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swap tie dye for...

casual florals

Yes, we know, florals are not exactly groundbreaking for spring. But this season, it’s time to once again say hello to blossoms because the classic print is going to be near ubiquitous. From Sindiso Khumalo’s charmingly old-fashioned application of the print on ruffled tea-dresses and Cynthia Rowley casually polished separates, to the tropical spirit of Valentino and gothic glamor of Nigeria’s Ilham Garba, the past season’s runways bloomed unbridled with flowering buds, offering a sense of carefree escapism and a mood-boosting panache. And though the botanical patterns employed by these designers are undoubtedly pretty, they’re also unmistakably powerful prints that commands attention with mesmerizing shapes and sumptuous color. So whether you’re for the brassy, ballsy florals in larger-than-life shapes or prefer a more dainty print, set aside 2020’s unofficial—and unexpected—comeback kid, tie-dye, and embrace the softening powers and unfettered femininity of the new blooms that’ll soon be sliding into your wardrobe.

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swap minimalist accents for...

oversized earrings

While there’s certainly nothing wrong with an inclination toward daintier embellishment, just know that slinky metal chains, sleeper hoop earrings, and their fine ilk are set to take a back seat this season in favor of over-the-top jewelry. Given the new “waist-up” nature our dressing has taken (thanks, Zoom!), it's little wonder that the swift doses of style that are oversized earrings are leading the pack. Fruché’s presentation at this year’s Arise Fashion Week saw models striding down the runway as toy cars dangled from their ears, while golden showstoppers of the highest order adorned the lobes of Thebe Magugu’s living mannequins. On the international stages, gleaming, oversized exercises in more-is-more also peppered many a collection, Ulla Johnson’s shoulder-touching gilded creations in particular causing a stir with their sculptural forms and embracing of unrestrained glamour. Versace and French fashion house Patou also pulled out the big guns for their SS‘21 showings, their head-turning golden ear adornments exuding an air of regality and luxury.

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swap oversize totes for...

the baguette-style shoulder bag

The Baguette-style over the shoulder bag is here to stay. A classic design that arguably owes much of it’s recent reinvigoration to the current 00’s revival and subsequent cultural omnipresence of the Prada Nylon Shoulder Bag, these miniature and, quite frankly, adorable purses are an enduring cultural icon. They’re also particularly practical and low-key, a throwback silhouette that hits that subtle sweet spot between functional and fashionable. Compact and featuring a strap that can be worn on one shoulder or held as a top-handle, this season saw designers delivering elevated updates of this minimalist must-have for the spring. At Céline’s SS‘21 showing, a pale pink, short strap version was carried down an outdoor runway, while Coach unveiled their own similarly sleek, wear-everywhere style rendered in a rich cognac brown. Nigeria’s Pepper Row and London’s Ashley Williams on the other hand put their own distinct spins on the style, revealing mini, heart-shaped shoulder bags that embody both brands’ fun-loving nature.

5

swap the statement jacket for...

the statement sleeve

The thawing of the winter chill isn't the only reason to retire your perfectly-tailored coat or oversized blazer for a while; the proliferation of the statement sleeve in designer’s SS‘21 collections also makes a strong case for going without a cover up, the bold style serving as a built-in accessory that’ll easily take the place of any fussy earring or necklace. At Balmain, strong, structured shoulders were the main attraction, the pointed, almost-futuristic shapes delivering a dose of the avant-garde. Meanwhile, the puff sleeve proved to remain a larger than life staple in the SS‘21 collections of Loewe, the label’s playful experimentation with volume serving as a poetic metaphor for women taking up space in the world. Sending a collection of elegant evening wear down the 2020 Arise Fashion Week runway, Nigerian label DNA by Iconic Vanity’s statement shoulders mirrored the Disney-villian-esque style of Balmain, and Rich Mnisi’s slightly quieter statement of subtle ruffles and volume imbue his latest collection with a sense of both romanticism and strength.