From pastels and prints to bright pink: 13 fashion trends for 2020

As the fashion cycle rolls forward another year, we look at what's likely to be hanging in our wardrobes this year

Psychedelic prints at Louis Vuitton

Bright pink at Erdem

Macro bags at Stella McCartney

Pastels at Chloe

Wide-legged trousers at Emilia Wickstead

Crochet at Christian Dior

Frills at Valentino

Hats at Jacquemus

Tangerine at Versace

Structured shoulders at Balenciaga

Leather at Hermes

Shorts at Chanel

Matching waistcoats at Dolce & Gabbana

The never-ending merry-­go-round that is fashion is exactly that, never ending, so even though we are changing decades, do not be surprised to see some current ideas stick around and some old ones resurface. Tried-and-tested trends such as suiting and oversized frills are here to stay it seems, now updated to included waistcoats and ruffles.

Meanwhile, vintage ideas will be getting a revamp, such as revolution-era 1960s psychedelic print, now plastered over outfits like wallpaper. Elsewhere, expect to dial things down courtesy of pretty pastels, or ramp it up with in-your-face tangerine and magenta (although not together – yet).

The city short is back once again, now in slick leather or textured tweeds, worn any length, while a homespun touch comes courtesy of crochet and fringing. It's a mixed bag for sure, but with so much on offer, there is definitely something for everyone.

Psychedelic prints

Although it feels like we have only just left it, the 1960s is back in vogue, this time in the form of garish psychedelic prints. A natural evolution from the big and bold patterns we have been wearing for the past two years, now things have a more vintage feel, with retro colour combinations and hippie-era swirls. Setting the tone are Louis Vuitton, Fendi and Marc Jacobs.

Bright pink

There is nothing reticent about the shade of pink that is set to be huge for 2020. A brash, blue-tinged magenta, this is about being noticed and making a statement, and luckily works well on light as well as darker skin tones. Marni shows us how it is done, as do Erdem and Christian Siriano.

Go macro

The micro bag was a bit of a breakout star the last year; however, it seems like its moment in the spotlight may be over. Cute it may be, but the sheer impracticality of a bag the size of a lipstick is being overtaken by something more useful. Say hello to the macro, a bag so big you could sleep in it. Courtesy of Bottega Veneta, Off-White and Stella McCartney.

Pastels

Pretty tones worn head to toe are set to be a big thing this year. Whether buttermilk, baby pink or pale yellow – and as seen at Chloe, Kenzo and Paul Smith – this is about taking a gentle approach to dressing. Relaxed and feminine, pastels are an indulgence in the softer things in life.

Wide-legged pants

Could this finally mark the end of skinny jeans? According to Emilia Wickstead and others, 2020 is the year we can all relax and embrace the super-wide-legged trouser. Whether with kickflare hems or fluid wrap-around-your-legs-as-you-walk girth, call them baggy, call them utilitarian, but definitely call them comfortable. Look for Salvatore Ferragamo and Andreas Kronthaler for Vivienne Westwood.

Crochet

Perhaps as a response to concerns about the environment, fashion is embracing a more homespun vibe. Think crochet, knitting and even tie-dye, as touches of the home-made seep into our wardrobes, as seen at Christian Dior and Kate Spade. For those who like something a bit stronger, Marni's crocheted spider's-web dress – over an acidic yellow – is brash, confrontational and perfect for climate crisis protests.

Big frills

Don’t ditch your frilled dresses just yet, as this style is set to continue on through 2020. This time around, though, it has a bolder, more graphic feel, with frills often veering towards architecture. Valentino changes the silhouette with lilac ruffles, as does Simone Rocha, draping the figure almost head to toe. Miu Miu, in contrast, offers something softer by way of 1960s pinafore-style dresses, softened with a rippling frill from one hip.

Hats

Hats became hot property when Jacquemus sent its oversized Le Souq sun hat down the runway for autumn 2018, and it seems there is plenty of mileage left, as it has brought out a new version for the new year. Lanvin too has given us a large fold brim hat, while Saint Laurent keeps it retro with 1970s turbans.

Tangerine dream

Colour-wise, start stocking up on tangerine as it just shouts summertime, making it perfect for the holiday life we lead in the UAE. More forgiving than this autumn's yellow, tangerine, with its glowing, happy feels works particularly well on darker and olive skin tones. Seen at Versace, Oscar de la Renta and Prada.

Power shoulder

With more suiting to follow next year, structured shoulders are still something to flaunt. Balenciaga is at the vanguard with its geometry set-square proportions, with Isabel Marant not far behind with a 1980s shape. Christopher Kane goes for tailored shoulders that are a little softer but no less exaggerated.

Head-to-toe leather

Not exactly a trend for vegans, but there is no getting around the fact head-to-toe leather will be big news next year. Thankfully for this region, this is about the co-ordinating separates, allowing some welcome aeration. Best seen at Givenchy, Coach 1941 and Hermes.

Short shorts

This is another trend that has been lingering, as Chanel, Brandon Maxwell and the UAE's own Kristina Fidelskaya bring leg-baring shorts back. The key to this look is length, not cut, so feel free to choose city shorts, denim cut-offs or even glossy leather. Keep it fresh with a ­longer jacket or even tights, as
at Chanel.

Waistcoats

There is something of the inevitable about all this, given all the masculine suiting that we have been wearing for so long. We have had the single-breasted jacket and the double-breasted suit, so the next logical step was always going to be the matching waistcoat. Take a look at Dolce and Gabbana, Max Mara and Celine.