Resort isn’t exactly the time to scout for new trends. Synonymous with wearability, the season tasks designers with churning out clothes that feel fresh but are still in line with what women want to wear. That doesn’t mean the designs aren’t special, but once November rolls around, shoppers want to renew their wardrobes with easy, straightforward pieces, not a brand-new look.
Tibi’s Amy Smilovic addressed that by zeroing in on the subtle, subliminal shifts in what’s desirable right now: rounded shoulders, a hint of Lurex, slouchy pants (in place of last year’s culottes), and a new emphasis on the waist. “We haven’t had that in a while,” she explained. A black corset layered tightly over a cashmere sweater felt like a real departure for the label, but there was also boning and corsetry details on dresses and trenchcoats. A nipped-in waistline is about as classically feminine as it gets, particularly for a tomboyish brand such as Tibi, but mixed with those chunky knits and forgiving pants, the look was cool, not fussy.
Customizable pieces were also key this season. A canary-yellow trench had silver snaps along the sleeves that you could open at the wrist to show off your jewelry, or you could undo a few snaps at the shoulder for a flash of skin. The corset had stealth versatility, too; layer it over a poplin shirt or just wear it by itself with high-rise trousers for an alternative evening look.
