The Spring 2018 Starter Pack: Here's What Will Be Cool Next Season

Spring is only a few days away and the upcoming season's trends are already beginning to emerge. As they say, the sooner the better, so we suggest starting to get familiar with these trends now; we’re betting they’ll be big come the warmer seasons. While we usually think of spring and summer as the perfect time to reserve our more dainty looks for, this year it seems that warm weather will bring along with it a new sense of rebellion.

Rather than opting for your traditional sweet, summer florals, street style trends are suggesting that this year you may find yourself reaching instead for funkier pieces. While there’s nothing wrong with the French-girl favourite wrap dress, we’re betting that you’ll see a lot less of it this year in exchange for more streetwear inspired items. If you’re not feeling too sure about the idea of swapping your trusty espadrilles for Doc Martens yet, we’re willing to bet this season may just change your mind.

If autumn and winter’s ultra-bright coloured trend is any indication, fashion seems to be breaking free from the minimalist and safe, normcore styles of seasons past, and instead embracing anything—and everything— that feels a little more fun. In fact, it seems as though the warm seasons will only amplify the sartorial freedom we’ve seen thus far in 2018; and the wackier, the better.

With new twists like fishnet tights and oddly shaped bags, spring and summer are sure to push you out of your comfort zone; perhaps for the better. Instead of your usual, comfortable cutoffs, consider opting instead for a universally-flattering full skirt. Or maybe try sticking to your usual uniform, but add a crazy shoe to finish off the look.

Regardless of which trends you choose to adopt, and which you let fall by the wayside, odds are you’ll find yourself experiencing a little more style liberation than summers past. The most important thing to note? Whether you’re going all in on power clashing, or testing out a skirt suit, make sure you’re wearing this season’s trends in a way that feels true to you. Fashion is just as much about how you feel in it as it is about how it looks; so if these trends feel a little too eccentric, feel free to try them in small steps.

By starting with the simpler trends and working your way towards the more “out there” ones, you’ll ensure that you still feel comfortable in what you’re wearing. And after all, that’s the most important ingredient to looking good. Keep scrolling to learn more about the most notable styles of spring and summer 2018.

Red Shoes

Elvis Costello may have been the first to openly address the fact, but still years later, there is just something so special about a pair of red shoes. Not only do they have the ability to make you feel super suave, but a red shoe can pair with just about any outfit. Whether you’re wearing colour or neutrals, a red shoe always stands out. Red has also been one of 2018’s major colours, and we don’t see that trend going anywhere anytime soon—so what better way to embrace it?

Unconventionally-Shaped Bags

We all love our trusty bucket bags and totes, but this season, unconventionally shaped bags are making their debut. If Staud’s cult bags proved anything this past season, it’s that people want to see something new on the handbag front. Whether a re-adapted version of an old favourite, or just a new geometric style, funky shaped bags are about to be everywhere. If this trend sounds a little impractical to you, try opting for a hands free crossbody version to avoid any awkwardness while carrying your new go-to bag.

Full Skirts

We love denim endlessly, but this season mix things up by swapping your favourite mum jeans for a full skirt. Nipped in at the waist, this universally-flattering silhouette is about to be everywhere. Much more eccentric than the normcore wrap skirts of past years, this voluminous version will feel so fresh.

The Skirt Suit

Winter and autumn saw their fair share of power suits. After all, 2018 has been a powerful year for women so far. As the warm weather approaches, however, a more seasonally appropriate version of the style is taking off. Enter: The skirt suit. Reminiscent of Cher Horowitz, the skirt suit is equal parts serious and fun—not to mention, much more comfortable than wearing long pants when the temperatures start to climb.

Extreme Footwear

At first we were shocked, then intrigued… and now? We’re in love. As the year has gone by, shoe styles have only gotten more extreme. What first started as a wave of “ugly” dad sneakers quickly opened the floodgates for more and more wild shoe styles to pour through (we’re looking at you, Jacquemus). But the more we see funky footwear, the more we want in on the style. Throughout the summer, the trend will only get stronger, so we suggest investing in a pair you really love right now and wearing them all season long.

Power-Clashing

If the A/W 18 ultra-bright trend could take it one step further—this is how. What started off as mixing multiple brights in the same outfit is now morphing into mixing colours, prints, shapes, and styles all together to create a cohesive (albeit wild) look. Though it may seem a little crazy at first, the style can actually come across as very polished when done right. If you’re feeling hesitant, consider pairing patterns that incorporate the same colour palette to keep the outfit feeling cohesive. Or just throw all caution to the wind, and mix whatever your heart desires. There are no rules in 2018.

Cropped Flares

We’ve already noticed skinny jeans quietly fading into the background with the resurgence of wider legged trousers, but this style definitely confirms it. Replacing your go to skinnies with flared jeans this season will keep you looking up-to-date. For an especially flattering look, opt for a pair that’s slightly cropped, as the kick-flare will create the illusion of a slimmer leg beneath.

Opening image credits: Getty Images