These Are the Biggest Trends of Spring 2019

Throughout fashion month, our editors had their sights focused on the S/S 19 runways everywhere from New York and London to Milan and Paris. After sifting through hundreds of shows, there were plenty of new and exciting trends we spotted to look forward to for spring 2019.

Thanks to superb collections from the designers at Paco Rabanne and Chloé, we’re seeing collections centered around escapism—pieces that will no doubt be packed in the suitcases of women off to explore new corners of the globe. On the other hands, Chanel and Prada solidified bike shorts as one of the latest streetwear trends to be adopted on the runways. And while proportions have been growing over the last few seasons, the volume has been turned up to high with frothy gowns and exaggerated ruffles at Rodarte and Marc Jacobs.

Ahead, we’re taking a look at eight of the biggest trends that everyone will be wearing come spring 2019. If you’re inclined to get an early start on these, though, we’ve also included pieces to shop so you can start wearing them now.

spring-fashion-trend-guide-271190-1540856870481-image

(Image credit: Courtesy of Chloé; Valentino; Altuzarra)

Did designers have half-packed suitcases in their ateliers this season? All signs point to yes. Ideas about exploration were woven into collections across the board. Whether sunny tropical prints topped with seashells or prints sourced from travels across the globe, there is an inclusive look at style outside of the fashion capitals.

Shop the trend:

spring-fashion-trend-guide-271190-1540856861274-image

(Image credit: Courtesy of Fendi; Chanel; Prada)

While we have seen bike shorts emerge on the street style scene throughout this year, the piece was solidified on the runways. Whether paired with tweed jackets at Chanel, crisp button-downs and waist belts at Fendi, or padded headbands with knee-highs at Prada, there’s no doubting the versatility and persistence of the streetwear trend.

Shop the trend:

spring-fashion-trend-guide-271190-1540856857883-image

(Image credit: Courtesy of Altuzarra; Paco Rabanne; Alexander McQueen)

Meet the new silhouette for spring: extra-long jackets with a midriff-baring front. Seen in collections including Alexander McQueen, Altuzarra, Paco Rabanne, and Chloé, these jackets are one of the freshest new shapes for this season.

Shop the trend:

spring-fashion-trend-guide-271190-1540856876830-image

(Image credit: Courtesy of Marc Jacobs; Oscar de la Renta; Tom Ford)

Feathers have been on the minds of designers for a few seasons now, but this time around, the drama has been turned up. Instead of small embellishments to trim pants or shoes, they’ve become the main focus.

Shop the trend:

spring-fashion-trend-guide-271190-1540856873493-image

(Image credit: Courtesy of Marc Jacobs; Rodarte; Gucci)

Over the last few seasons, we’ve seen proportions get more and more exaggerated, but for spring the volume was turned on high. Larger than life ruffles hit the Marc Jacobs runway, while Gucci turned out puffy voluminous sleeves, and Rodarte debuted a collection brimming with frothy gowns.

Shop the trend:

spring-fashion-trend-guide-271190-1540856853949-image

(Image credit: Courtesy of Moschino; Marni; Louis Vuitton)

Art was top of mind for designers this season. At Louis Vuitton, graphic ’90s Memphis patterns in electric shades of turquoise and yellow were emblazoned on dresses and coats. While at Marni, literal images of Italian sculpture were developed into custom prints.

Shop the trend:

spring-fashion-trend-guide-271190-1540856866101-image

(Image credit: Courtesy of Burberry; Christian Dior; Miu Miu)

While there were plenty of vibrant shades on the runways, one of the major color statements came in the form of nudes. Throughout the season, designers dressed models in head-to-toe looks built around muted, earth tones. This trend is all about layering different shades and textures to add dimension to a neutral palette.

Shop the trend:

spring-fashion-trend-guide-271190-1540856880019-image

(Image credit: Courtesy of Maryam Nassir Zadeh; Carolina Herrera; JW.Anderson)

Many touchpoints of spring mark a return to handcraft—like the many crocheted pieces spotted in collections like Carolina Herrera, JW.Anderson, and Maryam Nassir Zadeh.

Shop the trend:

Next: Read about the biggest sneaker trends for spring 2019.

Associate Director, Special Projects

Kristen Nichols is the Associate Director, Special Projects at Who What Wear with over a decade of experience in fashion, editorial, and publishing. She oversees luxury content and wedding features, and covers fashion within the luxury market, runway reporting, shopping features, trends, and interviews with leading industry experts. She also contributes to podcast recordings, social media, and branded content initiatives. Kristen has worked with brands including Prada, Chanel, MyTheresa, and Luisa Via Roma, and rising designers such as Refine and Tove, and her style has been featured in publications including Vogue.com, Vogue France, WWD, and the CFDA. Before Who What Wear, Kristen began her career at Rodarte, where she worked on assistant styling, photo shoots, and runway shows, and at Allure, where she moved into print and digital editorial. She graduated from the University of Southern California, where she studied art history and business, and currently lives in New York.