CHICAGO Splashes of color in shades inspired by foods and belted blazers are among the top fashion trends for the spring season’s hotel uniforms, according to apparel manufacturer Cintas Corp.
“This spring, the trends are about adding splashes of color to neutral palettes, spicing up classic profiles with elegant details and clean lines,” says Michelle Dortch, senior product designer for Cintas. “By incorporating some of these new details into an apparel program, hoteliers can keep their associates looking fashionable and refreshed.”
Cintas identifies the following trends in its fashion forecast:
- Delicious Colors: Food-inspired colors are hot this spring. Look for lemon, lime, paprika, curry and dijon mustard accents to highlight neutral palettes. Pocket squares, vests or scarves are great places to add color.
- Belted Blazers: A simple belt worn over the blazer is a trendy way for professional women to accessorize. Alternatively, try a simple hook-and-eye closure to keep this blazer on point this season. For shorter blazers, cropped jackets factor heavily this spring. Key details include sharp shoulders, hidden button closure, boxy silhouettes, collarless and contrast borders.
- Simple Necklines: Collarless button-ups present a relaxed, season-appropriate alternative to the traditional dress shirt. Simple pullovers in satin or charmuse add elegance to the basic shell. Tunics with a simple band are another neckline that offers a relaxed look for hotel apparel programs.
- The Shirtdress: The classic shirtdress has been updated with dropped shoulders, extended plackets and hip seamed details. Fabrics range from oxfords to denim, and even leather.
- Cummerbund Belts: The cummerbund made a runway appearance with three-prong closures or with a knotted front wrap for a softer look. This belt is a great layering piece over blouses and dresses.
- Two- and Three-Buttoned Blazers: Both two- and three-button blazers were seen on the runway this season. The blazer has a convertible break for a two- or three-button closure.
- Pattern Play: The plaid shirt—a timeless mainstay of menswear-acontinues its strong presence on the runway and in retail. Plaid was introduced in new color palettes this season. Shadow checks had contrasting collars and cuffs, with gingham as an accessory.
- Relaxed Separates: Suit jackets worn with mismatched pants deliver a casual approach to men’s silhouettes this season. Sweater dressing with collared shirts and ties introduce a relaxed confidence to a hotel front desk.
- Pocket Detail: Cargo, zippered, piped and in-seam pockets were seen on the runway, providing a great utilitarian look for classic shirts.
- Wrap This: Wrap tops return with a new wave of minimalism. Clean designs with optional self-ties or hidden closures are also in style.
“Many hotel guests are quite fashionable, and your brand should be relevant to them,” Dortch says. “Cintas’ apparel solutions can keep your brand fashion-forward by implementing cutting-edge styles that retain functionality. Staying on top of trends builds rapport with your guests without saying a word.”