The great thing about fashion is it always looks forward. – Oscar de la Renta

A new year is here and the sales seem to be dwindling into thin air already. Interesting finds for a bargain price are growing more and more scarce as the Januarys go by. Is it just me or are the sales now better before Christmas? Unenthusiastic about the sales rails, I find myself anticipating the new season akin to seeking out the first signs of Spring. As is known, fashion is completely impatient when it comes to revealing the following season’s buds of exciting new trends – about nine months impatient to be precise. This is one of the reasons I love fashion – you’re never left waiting for more! As it happens, the transitional period between seasons can be the most fashionable. It forces you to combine, collaborate and layer aspects of your wardrobe, teaming together different trends, prints and textures. Basics are an absolute must for this time of year as they provide the base needed to keep you looking stylish when fashion direction is limited. A few SS 14 trends have been noted from the catwalks, ready to fully flourish in the Summer months, however you can still use them to inspire you now to add some energy to your mid-winter wardrobes. No time is too early! Here’s a quick round-up of some of the main trends for SS 14…

LOGO/SLOGAN TEE

Marc Jacobs brought back Louis Vuitton’s iconic font, Ashish was inspired by Coca Cola and fashion icons have already been papped in Alexander Wang’s Explicit Content logo tees. SS 14 introduces branding into the trend list. 

NOT SO DITSY FLORALS

An adaptation to the statement Spring/Summer floral – these florals are less ‘pretty’ more ‘practical’. Christopher Kane’s science book flowers add a modern touch (below, centre). Fiery reds and marine greens are used on florals for SS 14, pushing aside the usual girly shades. 

GINGHAM

A development from AW 13’s plaid trend, gingham takes to the catwalk for SS 14. As plaid was this Autumn, gingham is bold for the Summer – colour blocking your gingham seems to be the thing to do, styled perfectly at House of Holland (below, far right).

MULTI DENIM

Differing textures of denim are noted for SS 14 – it’s a controversial one but teamed with navy and white basics, it can be successful. Balmain spruces up denim for Summer with amazing patchwork jackets embellished with gold chains (below, bottom right). It’s the season to dress up your denim.

TRENCHCOATS

SS 14’s take on the trenchcoat is unique – whether the front is cut back, the silhouette is slouchy or the texture is all leather, make sure your trench has special character this Summer. 

PRIMARY COLOURS

Chanel’s SS 14 show was a shower of bold primary colours, juxtaposed against a white background (below, centre). Colour is a must for Summer so this is a welcomed trend. It seems that every concoction of colour goes this Summer so go for it!