When it comes to fashion trends, the coming months are all about neon pink, bold blues, bright tie-dye prints, sequins, ruffles, cut-out shapes, block heels and - we're sorry to say - low-slung waists.
Speaking with Fashion Director Shelly Corkery following her virtual Brown Thomas Spring/Summer 22 show, the up coming seasons are all about celebrating the easing of restrictions and enhancing the nation's 'euphoric' mood.
Shelly Corkery talked us through the biggest trends that BT had on offer and what accessories she thinks we should be investing in this coming season.
Drop it low
We're sorry to say that, according to Shelly, the early 2000s are back with a bang.
From shows like Euphoria and the latest looks from Julia Fox, we knew the barely-there waistlines were coming, but the news hits hard all the same.
According to the fashion director, nineties and noughties nostalgia is here to stay, with designers dropping the waistlines on their miniskirt and trousers, and creating some eye-catching, hip-sitting embellished minis.
"One of the trends is 'drop it low' and it's very much a nod to the early 2000s and late 90s," Shelly explains. "That's going to be a younger, millennium sort of trend and I think waistlines are dropping. Chop it down and chop it up. It's the way forward."
"Dolce showed a lot of that cargo, that big wide legged denim or cargo canvas, but really low-cut - literally down to the hip. A very big wide leg as opposed to a mini-skirt - that was also quite strong."
Noting how cyclical fashion can be, Corkery says it's a good reminder that, when it comes to investing in good pieces, it's important to "keep it if you can".
Trends always have a way of coming back around - whether we like it or not.
Colour Me Happy & Twilight Tropics
Explosive colour, euphoric prints and vibrant dyes are all set to be hugely popular for SS22 as we celebrate a Spring and Summer of eased restrictions.
Vibrant tones were seen across all the collections so get ready to embrace a lot of colour in your wardrobe this summer. Zesty lime, cut-out shapes, modern tailoring in vivid pink, bold tones of pink and blue, and mini dresses in pops of colours were all noteworthy features.
To add even more sparkle to your year, designers have been embracing all things sparkly and risqué with sequines and ruffles, daring embellished tops, and flared trousers paired with bralettes.
The Euphoria effect is going nowhere, it seems.
"It's so optimistic," Shelly explains. "It's coming out of the pandemic and it's such an elevation to see so much colour. It's like an explosion; so bright, so colourful. I think it's very feminine and very cool."
Accessories
When it comes to shoes, block heels and platforms are taking over. Arriving on shelves in bright pops of colours and eye-catching prints, it seems that they are the undeniable look of the season.
"Block heels and platforms. We saw a huge amount of platforms form Versace, Valentino - platforms are huge and the block heel is just a lower version of it really. Either or, but the platform was very strong."
"Boots, obviously, were still quite strong and kitten heels are also there. Coming out of Prada, that little wedge heel was quite strong - the half wedge with the pointed toe."
When it comes to handbags, Corkery says that cross-body, camera and tote bags reign supreme as long as they're beautifully bright.
"Neons is a big thing in accessories. Lots of neon highlights. Bright green in Bottega, bright pink in JW Anderson, Marc Jacobs had a huge focus on yellows, pinks, greens and blues."
Psychedelics Summer & Retro Resort
Hyper prints in vibrant colours, tie-dye looks in energetic pinks and blues, sharp tailoring in vivid greens and yellows are all set to be seen at big occasions this coming season.
Playful prints and pretty florals were seen across the collections, adding exquisite holiday chic to our summer wardrobes. According to Shelly, floral embroidery, beautiful fabrics and bohemian colours are staples of this trend.
"I think the shorter skirts are one of the key messages of this season. All that Dior jacket and skirt, the shorter skirt length, and cleaner than the past - more 60s. That's a great trend done in a colourful way. I think it will be very well received."
Tails & Trains
Forget about making an entrance, this summer is all about making a memorable exit! A number of designers have added trailing trains to their skirts, shirts and knitwear this season. Elegant minimalist capes and vibrant pleated capes also appeared on the runway.
"I'm loving the trails and the trains. There's beautiful Prada with short skirts in the front and a tail in the back - it's a very couture sort of feeling but worn with a piece of knitwear. I thought that was a great contrast."
Modern Occasion & Skirt Sets
When it comes to occasion wear, this season is all about finding the balance between masculine and feminine vibes. Think about romantic dresses with feminine silhouettes and lots of ruffles styled with a masculine edge.
You could wear a mini skirt with soft tones and lots of embellishment paired with a cotton shirt or tailored jacket.
According to Shelly, designers are femininising their jackets into more a more wearable silhouettes and using lots of bright colours.
"I love all that - the big over-sized, masculine tailored suit. Over-sized jackets and wide legged, baggy trousers are really strong."
Deconstructed Craft
Kaftans and lace dressed are set to bring a free-spirited vibe to your Spring/Summer. According to Shelly, sustainable fabrics with responsible ethical sourcing are becoming more central to a number of designers.
"It's all to do with the lace. Chloé is working on their fabrics and focusing in on the sustainability. Crochet, macrame - those sorts of materials really emphasise the sustainability of the brand which is core to a lot of brands right now.
"Crochet, knitwear, beading, strings and lace are all very strong."
