Credit: Charles Dennington, Zimmermann
3 min read
We’ve reached that time of the season when we all need some fresh style inspiration, so what better place to look than the most recent womenswear shows. Stylist’s fashion director, Lucy Reber, picks her top three trends from Resort 25.
There is something so refreshing about the Resort shows. Unlike the huge shift from spring/summer to autumn/winter, we don’t look to the Resort shows to cement our style direction for the season; rather, they are a perfect mini update in between. There’s less pressure, and designers seem to absorb this vibe too, often making Resort collections more wearable than their main collections.
Kitty McGee, Stylist’s executive fashion and beauty director, is a big Resort fan. “I love summer dressing, with light layers and the heady sense of freedom warm weather brings. There is always a sense of lightness and fun in Resort that I find myself including in my day-to-day wardrobe.” This is precisely why the Resort shows are the perfect place to garner some of-the-moment style updates that will not only work now, but also through to next summer.
While many designers give a simple presentation for Resort, this season has been especially exciting. Sabato De Sarno had Gucci showing in London for the first time since 2016 and its show at Tate Modern attracted high-profile attendees including Paul Mescal, Dua Lipa and Andrew Scott. But despite the starry guest list and illustrious location, the clothes being shown were pleasingly wearable. Wide-leg jeans, flat shoes and outsized shopping bags all featured heavily.
Over at Valentino, there’s been a big shift following the arrival of Alessandro Michele at the brand. Just two months after being appointed creative director, this week he released his first resort collection: a staggering 171 ready-to-wear looks. And while the collection may have been epic, its delivery, via an impromptu Zoom call to a few editors, was low-key.
Maria Grazia Chiuri embraced drama at Dior, staging her Resort show at Drummond Castle in Scotland. The clothes were infused with a romantic punk sensibility, but while the shapes leaned to theatricality, fabrics were traditional – practical cashmere and tweeds that she collaborated with local artisans on. Crucially, many looks were styled with chic black wellies, and the boot is certain to be a sartorial must at next week’s Glastonbury.
So, I’ve scoured these shows and all the Resort presentations to bring you three failsafe trends that will work now and well into next summer. Wellies optional.
Leopard looks
The leopard print revival has been bubbling along for the past few seasons. The difference now? I’m actually ready to wear it again. Something about this fun print just screams summer, but it’ll work well through autumn and winter too. Valentino’s neat leopard dress – pictured here – is the perfect solution for summer in the city dressing, worn with flat leather sandals. Meanwhile, Sportmax’s blown-up print silk shirt dress makes us dream of post-beach sundowners in the best possible way.
Giant totes
Name a more crucial summer item than a huge tote bag. The perfect piece for toting around picnic or beach supplies, it really is a must-have as we embark on holiday season. Designers showed some pleasing pairings, with outsized totes being worn with a more petit bag friend, as seen here in bold check at Stella McCartney. Gucci’s mesh totes were particularly pleasing in burgundy, pale blue and khaki green – all paired with a corresponding leather handbag. Buy now and enjoy forever.
Relaxed denim
With studded workwear style sets at Dior, chic skorts at Victoria Beckham and wide-leg jeans simply everywhere from Coperni to Cavalli, relaxed denim pieces were in no short supply for Resort. The classic workwear fabric added a relaxed edge to more feminine styles, such as this frilled boho blouse at Zimmermann. If you don’t already own a wide-leg style, it’s time to invest. They’ll look great styled with a simple white T-shirt and ballet flats now, and with boots and a high-necked knit come autumn.
Images: Charles Dennington for Zimmermann; courtesy of brands
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