There are certain words that you’ll find in almost any fashion story, however I’ve never heard the word ‘joy’ used to describe clothes until 2020 when designers really examined our emotional connection with what we wear. Clothes not only reflect our mood, but also impact it, and so for SS21 designers from Versace to Molly Goddard used clothes to project a positive outlook.
Halpern used feathers, sequins and exaggerated silhouettes to create some of the happiest clothes you could imagine, and he explained to Vogue at the time: “Fashion should prop people up and give people a break, especially when they’ve been having such a terrible time.” This joviality was shown in many different ways, but Net-a-Porter in its SS21 presentation explained the overall theme: “We saw a sea of bold, bright colours in a multitude of fabrics and textures.”
In a month when many are reuniting with friends for the first time and the country begins to re-open, we are keen to reflect this joyful mood in our stories—and outfits. So we have introduced the ‘Happy 50’—a guide to the brightest, jolliest and funnest items for spring that will make you and everyone around you smile. Below you’ll find a lot of colour, print, some old treasures and some new finds, and even items you can rent for a weekend from £27.
The best use of colour.
Daisies and gingham? Yes please.
The blue brushstrokes make this almost a piece of art.
A vintage blouse you’ll love forever.
You can’t help but smile at the colour yellow.
The definition of a wow dress.
A subtle take on rainbow stripes.
This comes in blue too.
This print is frame worthy.
Add a little splash of colour to any outfit.
This Gucci collaboration is simply epic.
Kendall Jenner owns this dress.
I couldn’t help but include another pair of daisy shoes.
The perfect park jacket.
You can’t help but have a sunny outlook with these shades.
Rent this for the weekend—or week—on Hurr.
If you can’t go to the beach, bring the beach to your outfit.
Suzanne Kalan’s rainbow jewellery is so beautiful.
The perfect summer dress.
It doubles as a pillow too.
PJs you can wear out of the house.
This would be amazing with a white shirt.
The fringing is incredible.
Paloma Wool is a Who What Wear favourite.
These have a 70s spirit.
Hello, I love you.
A chain doesn’t need to be simple.
Shrimps knows the way to our hearts.
Yes you read that right, this is a tea towel print.
You need to see the back of this dress.
Sleeper PJs are so popular.
Well played Free People.
Wear around your neck or in your hair.
10/10.
When in doubt, lean into the hair accessories.
So! Much! Fun!
Another Paloma Wool winner.
This brand also does made-to-order knits in the colours of your choice.
