Go big or go home, or least be creative, because fashion in the coming year is about revamped and updated classics, smart looks, and oversized and flamboyant.
Fashion industry expert Christine Benet, chairperson of the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde’s Fashion Design and Merchandising Program, has announced this year’s forecast, citing reports by World Global Style Network (WGSN).
WGSN has over 250 forecasters and data scientists globally, aiding 6,500 businesses with 74,000 active users by providing insights and inspirations on fashion, lifestyle, and retail. It offers the following forecast in women’s and men’s fashion.
Women’s fashion
With Classic Blue as Pantone’s Color of the Year, Benet said it would be seen across different outfits and a variety of collections.
“Blue is an easy color to dye and apply to everyday outfits especially denims—so there will be broad ways to experiment,” said Benet, adding, “Since blue is tropical, it is suited for different year-round collections. It is easy to look for existing pieces from the closet.”
Meanwhile, when it comes to structure, “2019 had silhouettes, specifically going volumes; 2020 definitely is the time for exploration and will focus on details such as surface design and fabric manipulation,” shared Benet.
Chic ladies can strut this season’s selections of dresses in silk-satin blends, from lightweight chiffons and sheer layer frocks with printed undertones to modish chinoiserie pieces with dense embroidery and loophole buttons.
For an elegant yet cozy high summer feel, the classy kaftan gets additional character with a structure in the waistline, while the 1990s- and 2000s-inspired spaghetti slip beckons a more sensuous summer.
As many get an update, shirts get a more relaxed approach. Cotton tops achieve a high rugby-style, while cropped polo with waisted belt nips renders a preppy attitude.
Those who dare to show more skin can don sleeveless Boho blouses with tiered waistline or tied-up scarf or bandanna tops. For a more dressed-up do, shiny satin shirts now go with an oversized 1970s-inspired collar.
Slimmer silhouettes also downtrend. Barrel-leg trousers with paperbag waistbands highlight the curves, while city shorts provide a youthful look once paired with statement accessories.
Speaking of barrel-leg trousers, cargo pants are back with a sophisticated overhaul complete with terno tops in cool grays and off-whites. Form-fitting and flattering flare pants are ideal picks for both casual yet smarter party-wear.
Accessories also take a more glamorous turn. It includes 1980s-inspired animal prints such as minimalist natural-toned cowhide and bold zebra on pony skin and suede, vibrant satin sheen in zingy mid-tones like lemon drop, biolime, and fuchsia. For maximalists, oversized pearls and woven leathers in impactful constructions are on the rise.
Men’s fashion
Button-down tops with bigger vertical stripes with the all-time favorite resort shirt revamped with viscose, rayon, and silk bases are expected to be seen quite a lot next year.
For easy layering, WGSN suggests to pair Henley tees with blazers, while the cut-and-sew paneled shirts continue to create the balance between fabrics and blocks.
Gentlemen will also see more high-waisted pants in chintz fabrics and slightly cropped slim-tapered pants as fashion-forward alternative to skinny fits.
Ideal for the balmy season are the split-hem short shorts, short suits in classic fabrics like seersucker, and walking shorts with clip fastenings, tech pockets, and trims, which are all becoming crowd-favorites.
This is also the year where fashion meets technology. Prints in 4D and 3D, designs that respond to body heat and movement, coated materials, and twist-lock mechanisms are on the rise.
For finishes, focus on pearlescent purples, blues, grays, pinks, and greens for sneakers, bags, watches, and sunglasses.
For a little more character, additional texture to the usual designs create a more distressed look. Remember the keywords: worn, washed, warped finishes and details, and weathered and aged treatments.
Athleisure also continues its reign with sporty suits in four-way stretch fabrics that allow wearability whether in the office or on a bike. Complete the look with details inspired by outdoors or running gear such as zipper openings and snaps.
The year 2020 calls for the refined utilitarian look with workwear-inspired accessories in luxury fabrics and materials and high-spec performance constructions. Belts, camcorder shoulder bags, and footwear and hats in shades of sand, cantaloupe, cotton, and faded orange will be a hit.
“The colors and details are very varied this 2020, which allows everyone to create their own look without looking redundant,” explained Benet. “As Filipinos, this will allow us to work with what we have by using vintage pieces and by creating our own interpretation without breaking the bank.”