Adapting Streetwear Into Mainstream Fashion: The Women’s Casual Wear Edit

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bold prints, brand consultant, fashion blog, fashion blogger, fashion brand, Fashion Business, fashion consultant, fashion designer, fashion trends, growing demand for streetwear in 2019, street fashion, Street wear trend spotting, street wear trends, Streetwear, Streetwear trend spotting, womensfashion, womenswear

Streetwear is taking the world by storm, and there may just come a time when it is impossible to find casual clothing without at least one street motif. In keeping with this newfound preference for all things street, designers are finding new and exciting ways to incorporate elements from streetwear into casual wear all around the world.

As a designer, is this what you’re trying to do as well? If so, this article is for you. We show you how different streetwear trends can be adapted into clothing items to design a collection.

The basic form and flow will give priority to casual wear, in keeping with the theme of this article and the fact that casual wear is one of the most highly sold collections anywhere in the world. The adapted elements will focus on streetwear trends as seen at the recently concluded fashion weeks.

1.    Top wear:

Key takeaways: Bold prints, ruffles, utility

Casual wear is supposed to be comfortable first. In keeping with this need, loose silhouettes are still here to stay especially when it comes to tops. On the streets this year, we saw some improvements made to the top as we know it. Interesting necklines and ruffles dominated the scene, but heavy prints were not far behind either.

For the first layer, both bralettes and mesh tops are an option. For those wanting sheer but not in the form of a mesh, translucent tops with organza and silk, done up with ruffles, add a feminine touch to the outfit.

For those layering up for the streets, chequered shirts, boyfriend jackets and bomber jackets in bright colors are all options. A chequered short can be used for covering up without feeling too warm, while a bright bomber jacket can brighten up a casual evening outfit to the mall.

2.    Dresses and Jumpsuits

Key takeaways: Gingham, form over length, loose and boxy

Dresses in gingham prints and sport style cuts are in this season. The length of the dress itself has taken a back seat, and more priority is given to the flow of the outfit. If a longer dress looks better, then so be it!

Drawing inspiration from the street scene are ruffles and boxy dresses. We saw a lot of boxy clothing on the runways this year, and what happened off of them is also reflective of people’s need for not being smothered by their clothes. Moreover, a boxy silhouette is much more forgiving, thus setting the stage for changing ideas about the ‘ideal body type.’

Those adding dresses to the collection can also think of exploring coordinates as an option. Coord clothing is stylish, offers scope for mixing and matching and can be bought together or as separates, making your collection that much richer. When in doubt, always include a jumpsuit.

3.    Bottom Wear

Key Takeaways: Flowy, denim, key detailing

The Levi’s X Justin Timberlake collection is proof that denim is the one thing that can forever keep coming back onto the fashion scene. The versatile fabric holds form exceptionally well, which is perhaps why one with a boxy top may choose a skinny pair of jeans to accentuate the outfit a bit more. The flower-power era trend of denim-on-denim is back as well, so it is time to bring out some jackets and shirts in denim as well.

Speaking of versatility, a flowing skirt is in demand too. Catching the subway train in a pencil skirt has finally frustrated people to the point where they want nothing more than to let it go. A skirt like this works as well with a cropped top as it does with a full shirt.

Those opting for outfits with form are choosing key detailing to go on the bottom wear that adds an extra element of both oomph and comfort to the outfit. Thigh high slits are not about sass anymore, and instead, have everything to do about striding through the footpaths of busy cities. Interestingly, we saw very few shorts on the streets this time around, perhaps in a bit to explore bottom wear options beyond the most ubiquitous.

If you’re designing your collections right now, which of these elements have you already managed to include? Which ones do you see scope for implementing even mid-design?

If you haven’t started yet, which trends would you like to pick up? Tell us in the comments below.

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Supriya Ghurye is the founder and owner of Fuel4Fashion. She is a Freelance Fashion Designer and Brand Consultant helping fashion brands to create great products from idea to launch. Fuel4Fashion social links: Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram

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Women’s Casualwear Trends For SS’19: Effortless Fashion Is The New Norm

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#fashiondesigner, #Fashionentrepreneur, #fashionlabel, #FreelanceFashionDesigner, brandconsultant, casualwear, fashion, fashionbiz, fashionbrand, Fashionbusiness, fashionconsultant, trendalert, trendspotting, womensfashion, womenswear

In April, we discussed the trend forecast for active wear in SS ’19. In this article, we look at the five major trends in women’s casual wear for the same season, as well as the adaptations that some famous design houses are already working on.

At Fuel4Fashion, we believe that inspiration is the core of all creative development. Our designers post sketches and visuals on Instagram to inspire you to think of the same trend in a whole new light. Once you read this article, head on over there to find out more.

Without further ado, the five design trends.

1. Bohemian Rhapsody

Design houses are calling this trend ‘the Little House on the Prairie.’ Before we present our views and motifs that feature in this trend, why don’t you grab a piece of paper and jot down all the ideas that come to mind when you read that phrase? You can then use these ideas in your actual design process too. 

• Frills and florals: If you think you’ve seen embroidered denim in 2018, you’ve seen nothing yet. Expect bold floral prints, paints and thread work on a blue denim base. Contrasting colors add to the garden experience. Also expect to see paisley prints, gathered hemlines, flowy clothes, and airy silhouettes, all held together with a lovely little corset.
• The Village Belle: Who lives in the Little House on the Prairie? The girl who is proud of her earthen roots, of course! We’ll be seeing quite a few shirt dresses and maxi skirts in gingham. For those making a subtle statement, plain clothes in muted shades with a single, bold floral motif will be the go-to choice.

2. The Inner Self

We don’t need articles online to tell us that we’re disconnected from ourselves even as we’re connected to the world the whole time. In this age, what could be more pleasant than using clothing to express ourselves, to ourselves?

• Color-moods: Color influences our mood, and certain shades evoke some precise responses in us. Think psychedelic greens and colors of the orchid. Purple and lavender express our inner creativity, while green reminds us to take it slow. A pop of red teaches us to be bold, even as black and white tone us down.
• Satin and sequins: The best way to emphasize color is to use material that makes the color pop. Satin is the fabric of choice for this trend, as it looks different based on where the light falls. Sequins, too, are great for bouncing light off to create varying effects.

3. New Nautical

What is summer without a cruise? Nautical themes take on a new spin, ditching the plain polos and the breezy kaftans. Instead, we have bold stripes, suggestive shimmer and a whole lot of fun.  

• Drama mama: Modern art comes to clothing, with interpretations of famous paintings, sketch portraits and bold flowers making an appearance on clothes. Gingham and polka form the perfect base for statement necklines, mock-peplums, off-shoulder gathers and so much more. This trend is literally a blank canvas!
• Expect the unexpected: Why print hearts on denim when you can cut them out? Why scoop the neckline at the front when you can do a deep-V at the back? Think, and spin that thinking on its head for a whole new perspective.

4. The Earth Festival

Before the idol worship, before religion, and before time itself, there was the Earth and the sky and everything in between. Go back to the mindfulness of ancient civilizations with this understated trend. This is the perfect trend for those who love to blend into something bigger than themselves. 

• Pottery and ceramics: Many of the colors in this trend are reminiscent of cooking in clay pots, serving in ceramic bowls and eating on a roughhewn mattress. Think small floral prints for borders and white lace for a touch of the feminine.
• Prints and plains: Team up an elaborate, loose shirt in floral prints with a plain jumper. Add white lace to that plain brown dress. Even better, make a smock from a cutwork piece of cloth. It is all about worshipping balance.

5. Simple Bare Necessities

There’s something beautiful about the basics. Isn’t this why MUJI’s products do so well? This trend highlights the beauty of letting oneself shine, through the muted colors that expose our spirit.

• Geometry: Geometrical prints scale down to become borders and embellishments, even as plain blacks, blues, and whites stand out. Togas and Grecian cuts are in again, as are simple decorations like the ones we’d expect to see on Mysore silk weaves.
• A world meets itself: Zari makes its way to a co-ord set, even as t-shorts evolve into dresses and jackets taken on a whole new, urban metallic meaning. The basics are meant for the confident woman who knows how to shine in spite of distractions.

What inspiration are you drawing from these ideas right now? Share with us in the comments below.

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Supriya Ghurye is the founder and owner of Fuel4Fashion. She is a Freelance Fashion Designer and Brand Consultant helping fashion brands to create great products from idea to launch. Fuel4Fashion social links: Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram  

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Twelve Active Wear Trends For 2019: Are Your Designs On Par Yet?

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#fashiondesigner, #Fashionentrepreneur, #fashionlabel, #FreelanceFashionDesigner, activewear, brandconsultant, fashion, fashionbiz, fashionbrand, Fashionbusiness, fashionconsultant, gymwear, sportswear, trendalert, trendspotting, womensfashion, womenswear, yogawear

Have you started planning for your Spring Summer 2019 collections yet? If you haven’t already, now is an excellent time to begin. In this article, we curate the sportswear and active wear trends that are most likely to dominate collections in 2019, much like how athleisure is the running trend this year. Without further ado, here they are:

The Disruptor

 Why follow the pack when you can lead one down your own path? This is a thought that every millennial understands, and as a consumer wished to emulate. Literally, the disruptor style is about making a statement in unconventional ways.

1. Statement Prints And Placement: Look to incorporate messaging in bold across a crop top, or a loose basketball-inspired pullover. Stripes are always in, except now, they’re coming to clothing in bold, vibrant colors.
2. Street Style: Why do so many hip-hop dancers dress the way they do? Because not only do these clothes have a high style quotient but, more importantly, also a high performance aspect. Think loose joggers with a fitted bralette, or a bright neon wide-legged runner. It is all about comfort.
3. Crop It Up: Style should be a bit risqué, after all! Adding oomph and function to these elements are cropped running shorts with mesh detail, loose tanks and bras that let the arms move.

The Survivor 

With CrossFit comes the idea of endurance at its very extreme. 2019 will take this idea even further, and active wear for the survivor is on the cards. Clothing in this category is not just ideal for gyms, but also for surviving and exploring the vast outdoors.

1. Balanced Colors: Sportswear in the wanderer category uses an eclectic mix of warm and cool colors that are both earthy and vibrant. Think the skies, soil and desert rose. A clever combination of these colors can help build the idea of camouflaging while also making a statement.
2. Stylish Utility: Who says reflector apparel should only be bright silver strips on a green background? As more people step out and run or cycle along the road, neon colors and metallic bases are sure to take over. Think metallic shades of rose gold or a deep copper tracksuit.
3. Crisscross And Mesh: Giving priority to comfort again, mesh details make an appearance, adding a sense of aeration to clothing. Similarly, crisscross patterns offer greater hold and flexibility for high-endurance workouts.

The Activist

Do you care enough about the planet? Because your future customer surely does. The activist style is all about sustainable fabric, native prints and muted shades interspersed with those that make themselves heard, much like the activist wearing them. 

1. Swimwear Done Differently: Thanks to a conscious juxtaposition of colors and prints, a line of endurance swimwear that isn’t boring (finally!) is in order. It is all about staying close to nature, isn’t it?
2. Futuristic Statements: An activist is only trying to make the future better, after all! This explains why spacesuit inspired garments and muted metallics fit for an astronaut are in order. Add in some huge floral prints, and you’re good to go.
3. Standout Details: Interestingly, mesh detailing will be taken to a whole new level in this trend. SS ’19 is the season in which eco-conscious clothing gets a fashionable new update with huge mesh inlays.

 The Karmic Energizer

 There is a positive shift towards holistic wellness, and all the fitness and meditation apps out there prove a point in this regard. Colors inspire moods, and this collection is all about using color to feel strong, centered, powerful, peaceful- the choice is yours. 

1. Blues, Greens, Pinks And Reds: Muting of colors is not a concept that belongs in this collection. The swatches here scream, ‘this is how I’m feeling!’ Think bright, happy colors.
2. Straps And Bandeau: There’s nothing that offsets the effect of bright colors quite like a bodycon adaptation. Not only is the collection bright, it flatters your figure like there’s no tomorrow. Perfect for the inner gymnast.
3. Geometric Details: Geometry is not limited to prints alone! Think steep-cut sports tops, yoga pants with horizontal stripes, and square cutouts on the sides of clothing. When it comes to shapes and their placement, anything is possible.

 

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Supriya Ghurye is the founder and owner of Fuel4Fashion. She is a Freelance Fashion Designer and Brand Consultant helping fashion brands to create great products from idea to launch. Fuel4Fashion social links: Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram  

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