ACCESSORIES

The Next Big (Small) Thing

Everything you need to know about Spring’s hottest accessories trend

SEVENTIES DRIFTER. One of the biggest trends in accessories and apparel for Spring 2016 gives a nod to the free-flowing 1970s. It draws inspiration from the free-spirited retro feminine vibe on the runways. In the accessories world, a lineup of earthy hues is mixed with the bohemian flair of summer suede, fringe, and long flowing chains.

Look for the following 1970s-inspired accents, hues, and details when planning your accessories assortment—from plano sunglasses and readers to chains and cases—for the new year.

Eyecare Business has partnered with Accessories Magazine’s trend service, Accessories Directions Trend Forecasting, for information on key fashion trends for Spring 2016. For more information, visit accessoriesmagazine.com/forecasting.

The Eyewear

The eyewear that sauntered down the runway with this trend followed a dramatic, “bigger-is-better” direction.

Oversized, opaque, and transparent frames took center stage. In addition, round frames were abundant in tortoise and opaque hues crafted of chunky plastics, sometimes mixed with metal accents.

Tinted lenses, from rose to yellow and green, were also on point with the trend’s overall ’70s look.

Emilio Pucci sent ’70s-inspired, oversized sunglasses down the runway
Photo: Accessories Directions

Etro
Photo: Accessories Directions

Alberta Ferretti
Photo: Accessories Directions

Gucci
Photo: Accessories Directions

Stella McCartney
Photo: Accessories Directions

Chloé
Photo: Accessories Directions

Chloé
Photo: Accessories Directions

The Palette

The ’70s-inspired distinctive color lineup is dominated by soft, earthy hues. The palette includes calm beiges and sand offset with rich apricot, deep teal, antique pink, and tranquil yellows. This color lineup touches all eyewear accessory areas, from plano sunwear to reading glasses and eyeglass chains to cases.

The Extras

Key materials—including light summer suede and dark brown crocodile-printed leather—perfectly follow the 1970s trend direction.

The jewelry component of this trend will certainly influence the eyeglass chain design for the season. The look is low and layered and consists of long, thin strands of delicate strings, metals, and silk. Variations include multi-layered lengths with raw stones, feathers, fringe tassel, and horn adorning the tiny chains.

Jay Godfrey
Photo: Accessories Directions

Other key jewelry looks within this trend include artful and crafty designs that look homemade (think mixed beads, tiny wood stones, and daisy flowers), horn and wood accents, brightly colored natural stones (like turquoise and amber), and long metal rope chains with bold pendants.

—Erinn Morgan