Chasing the sun

Sandwiched right between winter and spring summer arrives the much sought-after cruise collection (also known as resort wear or holiday-wear collection). Initially, it served the purpose of providing trans-seasonal trends to wealthy travellers who preferred travelling during the colder months. Now it is a collection on its own, with designers showcasing their collections in and around the months of May and June every year at lavish holiday destinations, which comes into play right before summer. In its simplest form, cruise wear is both winter and summer appropriate, but doesn’t necessarily mean bikinis. It involves versatile fabrics like light knits, soft leather, matching separates, ruffles, prints in bright colours, lace and tousled hair in good measure.

Although whether you go on a vacation or not is secondary. Resort wear also means prints, but a lot more amplified than ever. Here are the key trends that are going to be massive this holiday season.

Exotic motifs
You can’t do resort without fresh tropical motifs — this, however, is not just restricted to flowers in full bloom. This year it’s all about palm fronds, hibiscus, birds and the most popular of them, the butterflies. These motifs were not just limited to dresses but spread all the way across chokers, brooches, bags and shoes. A bright printed scarf is a great way to begin with. Patches on denim also gained a massive fan following from designers and fashionistas alike. Gucci gave a fresh twist to motifs by sending their models down wearing cat motifs. The effect was feline at best. However, folklore-ish prints took centre stage. Feminine ruffled dresses with folklore inspired prints were everywhere, right from street style stars to the runway.

Sporty stripes
Stripes are to cruise what jackets are to winter — they’re inseparable. Nautical stripes have made way for sporty versions emphasizing on the sporty luxe trend that’s here to stay. Monochromatic stripes are quite passé for the season. Take cue from Miu Miu and Gucci and use all the colours of the spectrum generously, especially on knit sweaters and dresses. Balmain did an extremely luxe and crocheted version that screams cocktail glamour while Sonia Rykiel did dizzying stripes on structured silhouettes. If you like to step up your fashion game, then opt for a striped multi-colour pantsuit set and keep the accessories minimal. A solid coloured bag will help ground the look. For starters, throw on a striped jumper over crisp white pants for a sophisticated outcome.

Crazy crochet
From bikinis to capes, crochet was everywhere. Balmain seems to have exploited it the most by colour blocking crochet on crochet, while Moschino used candy coloured granny-squares to the brim. This time it’s a lot less white and bohemian, and a lot more sporty and luxe. It has woven itself into new and interesting patterns and unusual colour combinations. Easy to find in your granny’s closet, folklore crochet is a winning find and will keep you completely on trend. Add denim, suede and fringe to the mix and we have an undisputed victor. Other standout resort trends include polka dots, print mash-up and tweed separates. Wooden, tribal inspired accessories, fun badges and funky sunglasses make the cut and complete the look. Incorporate zesty colours and you wouldn’t help but book a vacation for yourself.