8 Fresh Things You Need in Your Wardrobe

As we leave 2015 in the past and embrace 2016, is it just us or does our wardrobes suddenly seem dated and in need of something ‘Fresh‘?

Well, here are the pieces to add in now; the things that are gong to be huge this year and especially as we ditch fashion’s Winter season for Spring’16.

1. The Silky Bomber

About to be big (again) everywhere, is the bomber jacket – but especially those in supreme silks.

So far, we’ve seen a few of Pantone’s chosen shades for the year pop up on bombers of the high street variety: Dusky pinks, blues and cream creations, namely.

But at Louis Vuitton’s showcase it was navy and red; at Valentino it was yellow and bronze prints; at Washington Roberts, we got blue-green geo print; and at Saint Lauren we saw all sorts of patterns and colours.

Find your fave now and get onboard with the silky bomber jacket look early.

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2. The Printed Neck Tie

These are the street stylist and fashion blogger faves, in terms of accessories right now. And, if you aren’t already rocking one, you need to invest.

A cheap addition to one’s wardrobe, and easy to wear, this is a cool and quick update to any look you’ve pulled together.

Tie a bandana to your wrist or stick with knotting one around your neck, despite it being at odds with the rest of your outfit – the contrast it creates will ensure it all works.

Or why not find a silken, printed scarf and loop it neatly around your neck, like we saw at Orange Culture and Louis Vuitton’s Spring/Summer’16 shows? Those long ’70s versions we sported last season though? They’ve been updated and now come in print.

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3. Heavy-Duty Neckpieces

From one neck piece to the next, it seems designers are set on embellishing this area for Spring/Summer’16, with some of our favourites hell bent on blinding them up with beautiful and meaningful designs.

Orange Culture set about creating cool, 3D brooches (that can be pinned to chains and worn as necklaces) with Azubike Ononye – a designer that explores technology and aesthetics to raise awareness of cardiovascular diseases- with his web-like pieces inspired by the nets of Lagos fisherman (the inspiration behind his Spring/Summer’16 “Etched Journey” collection).

And Bubu Ogisi? She’s made some heavy, acid-soaked, welded warrior head “Bandahene” pieces for your neck – the sort that juxtapose and anchor all the floaty, sports-infused garments from her Spring/Summer’16 “Modern Hunters” range.

It seems next season, it’s all about sticking one’s neck out.

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4. Highwaist Pants

We’ve said it before, and we’l say it again: high waist pants – particularly those that come printed and flared at the hem – are both flattering and a thing for Spring/Summer.

Following on from the ’70s revival of last season, this type of trouser flatters all figures and makes the most of one’s waist – and not just ladies’, with menswear labels Orange Culture also reworking the silhouette for men.

If you can, jump into a pair and ride the wave before we’re back to not-so-flattering-for-all-skinnies, or worse: bootleg jeans.

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5. Sporty Stuff

Bubu Ogisi had the right idea, with her striped looks for Iamisigo’s “Modern Hunters” collection, and many other designers have also looked to the gym for inspiration.

…Ok, so maybe the gym’s on our mind right now, being that it’s January. But sportswear? It’s about to be big.

Think sporty stripes down leg or wrapped around arms; think sweat pants juxtaposed with heels or a blazer; think sweatshirts and sporty crop tops and think about stocking up on them now. These are going to be huge.

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6. Cape Details

If you’re more ‘glitz and glam’ than about getting papped by streetstyle photogs, perhaps this is a trend for you. Cape details have danced their way onto smart staples like blazers and evening gowns, and we are all here for it.

The high street offers a few items you can buy now, including actual capelets if superhero style is your thing. And of the designers? Washington Roberts sent sleeves out that’d had the cape-treatment, and Weizdhurm Franklyn draped a cape over his best dresses.

READ MORE: THE BEST OF THE GOLDEN GLOBES’ RED CARPET

Just take inspiration from stars like Genevieve Nnaji and Omatola Jalade, plus the red carpet at the 2016 Golden Globes. Capes are the brand new chic.

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7. Fringed Shoes

From Instagram celebrities to models in lookbooks, the fringed shoe is fashion’s favourite thing for feet.

The hero piece of your shoe cupboard began its rounds last year but will continue to reign, and that includes fringing, shredded materials like denim, and spliced leathers.

Take a look at Loza Maleombho’s Spring/Summer’16 catwalk for reference, or the looks from Tsemaye Binitie’s new season lookbook, then seek a pair and let the trend provide an excuse for you to make purchase.

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8. Elegant Earrings

And a finishing touch? The earring, which is making an important comeback to closets this season.

Well actually, we started thinking about our lobes last season, in the run up to Christmas, but those big bauble styles? Keep a hold of them for Spring/Summer, as designers like Naeem Khan, Carolina Herrera and Oscar De La Renta have decided they’re how an outfit is made complete.

Try Kenya-based Adele Dejak for East African artisan-made jewels created from brass, Kuba cloth and kiting; MADE for ethically produced Kenyan-made accessories; or for ?? – but a simple gold hoop (can we thank Empire’s Cookie for their resurgence?) will more than just do.

But what do you think? Tell us which trends you’ll be looking to take on for your Spring/Summer’16 wardrobe, in the comments box or online @SPICETVAFRICA.

Image source: Derriuspierre.com, Freshnessmag.com, Disneyrollergirl.net, Thefashionisto.com, Theupcoming.co.uk, Uk.fashionmag.com, Pinterest.com, Asos.com