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Neon

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One of spring’s key colour messages? Don’t hold back. Designers showed looks in riotous hues, like Day-Glo green, look-at-me fuchsia and punchy orange. At Balenciaga and Cushnie, models donned a single stunning shade from head to toe, while Jeremy Scott opted for a mix-and-match approach, pairing contrasting hues for maximum impact. If you dress to get noticed, your time is now. 

From left to right: Cushnie, Moschino, Emporio Armani, Jeremy Scott 

Neutral

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Prefer that your clothes speak softly rather than shout? Many key runways made the case for quiet, earth-toned luxury. Burberry led the charge, showing over 50 looks in relaxed, refined beige. At Balmain and Dior, models were swathed in creamy shades of sand and café au lait. Before you write them off as boring, take a closer look — a chain detail here and a plush texture there prove these clothes are anything but.

From left to right: Burberry, Altuzarra, Chanel, Tom Ford, Fendi

Sensible

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Designers pushed functionality to the max this season. A dramatic example was Marine Serre, whose khaki maxidress featured dozens of compartments. (You’ll never again have to debate which lipstick to take with you.) Zimmermann’s and Dries Van Noten’s takes were more understated: Jumpsuits and asymmetrical tops came with roomy square pockets. Practicality is finally a trend — what could be better?

From left to right: Alberta Ferretti, Givenchy, Sacai, Marine Serre

Dramatic

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Although the runways offered plenty of looks fit for the every day, there was no shortage of fantastical clothing to fuel an active imagination. Rodarte, Marc Jacobs and Richard Quinn all eschewed utility in favour of couture-level drama. Think richly printed textiles, ruffled cupcake hems and plenty of bows all fit for making an unforgettable entrance. Minimalists need not apply.

From left to right: Balmain, Marc Jacobs, Mary Katrantzou, Moschino, Rodarte

Netting

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Everyone from Altuzarra to J.W. Anderson spun a pretty web this spring. Mesh was everywhere —  loosely tied and worn over a white tee, intricately woven into a swishy dress or turned into a barely-there shawl. Each designer brought a different vibe — nautical, boho, sporty — but the textile always looked fresh and unexpected. Thanks to netting’s surprising wearability and easy sophistication, we’re hooked.

From left to right: J.W. Anderson, Chloé, Ports 1961, Area
 

Lace

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No fabric can simultaneously offer youthful cool and feminine confidence quite like lace. The likes of Christopher Kane, Victoria Beckham and Erdem subverted its sweet connotations by dipping it in black. The result? Darkly romantic clothes that look as good at a party (hello, Dion Lee’s semi-sheer LBD) as they do off-duty (we see you, Valentino lace leisure suit). All you need is the right attitude.

From left to right: Alberta Ferretti, Alexander Wang, Valentino, Burberry, Victoria Beckham

Surf

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The dream of escaping to far-off seaside locales infused many of the top shows. Chanel even created a beach — water and all — within the walls of Paris’ Grand Palais. And because a dreamy getaway calls for equally dreamy clothes, designers delivered tie-dye tops, retro-floral board shorts, scuba separates and plenty of straw hats. Even if you’re staying put, your outfit should be sending an OOO.

From left to right: Chanel, Proenza Schouler, MSGM, Etro, Prabal Gurung 

City

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If your feet are planted firmly in reality, then you’ll need a no-nonsense power suit. Stella McCartney and Tibi offered thoughtfully tailored and minimally adorned options for the urbane dresser. Acne Studios’ and Roberto Cavalli’s takes were a little more off-kilter, coming in unusual prints like zebra and swirls. Consider suits, with their strong shoulders and sharp lapels, your new everyday armour.

From left to right: Stella McCartney, Dries Van Noten, Acne Studios, Tibi, Saint Laurent 

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