Fashion has long operated hand-in-hand with politics and the economy, channeling the prevailing social atmosphere through its seasonal offerings. It doesn't just show how we live—it reveals how we aspire to live, acting as a reflection of our collective emotions and wishes at any given moment.
Unsurprisingly, major global events like the pandemic and worldwide lockdown are set to reshape the fashion and accessories sector. Many people are currently experiencing similar emotions, which will inevitably influence their personal preferences down the line. We consulted psychologists to explore how we navigate tough times and which style directions will appeal to us in this new normal.
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Neon, Romance, and School-Chic
Neon and Vivid Hues You Never Considered Before
Acid and intense colors act as signals we send to the world, often without realizing it. Take Grammy-winning singer Billie Eilish, who frequently dyes her hair turquoise or lime green. She gravitates toward these "nuclear" shades and teenage aesthetics because both are brimming with angst, emotion, and raw experience. It's already clear that 2020 won't be an easy year for many of us, so any means of releasing feelings and restoring inner balance are fair game—including overly flashy hues. They can serve as a form of therapy, injecting a lively burst of color into your wardrobe.
Summer gives us plenty of room for color experimentation, and neon options are abundant. Why not choose a sundress in the shade of freshly squeezed oranges, or a structured jacket in fuchsia? Grant yourself color freedom as soon as you regain freedom of movement.
Jacquemus, spring-summer 2020; Courrèges, spring-summer 2020
Summer 2020 Fashion Trends
Valentino, spring-summer 2020; Christopher John Rogers, spring-summer 2020
Romance in Full Bloom – For the Lonely and Beyond
Have you heard the buzz that Tinder and other dating apps saw a real surge during quarantine? Just imagine what will happen once we're free again: the lonely will crave connection and new encounters, inevitably sparking a wave of first dates. Meanwhile, couples who spent lockdown together in a "relationship" status will be eager to plan a romantic outing somewhere far from home. Rest assured, romance is set to become a major, high-profile trend: we'll curl our hair, buy pretty hair clips, pull out pleated skirts and floral dresses, and head straight to the city's most romantic spots.
This universal hunger for love aligns perfectly with the fashion trend toward delicate outfits seen in the spring-summer 2020 collections. Those tender airy frills, flirtatious gloves, and Peter Pan collars are the key messengers of neo-romanticism. Don't hesitate to channel your inner Turgenev heroine if that's what your heart desires: after quarantine stress, you deserve to step into a fairy tale. For design inspiration, look to coral chiffon and organza, and maybe—for the first time in your life—treat yourself to a cake dress for a stroll in the park.
Summer 2020 Fashion Trends
Rosie Assoulin, spring-summer 2020; Molly Goddard, spring-summer 2020
Christian Dior, spring-summer 2020; Christopher Kane, spring-summer 2020
School Style – Not Just for Schoolgirls
Your first day back at the office under the motto "Back to work!" will feel a bit like September 1st. Holidays and pajama breakfasts will end before noon, and you'll need to get back in shape and return to a uniform. After so many days in comfortable clothes, tight skirts and fitted jackets may not seem the most comfortable options, so ease into the new rhythm slowly and without stress.
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Start with blouses and loose-fitting shirts that resemble the top half of your pajamas but look elegant and refined without compromise. Many styles have inherited Baroque details from last year: frills, bows, puffy sleeves, and other decorative excesses. Instead of narrow trousers and tight skirts, choose more relaxed options: midi skirts with an A-line silhouette and straight wide trousers with a high waist and carefully pressed creases—like a school uniform—are now in fashion. Closer to summer, the latter can be swapped for cropped culottes with the same crisp creases and a neat appearance. Oh, and don't rush to "soar" into heels: according to designer forecasts, flat shoes turned out to be even more popular and relevant in the spring-summer 2020 season.
Stella McCartney, spring-summer 2020; Chalayan, spring-summer 2020
Summer 2020 Fashion Trends
Dion Lee, spring-summer 2020; Chanel, spring-summer 2020
