The Spring/Summer 2020 runways had something for everyone – from skin-baring gowns to rainforest prints (sometimes both at the same time). Consider this your essential fashion primer on the best moments, models and clothes on the international runways.

This article originally appeared in the March 2019 issue of ELLE Canada. Subscribe here. 

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Spring/Summer 2020 Fashion Trend: Modern Suits

Level up your business-casual style with a powerhouse blazer-and-pants combo. Try earth tones, like a muted green, or venture to the other side of the spectrum with vibrant hues. Stand out with statement lapels: go for retro-inspired oversized collars or double up with contrasting layers. Trade wide-legged pants for office-friendly shorts, and pull everything together with a sculptural buckle.

Spring/Summer 2020 Fashion Trend: The New Bourgeois

All hail Bermuda shorts. No longer reserved for vacations, they’re this season’s ode to retro sophistication. On the flip side, bold colours and quirky prints bring the aristocratic three-piece suit up to street-style status. Combine the two trends for maximum impact.

Spring/Summer 2020 Fashion Trend: Remastered Trench Coats

From asymmetrical to romantic, and even completely unstructured, the wardrobe classic has been revamped for a new generation. Do double duty with an extra-roomy piece that goes from coat to dress. Cinch loose sleeves at the wrist to create a new silhouette.

Spring/Summer 2020 Fashion Trend: Glam Gowns

Glamorous evening gowns got the royal treatment with exaggerated volumes, accentuated hips and asymmetrical frills fit for a modern monarch.

Spring/Summer 2020 Fashion Trend: Florals

Designers didn’t hold back with florals. Bucolic romanticism unfolded with kaleidoscopic gardens that bloomed from head to toe. Intense, vibrant and at times clashing, it was the perfect antidote to the winter blues.

Spring/Summer 2020 Fashion Trend: The Big Black (Or White) Dress

BDE – big dress energy – went goth with dramatic black frocks dark enough to soak up all of the spotlight. In a season of extremes, the only true alternative is all-white dressing. Whichever colour camp you’re in, there’s only one rule: Go big or go home.

Spring/Summer 2020 Fashion Trend: Underwear as Outerwear

It’s time to pull the layers back. Corsets and bralettes hit the runways as the star rather than the understudy. Worn alone or with a tailored blazer, the resulting look hearkens back to a ’90s-era sensuality.

Spring/Summer 2020 Fashion Trend: Technicolour

On runways from Balenciaga to Valentino, DayGlo shades of neon are still leaving a blinding trail. Fruity hues of lemon yellow, lime green and tangerine keep this trend captivating season after season.

Spring/Summer 2020 Fashion Trend: '60s Inspired Prints

The cyclical nature of fashion transported designers back to the summer of love with trippy psychedelic prints straight out of the ’60s. Crochet, fringe and natural materials ushered in a new bohemian mood with artisanal style.

Spring/Summer 2020 Fashion Trend: Denim

From humble roots to haute couture, denim is the one piece in your wardrobe that is truly timeless. Designers are still turning to it for inspiration – as seen on the runways at Balenciaga, Chanel, Celine and Givenchy – and putting their own spin on this perennial favourite.

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