2020 Spring / Summer Fashion Trends and How Vintage Fits In!
Every Spring/Summer and Fall/Winter fashion seasons Scotch Street Vintage does a deep dive into the new fashion trends, not only to see what beautiful new designs are coming out. But more importantly, so I can show my clients how they can find vintage fashion that fits into all the current trends. I want to show everyone that vintage fashion is more unique, much better quality and for half the price. What does Spring/Summer 2020 have to offer...pretty, feminine and flowing are the first things that come to mind after researching all the latest spring and summer fashion trends for 2020.
click on image for vintage item information - for designer information see sources below
On the left is a stunning piece from Marc Jacobs. It is a romantic, slightly victorian, gown with a hand painted floral design and it is, to me, what sums up the entire season. It is feminine, flowing, ruffly and makes almost every girl want to wear it. Unfortunately, it is the finale piece and at a price tag of $50,000 most of us are priced out of this particular dress so...on the right is my vintage alternative. This 1960s chiffon dress is flowy and pretty and just enough if $250 is a little more in your price range. That is what this article will be all about highlighting the incredible new fashion for spring/summer 2020 and how you can find vintage that is just as beautiful and a little more budget friendly.
Before I start going on and on about the lace, florals and stunning silhouettes I have to cover the one thing I saw and read about the most for Spring / Summer 2020...designers and retailers are starting to think very seriously about the impact their industry has on the environment. Designers have always looked to the past for design inspiration but now many are looking to the past for materials and more ethical design. There is more upcycling and recycling going on in the industry than ever and with that in mind consumers should always keep in mind they have choices and one of the most sustainable choices...VINTAGE.
2020 Fashion Trends...Full of Options
So the one trend that has been the same for the last several years is that there are so many fashion trends and perspectives that everyone can find a style they love and feel comfortable in. So while I definitely think the start to 2020 is much more feminine than previous years there are still utilitarian and boxier styles out there if that is your thing! Why so feminine? I was asking myself that a lot during the research and my educated answer is, it is time. For a few years now, much of the styles had an edge to them and everything seemed a little severe, even the florals were sharp and contrasting. Everything seems to be lightening up and softening.
So what are the prominent decades from the past that are showing up in this year's spring and summer fashion? The 1960s and 1970s are the most dominant influences but there are still some 1980s vibes hanging around. From the 1960s you will find the big florals, lots of flowy chiffon, psychedelic prints and oversized straw bags.
click on image for vintage item information - for designer information see sources below
In the 1970s denim was a revolution and you could find every type of garment you can think of in denim. While denim never left the scene lately it has been more for jeans, skirts and jackets but in 2020 denim will rise to be queen once again. You will find denim hats, dresses, purses, long skirts, short skirts, and all kinds of things made from recycled denim. Also, all sorts of crochet and macrame items from bags, to tops, to swim suit coverups, which all have a strong 70s influence.
Denim is always a great addition to your wardrobe and this year is no exception. While many of my compares are very similar for this one I actually chose two that were a little different, the Paula KA dress is a little more traditional and classic while the vintage Guess dress on the right is a little more hip and young. The point is you can find anything in denim.
Finally, the glitz of the early 1980s is definitely hanging around but with a more refined 1940s silhouette. There are lots and lots and lots of metallics out there! Another 1980s pickup is animal print which, I have to be honest not my favorite but it seems to come back big like every 3 years so you can look at it like an investment. One of my favorite ways to highlight metalics and animal prints is with a scarf or stylish clutch. Sometimes a small pop of a trend is all you need but sometimes head to toe is called for.
click on image for vintage item information - for designer information see sources below
Here are the two golden goddesses. The shimmery dream on the left is Marc Jacobs 2020 and it is a sequin sheath of sparkle. My vintage version on the right is a 1960s metallic silk dress with an almost liquid like appearance.
Color Me Happy
Gone are the muted and neon colors (for the most part), bring on the bright rich colors. I am loving the colorfulness of this season! Everything feels bright and happy...like a new beginning. But, what is the one color I see above all else? I have to say green. This fashion season has more green than I have remembered in a while and the greens are bright and vibrant.
click on image for vintage item information - for designer information see sources below
While this Michael Kors dress is more of a grassy green and our vintage alternative is more of a Kelly green they are both very feminine looks and more importantly it is about the green. There is literally green EVERYWHERE, in solid pieces and in prints. So find a really nice vintage or new piece of clothing that highlights green and you are already fashion forward.
Holy Prints!!!
"Florals are big for spring..." is one of the more cliche things written over and over in fashion reviews, year after year. What we really need to talk about is the type of florals we are seeing because we will always see them every spring/summer. The last several years the florals were darker often with a black background. Everything has lightened up now.
The florals above are very deliberate, distinct, and bold. While the florals below are more abstract but they all have the green! Above on the left is a Erdem for spring shirt style dress. My vintage version on the right is 1950s green and white dress with hibiscus flowers.
On the left is the iconic Versace Jennifer Lopez dress (yes I had a hard time deciding which name to put first). The house of Versace re-released this along with a similar pink version this year capped off with the stunning Miss Lopez in the dress again (I could have died). The vintage version on the right is a stunning 1960s abstract floral dress by Reef.
Polka dots are always a classic but the last couple seasons they have really made a comeback and this year they are here again...and we couldn't be happier. We have lots of polka dots and you can find them in our Scotch Street Vintage Polka Dots
On the left is the latest from Michael Kors...an adorable navy blue and white polka dot jumper. I loved the sleeves on this one and it immediately reminded me of something in our own collection. On the right is a 1970s Saks Fifth Ave navy blue polka dot dress with capelet, which gives of very similar vibes to the jumper.
Bags & Purses
I am very happy to report that the mini bag is a thing of the past. This very short lived fashion trend was highlighted last fall when these teeny tiny bags where deputed that could barely fit 3 quarters inside. This season the bags are very classic with a lot of handbag styles and lots of straw and linen with leather accents.
EVERYONE needs the perfect little black handbag. One of these and a big pair of sunglasses and you get an instant Audrey Hepburn vibe. On the left is a gorgeous bag from Wander that you can have in your closet forever and match with just about any outfit. On the right my vintage pick is patent leather which I always love for spring.
It is always a good idea to have a sparkly bag on hand for a special night out on the town and no one does a sparkly bag like Judith Leiber! Judith Leiber is renowned for their corky, playful, sparkly clutches and this 2020 bag has a bit of an art deco flair. The vintage counterpart is by Walborg, another famous bag maker, has beautiful bead work and is in wonderful condition. FYI if you are a Leiber collector we have a few vintage gems you can find at Scotch Street Vintage Judith Leiber Bags.
For spring and summer a straw bag is a must have! Whether you are going to the farmers market or the beach, a good straw bag is the perfect accessory. On the left a brand new Maria La Rosa bag the perfect size for a day out and about. On the right my vintage version from the 1970s that is perfect to hold a towel, sunscreen and a good book!
Jewelry
My rule about buying jewelry is that it should make you think.."well, hello beautiful" I don't care if you are buying costume jewelry or investing in a something more expensive, if a thought like that doesn't run through your head...it is not worth it.
Flowers are not just for clothing! They are all over the jewelry scene as well. Take the stunning Chanel ring on the left, they have a whole line of flower inspired jewelry this season. My vintage alternative is more three dimensional but just as pretty and at $330 a little easier to justify.
Stacking is HUGE with all types of jewelry from rings to bracelets to necklaces. This is a trend that just keeps getting stronger and stronger. To the point now they are making whole pieces that look like they are stacked. Take the Ippolita ring on the left which is beautiful but was definitely designed to mimic stacking. Now on the right is my vintage version which are separate bands that actually have a connector that holds them together.
I was so so happy to see lockets making a big comeback this year. They make such wonderful gifts when you want to give something special. You can put special pictures in them or even a little note to remind that special person how much you love the. Another really nice thing about lockets are you can find them in such a wide variety of styles and metals, there really is a perfect on out there for everyone. The locket on the left from Saks was my all time favorites I saw while researching all the new trends. I love love love the rose gold. My vintage alternative on the right is yellow gold with a very pretty floral scrolling pattern.
That covers the Spring / Summer fashion trends for 2020. If you would like to see our entire vintage collection go to Scotch Street Vintage Spring 2020 Collection or to find the designer pieces go to Saks Fifth Avenue or Bergdorf Goodman.