SS16 Must have belts and eyewear

It’s been a while since I posted on Accessories like belts or eyewear on this blog and as my recent trend reports were treated quite favourably, here is another trend report, based on the WGSN SS16 forecast on “SS16 Must have belts and eyewear” and how you can wear them.

With warmer approaching, (rather hot weather here, I should say) the focus of the fashion world shifts to accessories to keep one’s look stylish and up to date. This year, the approach of fashion brands will be to create Belts, scarves, hats and eyewear as true accessories to seasonal ensembles, rather than standalone statement pieces. The overall look will be classic with subtle shape changes or embellishments. Stylish accessories will no longer be the prerogative of a privileged few, but will be economic and widely available owing to either mass production or mass customisation. Let me offer more clarity on the individual categories.

SS16 Must have belts

1. Big & Bold – Forecasters claim that Wider waist belt designs with structured unfussy buckles will be the most popular choice for designers this season.
2. Feminine fantasy –  On taking a closer  as the runway shows we also find that the look becomes more feminine with extended leather bands or fabric bands wrapped and tied around the waist to draw in diaphanous, feminine looks or to add shape to layered outerwear. Fabric-bow and Obi-style wide belts offer a softer alternative to structured leather versions.
3. Sport Luxe – The elasticated retro sports belt emerges as an original item that perfectly embodies the Sport Luxe theme
4. Chain belts and dangles – The chain belt emerges as a key item, with rhinestone or crystal focals and dangling tassles tying in accessories as jewelry trend.
5. Materials & Finishes – Matt finishes for buckles are an addition along with plastic or leather covered buckles.

My picks

Belts trends this season are a bit disappointing for me as they are meant to flatter women who are thin, petite or/and have tiny waistlines. The broad belts are also partial to women who have a cylindrical or hourglass body types – but only when they are thin. So my question here is “What about all the average sized women out there, and what about large or plus sizes? Shouldn’t we all get to wear the latest trends too? Being a medium cylinder (with regard to my body type), my personal pick from this trend list, starts and ends with the materials. I like the idea of clean styles, matt finish buckles and could be persuaded to try out acrylic buckles too. From a purely business (professional) standpoint  the charm belts are my favourite as it provides a lot of scope for a designer to experiment. 
So what are your picks, my dear ladies?

 

 SS16 Must have Eyewear

1. Round or Square – go Bold – Squared face frames and Round silhouettes return in force, in both minimalist, refined silhouettes and more flamboyant oversized profiles bringing back the vintage appeal
2. Feminine fantasy –  Classic feminine cat’s-eye frames evolve to create more exaggerated angular styles that add a good dose of playfulness to the bold look.
3. Sport Luxe – Classic aviators return along with shield-style sunglasses offering the Sport Luxe look. While a number of designers were seen pushing the sports inspiration with Classic wire frame construction and subtly tinted lenses, it can also be expressed by using statement powder-coated frames and experimenting with cutout lenses.
4. Embellishment – Gems and floral motifs adorn toplines and emphasise winged cat’s-eye profiles. Cluster application is key, creating a 3D embellishment look in multicolour and tonal matched colours.
5.  Materials: Along with a bold use of colour there is a rising new importance for synthetic materials; plastic is no longer longer considered cheap

My eyewear picks

When it comes to buying eyewear we must always consider three things- your face shape (your glasses shape must suit your face shape), the coverage you require ( just your eyes or browline or upper cheeks as well) and finally your budget. Only then comes your style factor. Whether you like vintage, sports, modern or feminine shape, this season’s key eyewear items are driven by a real sense of playful statement looks.
My personal favourites from this season‘s trends are the classic aviators and the browline glasses. Having lived in a hot and humid country all my life, I always tend to pick up glasses that cover my brow to shield my eyes from the blinding sun light, so the browline shades are perfect for me. Ofcourse Aviators are classic and you can never go wrong with them. The embellished glass also seem fun provided you have an ocassion to wear them to, so that is a no from me. Plastic frames in powdery finish with glass tints like blue gray and purple gray picks are my – what are your favourites?
 
WGSN is a subscription based forecast service that discusses fashion, textiles, lifestyle and interiors. Find WGSN trend reports on accessories and jewelry here.  

I hope you found it interesting
 Cheers