The month of February opened a new chapter in the book of global trends, with fashion weeks rolling out new designs in Paris, New York, London and D.C.
Not all trends shown on the runway can be worn as everyday clothes, but you could spot a few new styles around campus in the coming months, including disco collars and retro prints. Get ahead on your spring wardrobe with these 2020 fashion trends.
A ’60s revival
You can expect to see prints reminiscent of your grandmother’s living room wallpaper this spring. Pastel floral prints and chunky shape designs are regaining popularity, especially in dresses and skirts.
The disco collar – a long, pointed lapel that was made popular by celebrities like John Travolta and Sylvester Stallone – is also reentering the fashion scene. The style has been given a modern flare on coats, button-downs and jackets. You can layer a disco collar under a printed sweater for a preppy vintage look or wear it alone to add a twist to your regular internship attire.
Everyday corporate wear
Incorporate some sophistication into your everyday apparel with blazers, trousers or even a full suit. Plaid and checkered blazers were staples in the lines of Christian Dior and Saint Laurent’s at the February Paris Fashion Show. You could pair these formal suits with light wash jeans and a plain tee to elevate an otherwise simple look to one that can be worn to class or an office.
GW Fashion Club President Andrew Evans, a senior studying political science, said corporate wear has become especially prevalent in menswear at Paris Fashion Week.
“There was a weird corporate trend in Paris menswear,” Evans said. “There were a lot of black suits and ties, skinny white ties.”
Upgrade your outfit for a night on the town with a tuxedo dress, which is basically an elongated blazer. For a special occasion, go for a bold, monochromatic look that will be sure to give off big boss energy.
Groovy, baby
Walking into a Free People store might feel more like Woodstock this spring with the reemergence of fringe embellishments and suede pants. You’ll see fringe bags, fringe earrings, fringe sewn to the back of jean jackets, fringe-hem crochet dresses and fringe ponchos. Add an element of this style to your look for a ’70s inspired, laid back look.
In addition to fringe, retro styles like tweed vests and suede have made a comeback from their ’70s roots. For a nostalgic Fleetwood Mac groupie look, pair a denim vest with a turtleneck and a suede mini skirt or pants.
Unconventional colors
Channel the bright and fresh colors of spring in your wardrobe this season. Pair a matching mint blazer and skirt for a refreshing mint monochrome look, or slip on a mint leather jacket.
If a muted mint green isn’t bold enough, hop on the highlighter hue trend. Neon colors, especially yellow and pink, are becoming commonplace in body con dresses, matching sets and bodysuits.
Evans said adding neon to an outfit can add an energetic and fun look to an otherwise plain fit.
“It offsets a more traditionally nonchalant look,” Evans said. “It’s a way to add a bit of color, it kind of takes it to the extreme a little bit in a sense but it’s fun.”
Stylish workwear
Workwear was initially designed as heavy-duty clothing made for labor like boiler suits, grandad shirts, corduroy and canvas pants. But workwear has become trendy in the past two years, popularized by brands like Dickies, Carhartt and Wrangler. The classic Carhartt beanie is emblematic of hip hop and skate culture, adding to its appeal and popularity.
Evans said men’s workwear is entering mainstream trends, as many brands draw inspiration from Dickies’ use of canvas and polycotton materials.
“It’s interesting because it’s something that was born out of necessity, like you need something that’s going to last a long time, you need a pair of jeans that is not going to blow out on you and now it’s become commodified in a sense,” Evans said.
