Summer Trend Report from France

In this first trend report from France we hear about neon aztec, boxy handbags, camouflage, demure shorts, chambray shirts, and ripped boyfriend jeans…

In this first trend report from France we hear from Hannah Keys, a 26 year old Kiwi currently living there, about neon aztec, boxy handbags, camouflage, demure shorts, chambray shirts, boho chic, and ripped boyfriend jeans…

She made us wait, but good Lord, was she worth it.

The French summer of 2013 has been one to remember – cloudless skies, warm nights, ripe to bursting fresh fruit and fountains full of crisp rosé. (Seriously, there was this one time when there was an actual wine fountain.)

In my first four months living in France, my senses have been delightfully assaulted with all things food and fashion; yes, that gloriously chic and effortlessly glamorous French fashion. Suffice to say, I’m in sartorial heaven. Even as summer winds down into fall, I can’t help but get a little giddy at the thought of long leather boots and acres of fur.

But you, you lucky buggers, are headed in the opposite direction. Thawing, drying, and blossoming anew with the promise of holidays and beaches and parties. Out of the wardrobe goes the wool, the fuzzy socks and the guilty pleasure leggings.

But what on earth to wear? Luckily, I’ve been secret squirreling over here in Euro-land soaking up the sunny style to give you the heads up on what’s hot for summer…before it’s even hot.

Surprising colour palettes

With the arrival of summer collections, the local shop fronts exploded in sunny colour, with dazzling neon yellow a hot favourite. And while brights will always have their place, some more unexpected hues made their way on to the scene, adding a refreshing flavour to the season. Coral has been pared down to a softer watermelon-inspired shade, and turquoise has been swapped out for rich teal, minty green and duck egg blue. When in doubt? Go white all the way. (Pictured above: RUBY Favourites SS2013.)

Neon aztec

With fast fashion favourite Zara and Amsterdam-based Maison Scotch leading the charge, the ‘neon aztec’ look has been almost impossible to miss. Think candy bright shades of orange, pink and yellow in geometric prints on bouclé in blazers and cropped boxy jackets.

Stand-out shoes

As one of the ultimate indications of femininity, the French take their shoes pretty seriously. Well, maybe not too seriously. This summer, Marc by Marc Jacobs’ adorable animal face flats were a hit, as were Isabel Marant’s chic wedge sneakers, while the bright block heel came into its own. The key is to have fun, but never lose your elegance – you are a lady, after all.

Camouflage

Everyone’s favourite stealthy style statement has started to creep into vogue as the season draws to a close. But if you’re following the French, don’t go literal. We’re talking subtle camouflage prints on oversized sunglasses and slick heels.

Boxy bags

Marc Jacobs may have brought us tiny animal faces on shoes, but he’s also had a serious impact on handbag trends. Structured styles in delightful colours offer a retro feel with modern enthusiasm, a’la Coach’s similarly drool-worthy Legacy Collection. (Photo Hannah Keys.)

Demure shorts

Cut-offs are for the scruffy Brits. French girls wear shorts with style. Go for high-waisted, wide legged and culotte-esque. Keep those cheeks in check! (Pictured above Glassons dot shorts $39.99 buy at Glassons.com)

Boho chic

Think Isabel Marant (pictured above) when shopping for kaftan tops and cover-up dresses this summer – it’s boho with a bit of glamour; body-hugging cuts and embellishments.

Chambray shirts

If there’s one thing French people seem to love, it’s a bit of double denim. Look to the classic chambray shirt (no frills or fuss – understated is the way to go) for an easy throw-on piece. (Pictured above by Glassons.) Just perfect over a pretty dress or shorts and a tee, and yes, even with a pair of jeans. Below: Miranda Kerr looks effortlessly stylish in shorts and a chambray shirt.

Ripped to pieces boyfriend jeans

I got a whiff of this trend mid-season and I’m convinced it’ll carry me through winter – at least I hope so; I’m still looking for the perfect pair! Choose a lighter wash, with plenty of smaller, strategically placed rips, but it’s best to avoid the big gaping holes – they’re a little less fashion and a little more ‘I had a fight with the barbed-wire fence’. Boyfriend-cut is the name of the game, effortlessly cool rolled up at the hem to show the ankle and a pair of kick-ass heels. Ripped jeans above available at Glassons, ripped jeans below from ASOS.

Structured skirts

The ‘skort’ has been big news in Europe and the US this season; an asymmetric, super short cross between a skirt and shorts. While the two clothing items will probably go their separate ways after their sordid summer tryst, the structure and asymmetric style of the skort, I predict, will live on. Look for directional cuts and rigid fabrics in your next miniskirt. (Pictured below: mini skort by Zara.com)

By Hannah Keys, 20 August 2013
madamfrank.com