Seeing as the themes from our S/S 20 trend report point all signs to "wearability" over throwaway trends, it's important to think about how micro-trends fit into that mix. Micro-trends being those smaller, under-the-radar trends that don't necessarily make enough of an impact to change how everybody dresses. Micro-trends seem to pick up fewer followers, maybe those who feel a bit more ambitious to try something outside of their comfort zone without changing their entire style personality. They can also be so much fun to try because they more or less boil down to styling tricks and small additions to your wardrobe; they are super easy to try should you feel like it.
Taking a scroll through Instagram is the best place to start hunting for micro-trends, especially from those style stars who like to think outside the mainstream. So far we've seen some perfect micro-trends to take us from winter to spring, a new colour to try, a makeover of an "old-fashioned" accessory, and an another unexpected "dad" trend. Of course, we don't encourage you to try them all, unless you want to. But if you're craving a change-up, something fresh for a fresh year that you can easily integrate into your existing wardrobe, keep scrolling to discover the eight micro-trends we love and pick a few to try yourself.
1. QUILTING
We can always expect our favourite Scandi style stars to give us a micro-trend or two every season, and this season did not disappoint. From Stine Goya, Cecilie Bahnsen, Baum und Pferdgarten, and Ganni, so many cult Scandi brands have featured quilted pieces in their collections, and we expect to see lots more coming soon on the high street. Take a cue from Scandi influencers and wear quilted pieces with anything and everything.
KEY PIECES
2. EMBROIDERED KNITS
Cardigans made a delightful return in 2019, so it's no surprise to see an extension of that nostalgic knit love by way of embroidered knitwear. If you haven't inherited one from your grandma, this is a great trend to source secondhand.
KEY PIECES
3. PINSTRIPES
Tailoring and suits are a major part of the 2020 trend report, so pinstripes are a fun off-shoot of that. Of course, you don't need to commit to the full suit. Try instead to swap your jeans for a pair of oversized pinstripe trousers.
SHOP THE TREND
4. TURQUOISE
Greens of all shades were everywhere in 2019, and 2020 is set to be about blue according to Pantone, so it's no wonder we're seeing that in-between shade of turquoise a lot lately, especially after it featured heavily in Balenciaga's spring collection.
KEY PIECES
5. SUNDAY BRUNCH OUTFITS
Picture yourself waking up on a Sunday morning after a night of cocktails and dancing, and you remember you made 10 am brunch plans. You toss on the nearest sweatsuit, the coat from the night before and the handbag too and run out the door. This look is trending and we have to say we love it.
KEY PIECES
6. CASUAL STRANDS OF PEARLS
We can pretty much credit Harry Styles for this one. While pearls have been strongly popular for a while, it's specifically stying strands of pearls in a casual way that we expect to see a lot more of. Like with a T-shirt and jeans or with a sweatshirt and trainers.
KEY PIECES
7. HALF-ZIP KNITS
Sorry, dad! We took your sandals last year, and now it's time to steal your jumpers. We're always looking for a new way to keep cosy, so we're a fan of this rather classic look. Half-zip jumpers, as opposed to the classic quarter-zips, create a more exaggerated collar. Drama!
KEY PIECES
8. BIG RUFFLE COLLARS
Big ruffle collars are not going anywhere after gaining popularity last year. This spring, just let them be the star of the outfit with a pair of tailored shorts or pair of jeans. This is a great trend to look for vintage too.
KEY PIECES
Next up, see our guide to the key trends for S/S 20.
