What we will wear in 2016?

Lindsay Baker chooses the biggest upcoming trends for men and women, from feminine ruffles and tie-dye to pinstripes and puffs.

Puffed up

The voluminous puffy sleeve is set to be big in 2016 – very big. With a hint of 1980s New Romantic, and a touch of Victoriana, the leg o’ mutton sleeve will be back with a vengeance. JW Anderson’s extreme silhouettes and Simone Rocha’s romantic, diaphanous dresses are notable examples that many a high-street retailer will be following. Even the queen of pared-back, minimalist understatement, Phoebe Philo at Celine, has gone for the eccentric, over-the-top shape. The big sleeve is the ultimate arm candy for the coming year.

As seen at: Celine, Simone Rocha, JW Anderson, Erdem. (Picture: JW Anderson/Credit: Getty Images)

LONDON, ENGLAND — SEPTEMBER 21: A model walks the runway at the Peter Pilotto show during London Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2016/17 on September 21, 2015 in London, England. (Photo by Antonio de Moraes Barros Filho/WireImage)

The shoulder-baring trend will continue its reign in 2016, if collections by Chloe and Peter Pilotto among others are anything to go by. And now the shape is being further adapted, with the arrival of the dramatic, cut-out-shoulder style, seen on dresses at Derek Lam, Sonia Rykiel and Proenza Schouler, and on tops at Hood by Air. A modern, playful look, the exposed-shoulder look is a good option for those who prefer more subtle skin baring. 

As seen at: Rachel Zoe, Derek Lam, Sonia Rykiel, Proenza Schouler, Wes Gordan. (Picture: Peter Pilotto / Credit: WireImage)

To tie-dye for

Love it or loathe it, tie-dye looks set to make an impact this coming year, particularly in the summer when the easy-going print comes into its own. The occasionally show-stopping, always boho style will be everywhere, creating woozy, trippy vibes wherever it appears. The new tie-dye has a sophisticated, haute-hippy feel, with Spring 2016 offerings including Joseph Altuzarra’s boldly dyed shirtdresses, Emilio Pucci’s pretty pastel shades and Narciso Rodriguez’s stunning sheath dress. 

As seen at: Baja East, Thakoon, Narciso Rodriguez, Emilio Pucci, Joseph Altuzarra. (Picture: Narciso Rodriguez / Credit: Getty Images)

Latin lovers

There will be no escaping the ruffle in 2016, with numerous designers bringing a touch of Latin influence to their collections. The flamenco-tinged tiers and ruffles feature in hot orange at Balmain, in a high-neck number at JW Anderson and in the vibrant, tiered dresses at Salvatore Ferragamo. Perhaps the most exquisite use of ruffles for Spring/Summer 2016 is by Sarah Burton at Alexander McQueen, whose ultra-feminine, romantic white gown is a masterpiece of ruffled structural engineering. 

As seen at: Michael Kors, Alexander McQueen, Roberto Cavalli, Osman, Balmain, JW Anderson, Proenza Schouler, Salvatore Ferragamo. (Picture: Salvatore Ferragamo Credit: WireImage)

Shine on

Metallic and sparkly looks are set to shine in 2016, with an emphasis on reflective fabrics and elaborate use of sequins. Silver will be shining brightly, as seen at the collections in slip dresses at Victoria Beckham, voluminous dresses by Vetement and at Isabel Marant in the shape of cute silver shorts. Leading the way with sequins are Emilio Pucci in electric blue creations, Marc Jacobs with bold, geometric styles and Tom Ford, whose full-length, slinky, patchwork-sequin gown is an indisputable show stopper. There will even be a broken-mirror effect in evidence, if the wild and wonderful creations by Loewe and Marni creations are anything to go by.

As seen at: Tom Ford, Loewe, Lanvin, Vetement, Marni, Isabel Marant, Emilio Pucci. (Picture: Marc Jacobs / Credit: WireImage)

> on June 25, 2015 in Paris, France. (Photo by Dominique Charriau/WireImage)» width=»1280″ height=»720″ class=»size-full wp-image-48797 wp-caption alignnone» />PARIS, FRANCE — JUNE 25: Model walk the runway during the Louis Vuitton Menswear Spring/Summer 2016 show as part of Paris Fashion Week>> on June 25, 2015 in Paris, France. (Photo by Dominique Charriau/WireImage)

There is a distinctly retro vibe on the way in menswear with the 1950s in particular looking set to be big. Shirts in particular will have a ‘50s feel, with bowling styles and textured fabrics as well as oversized polos in evidence at Louis Vuitton and Lanvin. The retro silhouette is also being interpreted by Dries van Noten, which has added embroidery, Raf Simons who favours checks, and E Tautz which has created bold prints in monochrome. On trend but also wearable, the ideal combination.

As seen at: Lanvin, Louis Vuitton, Canali, Umit Benan, E Tautz. (Picture: Louis Vuitton Credit: WireImage)

MILAN, ITALY — JUNE 20: A model walks the runway, fashion detail, during the Dolce & Gabbana fashion show as part of Milan Men’s Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2016 on June 20, 2015 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Jacopo Raule/Getty Images)

Botanical prints have been a major trend in womenswear for several seasons, and are now spreading their tendrils into menswear in 2016. One for the more flamboyant man, the plant print feels luxurious and fun. Gucci’s vibrantly-hued suits complete with vine-and-leaf print look set to be big, while Dolce & Gabbana has created a suit in darker colours with a glamorous plant print that is elegant and also vaguely menacing-looking. The daring JW Anderson meanwhile offers a big and bold turquoise-on-white print. 

As seen at: Hermes, Saint Laurent, Dolce & Gabbana, Gucci, JW Anderson. (Picture; Dolce & Gabbana/Credit: Getty Images)

Neck it

The long scarf is set to be the major accessory for men in 2016. With a rakish feel, the look is guaranteed to add a little rock-star swagger to the wearer. Gucci are going floral with theirs, while other more sober designs are on offer from the likes of Emporio Armani and Saint Laurent. Burberry Porsum’s elegant cobalt-blue number is another likely hit. An easy way for men to add an on-trend hint of louche and languid charm to their wardrobe in 2016.

As seen at: Burberry Porsum, Emporio Armani, Gucci, Saint Laurent, Missoni. (Picture: Burberry/Credit: SIPA/Rex/Shutterstock)

Show your stripes

The pinstripe will be a menswear staple in the coming year, but not as we currently know it. Forget the conventional pinstripe business suit, the new interpretation of the look is graphic and big. The adventurous duo Agi & Sam’s dramatically oversized suits are emblazoned with a similarly oversized stripe print, while Haider Ackermann’s neat, cropped pinstripe jackets are a whole new take on tradition. Tiger of Sweden’s pale blue-and-black suiting in super-bold stripes is among other highlights for 2016. 

As seen at: Haider Ackermann, Agi & Sam, Tiger of Sweden, Bottega Veneta, Phillip Lim. (Picture: Tiger of Sweden / Credit: Getty Images)

Get shorty

For the summer months of 2016, short shorts will be a male-fashionista trend – for those brave enough to sport the look. Prada and Gucci in particular are offering up the look in bright hues and a variety of fabrics. J Crew are also on the case, in understated hues and hi-tech fabrics. A tricky look to get right when not on the beach, but guaranteed to keep you cool in both senses of the word. 

As seen at: Top Shop Design, Prada, Gucci. (Picture: Gucci / Credit: Getty Images)As seen at: Top Shop Design, Prada, Gucci. (Picture: Gucci / Credit: Getty Images)