At Least Fashion Says the Future Looks Bright

It’s fair to say that the world is a bit gloomy and doomy right now (politics, the weather), though who knows … perhaps between filing this story and its publication, everything will have turned from topsy-turvy to right-way-up again. So thank goodness for fashion, which is at least attempting to cheer things up for Spring/Summer 2017 with bright hues, floral prints, disco-inspired looks and flirty little kitten heels. —Aileen Lalor

colour pop. Springtime always brings colour but, this time, the focus is on uplifting yellow and fuchsia, which were seen at top brands like Chloe, Bottega Veneta, Valentino and Celine. Most brands showed entire ensembles in bright daffodil or pink—fabulous and bold but intimidating for many women and, perhaps, not fitting for our sometimes sun-deprived scenery. Instead of doing colour top to toe, add accents: a yellow bag or accessory, or white pants with a cerise print, paired with a simple white tee.

flower power. Karl Lagerfeld once said, “Florals are for middle-aged women with weight problems.” We beg to differ. This season they are everywhere, in every form, from ’70s-style blossoms at Michael Kors Collection and Stella McCartney to oversized sunflowers (in yellow, natch) at Dolce & Gabbana. We’ve completely fallen in love with Balenciaga’s floaty, kaftan-esque green dress.

disco fever. Everything got a bit Studio 54 at chez Balenciaga, Saint Laurent and Kenzo: The former did spandex, while the latter two did lamé and sequins respectively. Chanel kept things subtler, with silvery threads running through classic tweed suits.

what’s new, pussycat? Loewe, Dior and every fashion insider’s favourite label Vetements went gaga for kitten heels—something designers try to bring back every few seasons, with minimal success because of their dowdy reputation. What’s good about them? They’re fun and flirty, comfier than skyscraper heels, dressier than flats and daintier than flatforms or platforms. We like them with midi-length skirts or cropped pants.

jump to it. Boilersuits are the exact opposite of this joie de vivre theme: a bit 1984, a bit Brave New World, in step with with the world’s all-round sombre mood. Hermès did it best with its ’80s-influenced number.

best of the high street. As always, the major high-street stores produced their collections with one eye on the runways, so there are plenty of brights, florals and metallics to choose from. We have our eye on Banana Republic’s Fit and Flare Sweater Dress in Lemon Drop ($170), which has a really flattering shape and a not-too-intimidating colour that would look great against a (fake) tan. Express’ Long Sleeve Chevron Stripe Skort Romper ($80) has the ’70s style, á la Michael Kors, and can be worn with over-knee boots in the spring and boho-style sandals in the summer. And Topshop’s Metallic Jersey Skirt ($70) carries through one of our favourite winter trends (more pleats please!) but freshens it up in gold.

the loveliest makeup launch for spring. The whole of Lancôme’s spring collection, Absolutely Rose, is stunning. It’s pink, Paris-inspired, and so, so pretty. The standout is La Rose a Poudrer, a highlighting powder made to look like an IRL rose. It comes inside a jewel case and is brushed on to the forehead, nose bridge, cheekbones, chin and decollete—any areas where the light would naturally hit. Though honestly, we don’t think many people will use this at all: it’s far too beautiful to waste on your face.