5 Spring Trends you MUST have in your Singapore wardrobe

The Style Hawker (fashion stylist Annabel Kerman) shares the top Spring trends to try – and you can buy them all without leaving your sofa from the newly launched Zara Online!

This March in Singapore is a perfect time for a wardrobe restock. The frenzy of Chinese New Year has passed, and the unnaturally ‘cool’ start to the year is starting to heat up: I’m calling it a season change. The catwalks and fashion’s influencers spoke way back in September about what we might be wearing come spring, but new ideas often need time to simmer: it’s never obvious which trends are going to stick, or which we will actually enjoy wearing. Fast-forward a few months however and it’s far easier to see which trends have appeal for ‘real life’.

This month is an even more suitable time for wardrobe maintenance as my all time go-to label Zara has just launched online in Singapore. I am too excited about this: Zara forms around half of my wardrobe, bridging the gap between the high street and high fashion like no other, plus the price points are amazing. Yes, Zara is my friend. Even better delivery is free over $79 plus free returns.

So make the most of the online launch and browse the latest collections (preferably in your pyjamas while watching Netflix). I’ve pinpointed five key trends the fashion set were working at the September shows that are currently flying on the high street. Remember, the keyword for the season is loose (read: cool). Singapore, these looks are for us.

1. Oversized Sleeves

The idea of blouson shirt sleeves hiding our hands, or extreme ruffles, seemed a bit niche back in September. But if you haven’t embraced the sleeve by March, it’s coming for you. The long sleeve has previously faced stumbling blocks in our balmy climate but a voluminous one is surprisingly airy. Make it pink and you’ll tick two boxes.

Find it: Frilled Sleeve Dress, Shirt with Back Tie

2. Deconstructed Denim

Denim has been going slowly off road for a few seasons now – the long-reigning skinny jean is finally losing it’s grip, which spells good news in plus-30 degrees. ‘Deconstructed’ is the word for this season: jeans are looser and cut above the ankle with flare and patch working, and skirts are asymmetric (another key trend) or raw hemmed. Cool in every sense.

Find it: Mid-Rise Jeans With Frill, Floral Embroidered Skirt

3. Detailed Shoes

Shoe trends for SS17 run from the spindly kitten heel to the platform to the flat, but the overriding push is that the low (or no) heel is where its at – just do it with pizzazz, with pom poms, fur, metallics and motifs. This is amazing news for Singapore, where ‘flip flop spread’ is an actual thing, and makes squeezing into stilettos unexpectedly traumatic.

Find it: Velvet Sandals With Pompoms, High Heel Slides With Pompoms

4. Embroidery and Floral Overlays

Embroidery, previously hovering on the twee side of the fashion spectrum has received a major overhaul for spring, thanks primarily to Gucci. Now expect to see floral appliqué or printing on everything from denim to gingham to the classic blue striped shirt, all of which are huge themes in their own right. There’s plenty of trend cross pollination this season.

Find it: Printed Tunic, Embroidered Gingham Top

5. Quirky Bags

Bags are small and perfectly formed for Summer (or they could also be very big – of course fashion is never simple). With everything from fur and fringing to pop motifs and kitschy shapes, the statement bag is a trend that has endured several seasons, so it’s worth adding to your wardrobe. But don’t try to coordinate it with your outfit. Those days are long gone.

Find it: Furry Handbag With Metallic Handles, Contrasting Pineapple Crossbody Bag

My other go to online trend sites:

1. asos.com The UK heavyweight, stocking hundreds of labels from high street to designer for men and women. Free delivery and returns.
2. shopbop.com The US designer online powerhouse. Free delivery over US$100.
3. zalora.sg  Asia’s fastest growing online store for men and women based in Singapore. Free delivery over $40 and free returns.
4. ruemadame.com  Parisian women’s style from French designer brands. Free delivery over US$100.
5. pomelofashion.com Korean designed fast fashion with four distinct collection concepts including a brilliant fitness wear range. Free delivery.
6. theoutnet.com The discount site with up to 75% off big name designers for women. You pay $39.95 for shipping but save enormously per item, plus they often offer promo codes for free delivery to Singapore.