London Fashion Week, which took place in February, may already be looking forward to Autumn/Winter but us normal people are far more concerned with what we’re going to be wearing over the coming Spring and Summer. We’ve all got our fingers crossed that the Weather Pixies bless us with glorious sunshine so we can throw ourselves into Spring fashion and finally shed a layer of knitwear. So which trends should we bother to spend our hard earned cash on, and what shapewear should we think about pairing them with?
1. Lovely Lace
The Spring/Summer catwalks were strong in craft chic; so crochet, fringing and lace. This sheer look is a perennial favourite, and complements designers’ continued obsession with layering. You can wear it in a crafty bohemian way, or with a more refined translucent aesthetic. It’s a great way to contrast colour, so team a vibrant lower layer with a more muted lace finish. All this talk of transparency of course means giving consideration to your silhouette and how this may appear. So make your lacey outfit look spectacular with a plus size corset that ensures clean lines and a flawless profile.
2. Shapely Shorts
Last year’s cycling short trend has been softened for Spring. The variety of shorts being taken up by high street stores is wide and all encompassing. So tight fit lycra is still around, but so are more tailored smart shorts. Sporty runner shorts contrast with knee-length slouchy numbers. So depending on your preference (and the weather!) you can pick and choose where you want your shorts to take you. Try not to be lulled into assuming that tighter fitting shorts will play the role of shapewear, though. Wave goodbye to any fear of muffin top or bumpy legs by pairing your shorts with either shaping shorts layered underneath (watch that the lengths of these complement each other), or a medium support control brief.
3. Unique Utility
The more severe utilitarian look from the Spring/Summer catwalks has softened as it’s reached the high street. Boiler suits and jumpsuits are very much here for the season and with a more utilitarian edge than in recent years. So the playsuit has become functional and less whimsical – although we’re not going as far as a military look. We’re talking zips and pockets and a more tailored feel. The structure of the boiler suit naturally draws attention to the waist. So to wear yours with confidence, look at pairing it with a waist cinching panty girdle.
4. Sharp Silhouettes
The tailored look means more than just suits this season. Pleated skirts, wide leg trousers, sharp blazer jackets and trench coats for those unexpected Spring showers! The thing to look out for here is colour and fabric. Choose your tailored pieces in vibrant tones and luxurious satins. The key to this season’s tailored look is in pairing these pieces with leotard tops or bodysuits. The idea is to create a fuss-free, streamlined silhouette. So make sure that you’ve got your control briefs ready to support those tailored waistlines.
5. Perky Prints
Florals? Check. Animal? Check. Geometric? Check. Abstract? Why not! Any and every print will see you right on trend this Spring. In fact, go ahead and contrast them to really get the look. From shirts to skirts to dresses to swimwear, go as bold as you dare. Sometimes it takes a little extra confidence to carry off a vibrant print, especially if you’re not on holiday! So invest in a high support shaping girdle to ensure that your flowing prints hang uninterrupted from curves that you intend to be there.
There are such a variety of looks out there this season, from sharp lines to crafty softness. So whatever your mood, you can choose a look to match. One thing remains constant, and that is the confidence that your foundation layer of shapewear offers to you. Now, let’s just hope for the same level of consistency in the weather…!
