Key Fashion Theme Trend for Spring/Summer 2016

Fashion looks to the sea for inspiration, updating maritime styles with a modern twist. This week, the Trendstop team present New Nautical, an essential fashion theme for Spring/Summer 2016 womenswear. Influencing everything from apparel and accessories to colour, materials and beyond, we see how seafaring aesthetics are updated with clean shapes and unexpected details to create effortlessly elegant styles. This must-have theme is ideal as the first drop to enter into a fresh new spring season, and it can also transition well into High Summer too. Here, FashionUnited readers can discover four key trends from this must-have S/S16 theme, complete with exclusive product suggestions.

New Nautical

Bringing the seaside to the city, this theme sees nautical nostalgia take on a modern twist. New developments see classic stripes incorporate colour pops and changes in direction, while sportswear inspirations emphasise the clean appearance of designs. Other highlights include uneven hems and wraparound layers, which introduce an urban dimension to ensembles.

A vibrant aquatic blue embraces the summer season, introducing a boyish charm with nautical undertones. Bold and fresh, this shade enhances casual jersey pieces with simple shapes, working well with tonal layering. Other examples include smooth leather sandals and playful eyewear accessories.

Fabrics from the cotton family are updated with the use of laser-cutting and lace techniques, forming contemporary patterns with a nod to broderie anglaise. These lightweight materials are typically executed in shades of pure white for a clean appeal, as seen in the form of nouveau sunhats, sleeveless tops and casual coordinations. Layer with crisp opaque cottons for a directional look.

Summertime knits are transformed into modern must-haves with the addition of cut-out details. Across tops, dresses and polo shirts alike, panels expose bare shoulders or sides. These cut-outs can be used to create a play on layering, as manipulated designs make for intriguing and unusual shapes to update the womenswear wardrobe.

Exclusive Offer

FashionUnited readers can get a free copy of Trendstop´s complete Spring/Summer 2015 New Nautical Menswear Merchandising Theme, packed with must-have apparel, footwear and accessories styles from directional men's retail collections. Simply click the banner to get your complimentary report.

Trendstop also invites you to the inspirational Fashion Trend of the Year 2015 Modern Seventies Online Briefing, taking place on Thursday July 9. Our free trend briefing gives you an in-depth view of Modern Seventies, one of the biggest fashion themes of the season. Don't miss out' book your complimentary place on our EventBrite page now.

Trendstop.com is one of the world's leading trend forecasting agencies for fashion and creative professionals, renowned for its insightful trend analysis and forecasts. Clients include H&M, Primark, Forever21, Zalando, Geox, Evisu, Hugo Boss, L'Oreal and MTV.

Images courtesy of Trendstop.com: Jacquemus, London Street Style, Preen by Thornton Bregazzi, Jil Sander, Emporio Armani, Anteprima, Chalayan, Kenzo, Valentino, Chanel, Stella McCartney, Celine, all Spring/Summer 2015.