to be the year that the fashion industry truly embraces sustainability and begins to flex its eco-credentials from high fashion to the mainstream. There are two implications to this. First, plant-based fabrics will be dominant with organic cotton becoming a mainstay. Expect to see far fewer products made from animals. There isn’t going to be a mass of leather or silk clothing around in 2020 if you’re following this fashion trend. Also, expect some more unusual fabrics finding their way into your wardrobe. Recycled materials, clothes made from coffee grinds, plastic bottles and even food scraps will be hitting the rails. Not sure about the food scraps, personally.
Second, you’ll hear from the fashion houses and designers about their businesses like never before. You’ll hear about how they are changing the way they run their business to be more sustainable. Bonds, a leading Australian underwear fashion brand, has announced plans to reduce carbon emissions by 40% as well as their water use and energy emissions. Expect to see a lot more of this kind of news from fashion brands across the globe over the coming months.
3. Get sewing
It’s all about patchwork. Don’t worry, you aren’t expected to get your sewing kit out to join together lots of fabrics, especially not ones made out of food scraps. There will be plenty of ready-made patchwork designs available as this new trend takes off. Patchwork is the latest iteration of the bohemian style that just refuses to go away. You’ll see lots of patchwork being included as statement elements rather than as complete pieces. Beads, ruffles and lace will be the friends of patchwork elements.
