Trust me, lavender is the only colour you'll want to wear this summer
Dopamine dressing at its finest
Forget about monochrome shades of black, grey and white, if the Spring/Summer 2024 collections made anything clear, it's that this season is all about dopamine dressing.
Breakout hues so far have been red, butter yellow and orange, but I have a soft spot for this subtle take on purple: lavender.
It took over each fashion capital from New York to Paris, with every designer interpreting it in a different way. At Michael Kors, models wore vibrant oversized sweaters and short trench coats with sandals. At Carolina Herrera, it was all about sheer lace dresses and separates, as well as pale lilac silk gowns worn with masculine black blazers.
Victoria Beckham favoured the hue on oversized suits and satin dresses, a vibe she also brought to her recent collaboration with Mango.
In Paris, at Issey Miyake we enjoyed layer upon layer of lavender on trousers, shirts, trench coats and hats.
But while the latter made for a striking outfit, for a more wearable look, I recommend pairing lavender with complimentary hues, such as the aforementioned butter yellow, mint or orange, or toning it down with black or denim.
This sheer ruffled top ticks off two trends in one, and will look great with beige tailored trousers.
Cute and playful, this mini dress is the perfect party dress for summer, worn with metallic heels.
Gucci's best-selling Horsebit heels get a lavender makeover this season.
Part of Victoria Beckham's collection for Mango, this breezy dress will see you through every summer event.
Accessories are the perfect stepping stone into a bold trend like this one.
To be worn with a white shirt and jeans or with the matching trousers.
The satin skirt is always a wardrobe staple, but this lilac hue brings it up to trend.
If you want to go for the full lavender look, layer this shirt over a satin lilac gown.
Marie Claire Newsletter
Celebrity news, beauty, fashion advice, and fascinating features, delivered straight to your inbox!
Penny Goldstone is the Contributing Fashion Editor at Marie Claire UK. She writes about catwalk trends and the latest high street and Instagram sartorial must-haves. She also helms the Women Who Win franchise.
She has worked in fashion for over 10 years, contributing to publications such as Cosmopolitan, Red, Good Housekeeping, and Stylist.
-
James Middleton has revealed what makes him "most proud" of Princess Kate
By Jenny Proudfoot
-
I'm a nude lip girl through and through – but come Autumn, this berry lip stain is the only thing I wear
Along with Gilmore Girls, cosy knits and pumpkin spice lattes
By Rebecca Fearn
-
Miu Miu girls always provide my favourite fashion week inspo. Here’s the 5 key pieces they’re wearing right now
We all want to be Miu Miu girls
By Jazzria Harris