Spring 2016 Trend Preview

This spring, minimalism takes a back seat. If the Spring/Summer 2016 runways are any indicator of the trends to take over fashion bloggers’ Instagram feeds, it looks like styles are taking a turn for the extreme—in the best way possible.

Looks seen on the runways were a combination of romance, maximalist, and a healthy tinge of grunge. For fashion lovers looking to stay on top of the trends this season, we gathered the biggest and best from the runways to keep you in-the-know and ahead of the game.

To start, say hello to old world folklore, because romance and ruffles are in full force for the fashion-forward crowd this spring. Appearing at Roberto Cavalli, Michael Kors, Miu Miu, and Marques Almeida, an abundance of fluffy ruffles took over maxi dresses and oversized tops. But ruffles aren’t the only indicator of romantic details. The Victorian era continued with floral maxis and lace flowing down the catwalk. And as Fashionista notes, tiaras—yes, tiaras—are also trending for the season. Saint Laurent and Miu Miu are both reminding us that princesses and happily-ever-afters are still goals to be emulated.

And the fashion industry’s recent adoption of gender-bending is evident in menswear trends, too, this spring. Androgyny is at an all-time high, with men’s trends leaning towards the lacy, feminine side. With Burberry and Gucci showing these looks paired with loafers like those from Lyst’s trend recommendation, fashion observers realize that gender binaries are blurring, and the result is oh-so-cool.

With all the feminine elements, though, the grunge influx is sure to balance out your spring wardrobe. Enter the ‘90s, which is making its comeback in the form of punk choker necklaces, Kate Moss-esque slip dresses, and beauty looks straight from the archives. Haider Ackermann showed a slip dress paired with a cool leather biker jacket and messy pink hair—the rocker look the ‘90s is often remembered for.

And choker necklaces have emerged to exist in just about every form possible. Some are opting for a cat collar presence, and others are dipping low, knotted around the neck and dangling down the body like a tie. As for the beauty looks, bring back the berry lips and high half-ponytails. Remember to distress the hair a tad, with tousled waves falling in front of the face—these are the quintessential ‘90s styles.

With the comparison of dainty and dark details, spring fashion is sure to be an interesting combination of sweet and sour. And to top it all off, graphic stripes bring bold color to the mix, because loud fashion always adds gas to the flame. According to WWD, Missoni, Prada, Gucci, and Salvatore Ferragamo are some of the fashion houses that brought the playful pop to the runways. Think candy-like stripes in contrasting colors.

Mixing the romantic, grunge, and playful elements from the spring 2016 runways, the trendscape is sure to tout a statement-making season, full of fun and experimental looks.