First up, let me provide context for the S/S 19 catwalk shows and designer presentations as a whole: There was much talk around feminism and equality, with fashion houses—big and small—using their platforms as a place to host debate and discussion, promote diversity and, most of all, create clothes that women can feel confident and powerful in. We were, after all, in the thick of the #MeToo movement, with global scandals awakening many a dormant mind.

“One of the biggest trends we saw during the shows was the overarching theme of the real woman; a welcome return to femininity, women empowerment and wanting to dress for yourself by feeling confident and comfortable,” says Elizabeth von der Goltz, global buying director for Net-a-Porter.

“In terms of pieces, the trend incorporates everything from comfortable tailoring, longer skirt lengths and relaxed outerwear in flattering and fluid shapes. We saw this most prominently at Riccardo’s debut for Burberry and also Loewe, The Row, Valentino and Givenchy. It’s a very easy trend to adopt for any woman, and this is what I love most about it,” says Goltz.2/80

I’m all for designers really thinking about both the hidden and obvious strength fantastic outfits can bring to the table, and what’s truly liberating and empowering clothing for women is, undoubtedly, choice (on any given topic).

Which perhaps explains why there are so many looks, items and details that make the spring 2019 fashion lineup: You’ve got loud and quiet looks, sporty and elegant getups and modest and racy silhouettes.

As noted by Elizabeth von der Goltz, there is a certain relaxed elegance that subtly threaded its way through many shows—often coming in simple, demure silhouettes rendered in equally soft colours like oatmeal, biscuit, blush and off-white. In basic terms, we’re looking at a spectrum of beige, but in fashion terms, that’s one of the chicest things a girl can wear. This colour palette looks grown-up, sophisticated and expensive, even if you aren’t able to invest in the looks pictured here.4/80

Max Mara is known and loved for its camel coats but for spring 2019, a range of neutral tones was employed in many ways via multiple fabrics—to great effect.5/80

Givenchy’s tough tailoring for spring 2019 takes the trend a level deeper into tones of khaki and army fatigues. Powerful both for work and off-duty.6/80

Dior’s balletic influencers for spring 2019 put these pretty shades of pink-toned beiges at the very centre of Maria Grazia Chiuri’s dreamy collection.7/80Shop spring’s beige trend:

Over this past year, everything appears to have been fastened with horn and tortoiseshell buttons, but I predict that 2019’s update will centre around bows. Whether big or small, these whimsical little additions will be found on everything from summer blouses and dresses to jewellery and hair accessories.