A quick glance at Gucci SS16 leaves the audience with no doubt that green is a key colour being put forward for next season, but Alessandro Michele’s use of the shade is certainly not where it ends. From bright graphic stripes at Stella McCartney to a more military feel at Celine, the colour green – in any one of its many shades – is one that will be difficult to avoid as we head into spring.

 

While it may seem unusual for the start of what is commonly stated as the season to start afresh (with many decluttering their houses – and wardrobes), mint green was not the most popular shade on the catwalks. Pastels have been put to one side in a surprising move, but one that is sure to be popular among those of us who are more than just a little tired of the softer shades.

 

But is there a deeper meaning behind the sudden influx of designers filling their collections with all things green? According to ‘colour psychology’, green supposedly represents “balance, harmony and growth”, but does this really tell us anything? It could relate to spring and the idea of turning over a new leaf, but what is interesting about green for SS16 is that the main shade coming through is a mid to dark green, reminiscent of the forest and generally giving off what is traditionally a more autumn/winter look.

 

Although you may think this an unconventional direction for fashion houses to take, there are many reasons as to why the deeper shades of green are beginning to come through: firstly, it is in fact the second most common favourite colour of the general public (coming in unsurprisingly after blue) so is sure to be a popular choice among consumers. Then, of course, there is the connotation of health and nutrition – green is undoubtedly the colour of fitness. 2015 was the year that juicing proved it was here to stay and not merely a fad, and we also saw an increase in the number of people going vegan. Research has shown that millennials are concerned with conserving the environment for future generations and generally being more socially responsible than those before us; it is likely that these current lifestyle trends will be reflected in peoples’ clothing choices, going green in more than one way.

 

Understanding the connotations behind something as simple as a colour can reveal more than expected; surveys from both Europe and the United States have found that people commonly link green to nature, youth and spring (handy!). Another big association is that of the Green Party and groups such as Greenpeace, representing socialism and environmental movements. Green is the colour of peace and hope and, with all the positivity it conjures up in peoples’ minds, is sure to be a popular fashion statement in the year ahead.

 

Designers of many different styles have featured mid to dark greens in their SS16 collections – whether you prefer the overstated glamour of Balmain (who displayed green in many forms: ruffled skirts, macramé knits and a striking suede dress) or are more a fan of the typically British feel of Burberry (slightly lighter shades were seen here – although still definitely not pastels – on delicate summer dresses, contrasting with deep green joggers). However, the true star of the show here is Alessandro Michele for Gucci, who didn’t send many looks down the catwalk without a hint of green featuring somewhere. His show is an endless treasure trove if you’re a fan of the colour: he begins with a sheer lace dress in the key shade and continues throughout – silk bomber jackets, A-line skirts in different textures, and a statement metallic suit are just a few of the highlights.

 

While a Gucci price-tag is not realistic for many, there are a multitude of high street stores that serve perfectly well as a replacement: head to & Other Stories for luxurious cashmere and metallic eveningwear (taking direct inspiration from the Gucci suit), Topshop for textures and summery prints, and Asos for any accessory you could ever wish for. If you’re not quite ready to go green with your clothing just yet (and only want to see it on your Starbucks cup or when you’re listening to Spotify), why not consider switching up your living space? You might be fed up of seemingly endless Instagrams of cacti plants, but they are a simple way to inject a bit of green into your everyday environment – and fake plants are always an option for those of us who lack the commitment of keeping a plant alive for more than four days.

 

As much as you may not find green the easiest colour to style, there will definitely be many options trickling into stores over the next few months now that it has been so heavily featured by various fashion houses for SS16. Take a leaf out of their book and make this the year that you go green.