In today's ever-changing fashion environment, keeping track of trends can be hard. It seems like every minute there's something new "in," style and what you thought was cool is suddenly out. Add the pressure of an entire new year and the idea of staying on top of your game can seem impossible. So in honor of 2018's impending arrival, we reached out to Melissa Moylan, VP of creative for womenswear at trend-forecasting company Fashion Snoops, to give us the inside scoop on which trends are on the rise (and on the decline) this coming year. So whether you're in the mood for a closet cleanse, a shopping spree, or both, you'll want to read this first.
Scroll through for Moylan's handy guide to what to adopt and retire in the hear ahead and, of course, shop our picks of what's in style!
Retire: Cropped Blazers
"While tailoring makes a significant comeback, oversize silhouettes and strong shoulder styles are preferred to cropped blazers," Moylan says.
Adopt: Power Tailoring
"Women's empowerment is a huge cultural movement, and tailoring is a key expression," Moylan explains. "In the recent S/S 18 runways, Tom Ford's hot-pink blazer and Versace's '80s glory days spoke to this trend. Strong-shoulder power blazers are a must-have replacing other jacket styles as a new layering item. Suits make a comeback from miniskirts to pantsuits, and traditional plaids and check patterns are everywhere."
Shop Our Power-Tailoring Picks:
Retire: Peacoats
"Though the peacoat is a classic, it's time to retire it in favor of staples like the trench coat or luxe leisure-inspired parkas," Moylan tells us.
Adopt: Parkas
"Designers and brands key into a new dressed-down reality by leveraging traditional athletic components," Moylan says. "The parka is a must-have in outerwear, but this time around, it's less about performance as styles embrace soft pastel colors and transparent materials. The fact that luxury house Valentino took on the parka attests to how influential it will be."
Shop our parka picks:
Retire: Contrast-Collar Shirts
"Contrast-collar shirts, especially those with embellishment, were popular for a while. It's time to retire them in favor of reworked shirts instead," says Moylan.
Adopt: Reworked Shirts
"As far as tops go, shirting is a driving factor," Moylan says. "This isn't your everyday button-down. Consider unconventional and deconstructed style updates from asymmetric lines to cutouts. The trend also extends to shirtdresses, often featuring tied or knotted details."
Shop Our Reworked-Shirt Picks:
Retire: Boot-Cut Jeans
"While there are still a ton of denim styles to choose from and many of us are holding on to skinny jeans, it's time to move on from boot-cut styles," says Moylan.
Adopt: Girlfriend Jeans
"The girlfriend jean is the new denim style you need in your wardrobe," Moylan tells us. "As a more feminine version of the boyfriend, it also happens to be a lot more flattering. The style features a slim straight-leg silhouette with a mid to high rise. Raw or step hems are a great detail that can be styled with ankle boots."
Shop Our Girlfriend-Jean Picks:
Retire: Elastic Ballet Flats
"Retire ballet flats in favor of more popular styles like loafers or slides," advises Moylan. "If you really can't part with them, consider structured ballet flats as opposed to elastic styles."
Adopt: Loafers and Mules
"Loafers are having a major moment with novelty materials like velvet or jacquard and quirky embroidery," she shares. "Mules are another easy style, offering a bit of a heel and great details like embellishment or fur."
Shop Our Loafer and Mule Picks:
