Pre-Fall 2020’s Top Trends
Before another full fashion month of designers showing looks that we won’t wear until fall 2020, let’s take a moment to look back at the pre-fall 2020 collection and the emerging trends we can start incorporating into our wardrobes even now.
While there were a multitude of trends to consider throughout, there was one theme introduced during spring 2020 whose spirit continued on into pre-fall 2020: 1960s-inspired rebellion and a revival of youth culture.
Shorter hems on skirts and dresses, celebrated at Gucci and Dior in previous seasons, were seen at Michael Kors and Louis Vuitton this season. The designers encouraged audiences to embrace their inner schoolgirls with crisp shirting and cosy cardigans. (Perhaps in a plea for us to dive into our books instead of our phones?) The ‘90s resonated with pre-fall 2020’s crop of collections, as designers took a grungier, more punk approach—a stark contrast to the naked simplicity from what’s largely known as the minimalist era. There were also, of course, takes on seasonal outerwear, most notably at Bottega Veneta, which sent a star shearling down the runway.
In many ways, the pre-fall collections predict the biggest statements to come during the fall fashion shows. Here are six pre-fall trends we are embracing now.
1British Countryside
The many checks and plaids for pre-fall 2020 have evolved into an homage to the quaintness of the English countryside and beyond. Balenciaga took a literal approach to the trend and presented a perfectly patterned overcoat, chic enough to wear amid the London fog. Gucci and Dior both adopted the essence of the trend and showed outerwear fit for any misty rain or rolling hill.
2Minis
For spring 2020, the revival of the ‘60s reigned. We therefore expected a continuation of the mini movement for pre-fall 2020. Our forecast was met in the forms of abbreviated hems at Dior, Gucci, and even at Balenciaga. Most surprisingly, Proenza Schouler, a brand which previously favored a more demure direction, embraced the barely there with this retro, white mini.
3Shearling
Outstanding outerwear made its mark at the pre-fall collections, standing in defiance toward the fact that the season’s wares hits stores during the heat of midsummer. Daniel Lee at Bottega Veneta sealed his title yet again as the bonny prince of shearling stunners. This quilted number is no exception. Chanel and Gucci took the trend to an elegant, elevated height with their own interpretations.
4Babydoll
The spirit of the 1960s soldiered on in the pre-fall 2020 collections with takes on Peter Pan collars, chiffon, and the aforementioned standout—the super-short skirt. The babydoll dress was such a cause célèbre piece that at Gucci’s fall 2020 men’s show, almost all of the women’s looks featured the silhouette. Fendi and Valentino embraced a childlike fantasy in velvet, while at The Marc Jacobs, there was a bubble-gum pink number lined in lace.
5Book-smart
There was clearly a youth revival in swing this pre-fall 2020 season, as designers reinterpreted their version of the modern-day schoolgirl. Crisp shirting, tailored blazers, and pleated skirts were just a few of the collections’s many collegiate looks—seen here at Louis Vuitton and Michael Kors. The trend was most notably seen at Wales Bonner’s fall 2020 men’s show.
6Punk
After fall 2019, the ‘90s remained resonate in the pre-fall 2020 lineups. This time, designers took a grungier, punk-inspired approach rather than creating minimalist looks. Inspiration from Courtney Love, The Ramones, and a young Kate Moss come to life in this leather skirt look from Balenciaga and these stripes from Max Mara. The hero piece of this trend? An all-plaid ensemble from Gucci.
