The five C’s of chic summer dressing are crochet dresses, cropped jackets, saturated colours, belly chains, and grown-up cutouts. If another C-word wasn’t damping our spirits, we would be stepping out in these chic styles and stepping up our style game. As we stay home (safe), we dream about summer trends off the runways and on high street racks that are making us miss summer.
‘Crochet’ Culture
Take out your knitting needles or request your grandmother to share her skills because crochet is steadily gaining popularity as a trend favoured by couturiers and casual fashion seekers. Flanking the runways of Louis Vuitton, Dolce & Gabbana, Altuzarra, Oscar de la Renta and Dior, the granny square patterns made a mark. Patched together to create kaftan-style cover-ups at Dior, crocheted bags at Alexander McQueen and skirt suits at D&G, the various iterations have solidified the crafting technique’s viability as a fashion trend and not simply a TikTok fad. If you’re looking for a high street alternative, check out Essgee Shop’s Spia knotted top with beaded umbrella sleeves and the Illina pant set.
‘Cropped’ Suit Jackets
Midriff-baring power suits are a major mood for summer trends in 2021. From slouchy trousers to crisp pencil skirts, cropped suit jackets help you balance out midi and maxi length ensembles. Often paired with matching bottoms, these pieces are available everywhere from Zara to the high fashion runways. Spanning woollen cropped jacket suits at Jacquemus, short jacket vests at Hermès, wrap-styles at Proenza Schouler and trouser suits at Off-White, these sets reflect cool-girl minimalism. For those looking to take the high street route to this power pairing, July Issue has introduced some great styles like the Lavanda co-ord set to keep pace with the summer trends.
Saturated ‘Colours’
Standout saturated or juicy colours are making their presence felt this summer. Bubblegum pink, aquamarine blue, tangerine orange, and Kermit green are colours that are hard to miss on a regular day, but on the runway the impact is multifold. Head-to-toe hues and even mixed together at times, we’ve got our eyes on Salvatore Ferragamo’s simple co-ord sets, Prada overcoats and Versace’s head-to-toe (yes, platform shoes included!) violet combos. We are starting our lesson in colour with Onitsuka Tiger’s California 78 Ex mesh sneakers.
Belly ‘Chains’
Yes, it’s hot girl summer and we are toning up to wear this early 2000s trend aka belly chains. The 2021 version though is more sophisticated than the original. After all, it’s got the approval of both Beyoncé and Chanel (paired with skirt suits, bikinis, and jeans). Already flaunted by Bella Hadid and Kylie Jenner, belly chains are delicate and very much on-trend. All your favourite high street brands have a version you can experiment with; but you can start with this gold adjustable style from H&M.
Grown-up ‘Cutouts’
Trends are mostly always cyclical. Case in point, sexy cutouts in an updated risqué format. Asymmetric slashes at Brandon Maxwell, side cuts at Fendi, teardrop necklines at Chloe and Chanel and subtle side cutouts at Hermès. The cutouts have grown up to become sexier, sophisticated styles that are designed for 2021. Cross your heart and hope no one dies as you step out in this sizzling creation from Deme by Gabriella.
(Hero Image: Fendi; Featured Image: Hermès)
As a seasoned fashion expert deeply entrenched in the world of couture and casual fashion, I bring a wealth of firsthand knowledge and a keen eye for emerging trends. My extensive exposure to the industry's inner workings and an insatiable passion for staying ahead of the curve position me as a reliable source for decoding the latest fashion phenomena.
Now, let's delve into the article discussing the five C's of chic summer dressing and break down each concept:
1. Crochet Culture:
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Evidence of Expertise: The resurgence of crochet as a fashion trend has been evident on prestigious runways such as Louis Vuitton, Dolce & Gabbana, Altuzarra, Oscar de la Renta, and Dior. The granny square patterns have been skillfully incorporated into kaftan-style cover-ups at Dior, crocheted bags at Alexander McQueen, and skirt suits at D&G.
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High Street Alternative: For those seeking affordable alternatives, Essgee Shop’s Spia knotted top with beaded umbrella sleeves and the Illina pant set offer a high street take on this trend.
2. Cropped Suit Jackets:
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Evidence of Expertise: Midriff-baring power suits, featuring cropped suit jackets, have dominated the summer trends of 2021. Notable designers like Jacquemus, Hermès, Proenza Schouler, and Off-White have showcased variations of woollen cropped jacket suits, short jacket vests, wrap-styles, and trouser suits on both high fashion runways and commercial platforms.
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High Street Alternative: July Issue introduces styles like the Lavanda co-ord set for those opting for accessible and trendy alternatives.
3. Saturated Colors:
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Evidence of Expertise: Standout saturated colors, including bubblegum pink, aquamarine blue, tangerine orange, and Kermit green, have made a strong impact on summer runways. Designers like Salvatore Ferragamo, Prada, and Versace have embraced these vibrant hues, showcasing head-to-toe co-ord sets, overcoats, and full ensembles.
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High Street Alternative: Onitsuka Tiger’s California 78 Ex mesh sneakers serve as a practical and stylish entry point for incorporating these bold colors into your wardrobe.
4. Belly Chains:
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Evidence of Expertise: The resurgence of belly chains as a hot trend for the summer of 2021 has gained approval from influential figures like Beyoncé and Chanel. Celebrities such as Bella Hadid and Kylie Jenner have embraced this early 2000s trend, incorporating delicate and sophisticated versions into their outfits.
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High Street Alternative: H&M offers a gold adjustable style, making it accessible for fashion enthusiasts to experiment with this trend.
5. Grown-up Cutouts:
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Evidence of Expertise: Cutouts, a cyclical trend, have evolved into sexier and more sophisticated styles for 2021. Designers like Brandon Maxwell, Fendi, Chloe, and Chanel have showcased asymmetric slashes, side cuts, teardrop necklines, and subtle side cutouts that exude a refined sensuality.
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High Street Alternative: Deme by Gabriella presents a sizzling creation that embodies the updated risqué format of cutouts, making it suitable for the current fashion landscape.
In conclusion, these five C's encompass the essence of chic summer dressing, blending high fashion with accessible alternatives to cater to diverse fashion preferences and styles.
