Spring 2018 Ready-to-Wear Trend Forecast

As the major fashion weeks approach, it’s time to start thinking about what we’ll be seeing on the runway in the coming months. As tech based fashion clashes with an Americana vibe, and extremes in all directions, from modest fashions to revealing clothes, take over the runway, this season is sure to be an exciting one.

White is the New Black

When should you wear white? In the summer and at your wedding? No! All the time! White garments are taking the runway by storm, whether they’re entirely white ensembles, or just an accent, it’s clear that white garments are here to stay. A.F. Vandevorst juxtaposes the purity of white with a tight, vinyl bodysuit that exudes promiscuity, while Hugo does something similar with an entirely sheer, white dress. On the other hand, Cedric Charlier leans into innocence with a playful dress and leather bag. Rodarte’s white moto jacket and pants with gold accents is a marvelous use of accessories, while Proenza Schouler’s white dress over a black bodice really makes the white pop.

Wear white the right way with these fabrics:

Funky Sleeves

Rodarte’s ruffled sleeves are an excellent example of this new trend. Bulky layers of chiffon give the appearance of broad shoulders and slinky forearms, throwing the model’s arms out of proportion. Casely-Hayford combines jersey with shirting for a sleeve of mixed mediums, Monique Lhuillier uses a Victorian silhouette for their eccentric sleeve. Vetements’ baggy sleeves are an interesting choice for a rain coat, and while Kenzo’s spiraled ruffle down the arm is a clear success.

Sell those sleeves with these fabrics:

Baroque

Baroque often refers a period of artistic style which focused on detail, drama, and exaggerated motion. This style is being reflected in fashion, as designers use a lot of motion and structure to illicit drama and emotion. Mason Rabih Kayrouz and A.F. Vandevorst use structured fabrics and silhouettes to create interesting movements, while Luisa Beccaria uses a limp chiffon. Monique Lhuiller uses layers of fringe for a fanciful effect, and Lanvin adds an extra layer of fabric on the back of their dress for some dramatic motion.

If it ain’t baroque, fix that with these fabrics:

No Genders

The gender trend is nothing new, as designers dress men in dresses and women in pantsuits. The twist on this trend is the total lack of gender. Although Albino Teodoro’s coat may be misconstrued as a women’s jacket, it makes no difference as it’s thrown on the shoulders of a male model. Casely-Hayford and Cedric Charlier use loose fitting clothes to mask the bodies of the women, while A.F. Vandevorst uses a tighter vinyl top to bind the model. Paul Smith’s relaxed pantsuit is the epitome of gender fluidity, a look that anyone can wear with a little bit of confidence.

Disregard the gender binary with these fabrics:

All Fabrics All Year Round (Wool, Velvet, Fur)

There are no rules in fashion lately, only boundaries to be broken. One of these boundaries? Seasonal fabrics and when to wear them. All fabrics are on the table, any time of the year. For spring and resort shows, that means thick wool and fur, or even velvet. Dundas, Proenza Schouler, and Monique Lhuillier use bushy furs layered over their outfits, and Whistles vivacious red shearling is perfect for chilly spring nights. Mother’s velvet leisure suit was made for louning in the early morning sun that streams through the window on a mid-April day.

Wear what you want to this season with these fabrics:

Mixing the Same Patterns

Pattern mixing has been popular the past couple seasons, but the newest trend is mixing the same patterns in different colors. Piazza Sempione mixes a black and white window pane check with a white and black window pane check, an interesting juxtaposition that adds depth to this pant and vest combination. Lemlem uses stripes of different sizes in the same tones for some fun and funky leisure wear, while Kenzo’s paisley top and paisley skirt uses the whole range of the rainbow for their pattern mixing. Paul Smith and Proenza Schouler have fun with florals, combining multiple florals in a range of colors.

Mix up these patterns:

Which spring trend do you hope to see more of? And which would you love to see fade in popularity? Let us know in the comments!