Get Prepared for Spring/Summer 2017 Fashion

By Kristi Kates | April 8, 2017

From pink to puffs, paperbag waists to practicality, pendants to pockets, this upcoming season’s looks are an extravagant visual potpourri as we follow fashion’s usual cycles and transition (somewhat awkwardly) from one influential decade to the next. But never fear, fashionistas – we’ve combed the spring/summer 2017 runways to provide a sneak peek at what’s on the way. Trust us when we say there’s so much going on that you’re sure to find a look – or several – to suit you and all your stylish alter egos.

Hey, It’s the ‘80s!
For the past few seasons, it’s been all about the ‘70s, so the natural progression of fashion trends has, as expected, fast forwarded to the ‘80s, with all its drama and exaggerated lines, especially in the realms of club and cocktail ware. This look will be easy to pinpoint as you shop for such elements as shoulder pads, gold lamé, wide belts, puffed sleeves, high–shine fabrics, embellished metallic shapes like hearts and lightning bolts and neon spandex (yes, we said “neon spandex”). If you ever saw photos of ‘80s band The Go–Go’s and wished you were one of them, this is going to be your summer of love. Seen at Marc Jacobs, Gucci, Isabel Marant, Kenzo, Balenciaga

Adorable Athleisure
The hoodie reigned supreme all last year, and for those who welcomed its insouciant existence, here’s some good news: it’s back for 2017, with a sleeker style and a little embellishment. Athleisure, or athletic wear that’s suitable for casual happenings outside the gym, is set to be big for the next 12 months, including zip–up jackets in more fashion–forward fabrics and colors and sweatshirts with crystal beading. You might draw the line at some of the over–the–top cycling shorts you’ll be seeing in the fashion mags (trust us on this one), but the rest of this trend will be welcomed by pretty much everybody. Seen at Versace, Alexander Wang, DKNY, Dior, Vetements

Forward Fuchsia
Think pink for summer! Just beware it’s not the typical girlish pink that might first come to mind. From Balenciaga to Valentino, the usual roses and blushes have been transformed into a shocking shade of fuchsia and utilized to create dresses and other garments with bold lines and dramatic flair. This is pink with a giant–sized capital “P,” and you’re going to see this color absolutely everywhere – it’s not for girly girls or shrinking violets but for femme fatales ready to put these fuchsia textiles to work. Be warned – if you’re not in the pink for this trend, you’ll feel quite left out by the time June rolls around. Seen at Bottega Veneta, Celine, Valentino, Balenciaga, Topshop

Upward Utility
While much of 2016 fashion was about utilitarianism with its direct approach, clean lines and plenty of khaki, 2017 shifts utility into something with a little more detail and less stark minimalism. The colors are practical to a fault (think tan, navy, beige, rust orange, army green), all the better to balance that ‘80s craziness documented above. The shapes are also based in reality with the exception of their detailing, which includes cinched, exaggerated paperbag waists and ruching; overlapping pockets (often cargo style); wide cuffs and collars and intriguing fasteners like toggles, belts and buckles. Seen at Kenzo, Stella McCartney, Chloe, Bottega Veneta, Roberto Cavalli

Making a Statement
If you like your jewelry way over the top in order to bring new meaning to the word “bling,” this season is going to be a grand one for you. Statement jewelry, mostly in the form of pendant necklaces, wide chokers and earrings of astonishing size, were all over the runways, whether you prefer long links of beads, space–age metal collars, acrylic danglers or oversized designer logos. With this kind of jewelry, your visage is perfectly defined, as these massive ear adornments and wide neck chains form artistic face frames for your Instagram–perfect moments. Seen at Marni, Chanel, Stella McCartney, Delpozo, Alexander McQueen