On Wednesday (16 July), Caxton hosted a Trends High Tea where we explored the hottest summer fashion and beauty trends from our three biggest magazines (Woman and Home, Rooi Rose and BONA). Our fashion editor, Ayanda Ngcobo, reckoned that Pop art and Navajo will be the biggest trend this summer. We chat with her about all things fashion from trends to fashion do’s and don’ts.
“Summer is all about expressing yourself and draping yourself in beautiful colours. It’s a playful season where you can do whatever you want and express yourself,” says Ayanda.
What is fashion?
Fashion is a form of expression, it’s culture, it’s the way you live, and it’s a playground for ideas where all things different come together to make something fabulous.
As a fashion editor who works three months in advance, how do you know what will be on trend for the next season?
We get our ideas for things that will be on trend on this side of the world from international countries who are six months ahead of us when it comes to fashion. They’re a whole season ahead of us. We get inspiration from places like Europe and America and we try to localise it as much as we can.
What will be on trend this summer?
- Pop art
- Navajo
- Pastels
- Graphics
- Metallic
- Sport luxe
What colours should we look out for?
Anything bright; bright orange, yellow, greens and different shades of purple. When it comes to pastel colours however, stay away from the usual by going with trending colours like mint, soft lemon and coral.
You mentioned the pop art trend, how can one rock it without looking like someone dropped paint on them?
Pop art is an intense trend so the most important thing to do is to balance it out. If you’re going to wear a pop art top then go for soft coloured bottoms or jeans. Don’t mix pop art with prints; it’s going to be too much. And pop art doesn’t necessarily have to be top to toe, you can have a nice pop art clutch or bag.
Speaking of bags and shoes, what accessories will be in this summer?
Anything that is exaggerated will be in, so think big rings, colourful clutch bags, graphic earrings and ethnic prints. Oversized sunglasses will also be in, sunglasses with mirror frames, round and colourful sunglasses is also something to look out for. Avoid floppy hats, unless it’s for an occasion like the beach or a picnic. But do wear peak caps. Those will be in. Look for detailed caps and pleather caps as well.
Sandals or wedges?
Personally, sandals are the best. You can never go wrong with them, there’s a lot of variety with sandals. Go for Gladiators, embellished, ankle strapped or birkenstocks. Sandals are comfortable and can be easily styled. They show off summer, just make sure your feet look great and you’ll be good to go.
Fashion do’s and don’ts?
Do
- Invest in a good pair of jeans.
- Invest in a statement blazer, something sequenced or printed.
- Accessorize (even if it’s one item).
- Get a clutch bag.
- Invest in three pairs of good quality heels.
Don’t
- Be a trend freak, just because something is on trend doesn’t mean you have to own it. Go with what suits your personality and body.
- Wear leggings as pants.
- Over complicate your look by mixing too many trends, heavy make-up or hectic shoes. Sometimes less is more.
- Be stingy with yourself when it comes to looking good.
- Ever leave your house looking unsatisfactory. Impressions are everything. Make an effort. You don’t have to come out of your house looking like a fashion icon but do make an effort.
