Trendstop Fashion Trend of the Year 2016 New Utility

Trendstop has revealed New Utility as their Fashion Trend of the Year for 2016. Combining fashion with function to create a clean, contemporary take on utility aesthetics, this inspirational trend direction will influence fashion, beauty, home and lifestyle products and campaigns throughout the 2016 year. New Utility reflects how today's consumer is increasingly expecting practical yet well-designed products, as seen with the growing popularity of clean Scandinavian-look brands like COS, Acne and Punkt, along with exclusive yet functional devices like the Apple Watch. Trendstop first identified the trend in early 2014 through its global trend innovator analysis. Here, FashionUnited readers can discover three essential components from the New Utility trend, spanning menswear and womenswear to beauty.

Women's Fashion

The utilitarian aesthetic and uniform influences represent forms of genderless dressing; New Utility is the ultimate unisex look, combining practicality with beautiful design. Defined by androgynous shapes and uniform styling, key looks include clean-cut overcoats, relaxed suits, refined casualwear and luxe jumpsuits. We see pared-back shades of black, grey, navy and khaki complement functional fabrics.

Men's Fashion

In menswear, modern styles with practical detailing and durable fabrics create a utilitarian aesthetic. Subdued shades of Ever Green, Gunmetal and Boot Polish inform the palette, applied in tonal stylings to enhance the uniform feel. Minimal, clean-cut garments are worn in layers, with functional footwear and customisable accessories completing the look.

Beauty

The New Utility face is well-defined, with the brow or bone structure highlighted over an understated base. Hair is controlled or swept back, with textural elements adding a contrast. Strong groomed brows introduce masculinity, while rosy lip tints and defined lashes add femininity.

Exclusive Offer

Trendstop invites FashionUnited readers to join us for our first Fashion Trend of 2016 New Utility online trend briefing, which will take place on January 14 2015. This free 30-minute presentation is full of essential trend information about New Utility, helping you learn how to create in-demand products for 2016. Simply click the banner to book your complimentary place.

Trendstop.com is one of the world's leading trend forecasting agencies for fashion and creative professionals, renowned for its insightful trend analysis and forecasts. Clients include H&M, Primark, Forever21, Zalando, Geox, Evisu, Hugo Boss, L'Oreal and MTV.

Images courtesy of Trendstop.com: Acne Studios Fall/Winter 2015-16, Paris Street Style, Stella McCartney Fall/Winter 2015-16, Kenzo, Sunpocket, 3.1 Phillip Lim, all Fall/Winter 2015-16, Diesel Black Gold Fall/Winter 2015-16, Jean Paul Gaultier Spring/Summer 2015, J Mendel Fall/Winter 2015-16.