Fashion has taken us on a roller coaster ride in 2017, with glitz and glamour barging austerity chic out of the way and statement sleeves showing up all over the place.
2018 looks likely to mix it up style-wise even more – we have our eyes firmly trained on the AW2018 shows coming up very soon, and we’re expecting the unexpected. Trends are fickle, some, like ‘let’s see what we can do with a statement sleeve that’s a bit different’ seem here to stay, while the anticipated rush of 90s retro hats, scrunchies and slip dresses seems to have so far not materialised.
Ultra Violet and Pastels
So where do we start with the trends for 2018? Colour-wise, Pantone has already declared Prince tribute colour ‘Ultra Violet’ its official 2018 colour, but our money is on a lighter shade of purple to really hit the shops this year. Lavender is in, along with a multitude of pretty pastels like duck egg blue, lemon and the ever-present ‘Millenial pink’. To stop them being TOO girly, opt for tailored suits or separates and structured outfits that aren’t wishy washy and floaty.
Statement Sleeves go BIG
Of course, we’re all about the statement sleeves here at Wingz and we’re confidently expecting the trend for unusual designs and standout sleeves to continue. The two we’re expecting to see a lot of on the catwalks are the Leg o’ Muttons – voluminous and billowing, not for wallflowers, and supersized or ballon sleeves with a 19th century throwback feel. Melania Trump is already a fan of the ballon; we’re not sure if that’s likely to give it a head start or hold it back. Time will tell.
Transparent Trendsetting
Transparency is a headline trend too, sheer panels and more are massive in 2018. If you’re feeling revealing, sheer coats, dresses and skirts over cycling shorts and granny pants are one way to make an entrance. Showing off your lingerie takes us back to the 90s in a way that those of us who remember them are probably too mature to want to revisit, but a sheer sleeve or some see-through panelling is an easy way to embrace the fashion.
Art and Embellishment
Art and fashion are irrevocably linked, and some fashion seasons make that point impressively well. Versace used Warhol-inspired pieces to prove the point, Raf Simons at Calvin Klein used actual Andy Warhol screen prints and Prada went for cartoonish artworks.
If you’re not into sequins, glitter and sparkles, avert your eyes and move on. 2018 will be awash with them. Gucci, Tom Ford and Marc Jacobs all embraced a bit of bling, and it doesn’t stop there. Embellishment is going to be a big thing this year, with fringe making a return too, and more over-the-top than ever before, with dramatic fringing on the runways at Calvin Klein and Dior. You can dip your toes into the trend with an array of bags, skirts and tops.
What’s your favourite 2018 trend prediction?