Style Hawker: Fall 2016 Catwalk Trends to Try in the Tropics

The Style Hawker – international celebrity stylist Annabel Kerman – covers trends from the Fall16 catwalks to try in the tropics (and those that just aren’t going to happen)…

Singapore seasons have a habit of blending into one another; the perma summer that we live in means outfits stay in our wardrobes for an indecent period without being delegated to the fashion scrap heap.

All the more reason to cling on to the artificial ‘seasons’ of the fashion calendar, we might think. It might be sweltering but if fashion says it’s time for a wardrobe restock, who are we to argue? The problem arises when the stores start filling up with fall’s cold weather-ready collections. Suddenly as much as we want to stay current, a sundress picked up on a weekend in Bali starts feeling way more appropriate.

So what’s a fashionista to do? One option is to ignore our balmy temperatures, don an on-trend parka, and spend the next 6 months at the cinema (officially the coldest place in Singapore). For the rest of us it’s a case of sifting through the fall trends and pulling out key themes that can work in our endless summer. Here are our picks:

1. Metallics

From pleated skirts to wide leg trousers and sparkly slips, metallics are a recurring theme for fall.  An easy tick on this side of the world, where bare flesh and sparkle reads as less Christmas party, and more resort wear.

2. Bright colour block

Fall’s colour palette often feels a bit reserved for the tropics, so it was more than a little exciting to see acid block colourways in pink, lilac and canary yellow on the catwalks. Lighten up on the layering and you’ll be spot on.

3. Animal print

A seasonal perennial, animal print continues its reign, along with quirky cat motif detailing. An iconic leopard coat might be beyond our capabilities but an on-point print will keep us current.

4. Wide Leg Trousers

The slouchy trouser as beloved by Katherine Hepburn is officially big news, and a surprise win for sunny climes: loose enough to feel cool, and relaxed enough to suit a hot weather vibe.

5. Winter Florals

A trend that’s made for a tropical take on Autumn-Winter; try a 1970’s loose maxi dress (tick) or a seasonal ruffled and quirkily cut number (tick tick). Either way they fit right in.

And the trends that we covet. From a distance…

1. The Coat

The luxe mac, the military overcoat, the shearling, and the puffa are all huge news.  But when did you last wear a coat in Singapore? Get over it or book a European vacation.

2. Knitwear

Knitwear is a perennial autumn winter staple and this season the jumper is key, from the fine turtleneck under dress to the chunky knit over the top. Nice. But in 35 degrees? Just no.

3. Coloured Fur

A less suitable trend is unlikely to be found for those of us functioning in off the scale humidity. Stick to a furry accessory if the craving gets too much. (The fur bag is the current objet du jour)

4. Velvet

Velvet was all over the catwalks and everything from velvet tracksuits to jumpers are officially ‘hot’ this season. Unfortunately for us literally as well as figuratively.

Finally…

To give us even more of a hand in deciphering the new season’s trends Marina Bay Sands is hosting its Front Row event throughout September, with virtual shopping journeys, private styling events, and luxury shopping privileges, running alongside the international fashion weeks in New York, London, Milan and Paris. So there’s really no excuse to let Fall16 pass you by. Whatever the weather…