The Sunday News
Eye on fashion by Rutendo Chidawanyika
WHEN the latest trends hit the fashion weeks, we start diving into the most stylish solutions of the leading fashion designers just to breathe freely again that there will not be any lack of come-hither looks. Prints and patterns have been trending, plain-coloured clothes have become such a bore, so we wear prints to add more style and life to our looks. Come to think of it patterns and prints are always in fashion, they are just modified season after season.
This 2017 look out for the following prints especially if you plan on starting the year with a bang!
Stripes
The existence of stripes in fashion is undeniable whether it is warm or cold seasons and they appear not only on garments, but also on handbags, shoes and other accessories. In 2017 designers are bringing stripes of all different styles; vertical or horizontal, diagonal or broken, broad or classic pinstripes.
Plaids and Checked Patterns (scotch)
Take it as granted to see all kinds of plaids and checked patterns whenever winter fashion weeks kick-start, whether in vibrant or muted shades. They are able to work magic when it is to work out a serious businesswoman visage and equally functional when a laid-back playful image is on the agenda. Plaids and checks have never been as chic as throughout the winter 2016 fashion weeks both in terms of colours and sizes. It is making its way into 2017 as well.
Checks in 2017 will be painted in vibrant colours appearing on some form-fitting pantsuits with some nomadic vibes to them with sleeves rolled up in a cool manner, as well as loose-fitting wool coats that have plaids happily lodged in all muted shades possible. The divas will be spotted in plaids that are wrapped with strait-laced accents.
Polka Dots
Every woman owns at least three or more clothing items in polka dot print. We saw the leading fashion designers afresh falling for polka dots during 2016 fashion shows and infecting us with this addiction once more.
Watch out for those sharp strapless tailored, puffed skirts and those lovely polka dots spotted on red and black skirts. Black and white classic polka dots are taking a small chapter of the intimidating gothic show appearing on elongated silhouettes.
Polka dots will take shapes of many buttons, both realistic and printed, decorating a couple of blue silk pieces.
Florals
Floral prints mixed with other botanical motifs are to be deemed as the most common print type year in year out. This year was no different with florals all over the fashion scene.
Animal Skin Patterns
If there is one print type that never goes away, it is definitely animal skin prints taking over runway shows. Leopards, tigers, zebras and reptiles have lent their extravagant skins to many a fashion designer or at least the pattern ideas to non-animal-policy-followers and today we have another awe-inspiring print trend that is genuinely accordant with cold and windy days.
Geometry Wars
All those geometric figures and shapes are the best warrants to channel futuristic atmosphere and when it comes to 2017 trendy prints and patterns, the ruling fashion designers seem to have been given green light to do anything their creative minds contrive to do with triangular figures, diamonds, quadrates, pentagonal shapes, rounds, ovals, zigzags and goodness knows what else.
Optical Illusions
Concentric circles, spirals, paisleys, metaphysical and surrealistic images, pulsating designs and patterns painted in the most vibrant colours possible make the next 2017 print trends, ready to throw anyone into a trance.
Hounds tooth Patterns
Appearing on coats, dresses, jackets and sometimes even bags and shoes, houndstooth patterns also make their way onto the biggest 2017 print trends list. They look especially cool in winter, so no wonder many a designer capitalize on this pattern for winter.
Get your print on.
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