Disclaimer: I have a lot to say in this post.

Today I wanted to talk about trends for Winter 2018. Honestly, these were also prevalent through last season, and even going as far back as last fall/winter. And I don’t think we’ll see them fizzle out any time soon. I feel confident that you’ll be able to wear these straight through 2018–which is good, because if you want to invest in any of these trends, it won’t be out in a season. They’re not exactly classics, but they aren’t fads either.

I also want to note that these are the stand out trends for me, personally. There are tons of other trends and styles featured on the runways, but these are what I think are the most relevant and my personal takeaways. Fashion is so personal. We’re all going to interpret style just a little differently.

Menswear

We’re talking blazers, trousers, very tailored clothing– power suiting, if you will.  Fashion is so heavily influenced by world events. Whether or not you think fashion is important or meaningful, it is. It’s both. It’s inspired and affected by everything that’s happening in the world from politics to agriculture to technology advances. And this androgynous way of dressing is no different.

In recent years we’ve reached a point where there’s so much uncertainty in the world, especially in politics. And that uncertainty causes so much anxiety and complexity. I think the menswear trend is a way to combat that. You can use pieces that exude confidence and mask that uncertainty you may be experiencing.

Think about interviews. You’re always told to wear a suit that fits and is tailored well, because it makes you appear sophisticated and confident. Or you’re more likely to perceive someone as being successful and confident if they’re wearing well tailored clothing that looks professional.

Aside from the air of uncertainty on a global scale, I think this androgynous way of dressing is also a nod to feminism. Think back to the 1980s, when women really started entering the corporate sector. You saw so many women in “power suits” so they’d appear as capable and confident as men. It was a means to be taken seriously.

Fast forward to now, and we are seeing that again–the need to fight for the right to be taken seriously. Women are demanding an equal playing field to men. I think the menswear trend in women’s fashion is, again, a nod to feminism and protests happening around the world surrounding women’s rights and issues.

Elements to consider:

When engaging in this trend, you’re going to gravitate toward Prince of Wales prints and pieces that are very sartorial. You’ll see a lot of matching in terms of tops and bottoms–I like the look of matching jackets and skirts. Think Clueless for that one (which could be another inspiration–the ’90s have been back for bit). You also are going to see an influx in trousers. Fit ranges–you can have a tapered leg (my fave), wide leg, or cropped fit, but there are definitely trousers everywhere.

Designer Inspo:

Calvin Klein, Alexander Wang, Stella McCartney, Mango

Shop the trend:

Red on Red on Red

 

Pantone may have named Ultra Violet the color of the year, but I think red will continue being everywhere in fashion throughout the new year.

It’s a power color. Red is strong and vibrant; it’s the color of  blood, fire, and passion. It’s statement making and noticeable. Isn’t it proven red cars tend to get more tickets than other colors? Maybe I made that up. It can trigger love, happiness, anger, and sensuality. I’ve been looking around for red lingerie now that I think about it, but we’ll save that for another post (;

Without delving too far into it, the 2016 election brought out a lot of intense feelings, most being an anger or resentment and I think that’s why we saw so much red throughout 2017 and why I think we’ll continue to see it as a prevalent color in 2018 as well. I think we’ll continue to see people using red to  make a statement and expressing themselves boldly.

How to style red:

You definitely can go head to toe red for a truly eye catching look, but you can add simple pops of red if that’s more your speed. Wear a red heel or a red boot. Pop on some red sunglasses or a red beret (which is also a hot trend for winter). I really want to find a good, oversized, red blazer. But the beauty of fashion is you can morph trends to meet your personal style needs and preferences. I think that’s the best way to incorporate trends into your wardrobe–making sure it fits into your aesthetic. That way it never looks or feels to costume-like.

Designer Inspo:

Valentino, Fendy, Calvin Klein, Max Mara, Balenciaga,

Shop the trend:

Maximalism

In fashion, generally you hit a turning point when we’ve had a trend going on for x amount of time. Designers tend to do a 180, go in the opposite direction for freshness and shock factor. That’s what we’re seeing now. We’ve been showcasing minimalism for so many seasons, that it’s converse is a maximalist trend. To me, it’s just about going bold or going home.

In a historical sense, my mind shoots straight to French designers during WWI.  Materials were rationed for war efforts–we weren’t using silks and leathers, because we needed those for war supplies. But all over the world, product specs in fashion were restricted. Your skirts couldn’t be so wide or you could only use x amount of fabric per piece. The French designers were kind of pissed, and instead of listening to the restrictions, they made these ridiculous, excessive pieces in protest. I think that’s awesome. I’ve always held that in the back of my mind.

But in more current examples of maximalism, immediately my mind goes to Gucci. It’s quirky and expressive, and honestly I think what we need at the moment.

It’s about mixing prints and textures and colors. We’re seeing a ton of floral for winter, which is generally considered a spring pattern. I think it’s fun and makes a statement in winter fashion. Usually you are told to pick one element to be statement making–be it your dress or shoe or accessories–but this trend allows you to leave every element to make its own statement.

Elements to consider:

As I said, floral is big right now. Also you can play into this trend with big sleeves, mixing textures, high necklines (one of my faves), ruffles, etc.

Designer Inspo:

Gucci, Prada, Valentino, Kenzo

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Athleisure

This ’70s inspired, athletic, casual way of dressing was popular throughout 2017, and I don’t think it’ll go away in 2018. Think vintage Nordica ads for reference. Plus, it’s inspired by resort wear for ski lodges–there couldn’t be a more perfect style for winter. Clearly this isn’t my favorite trend for myself, because I don’t have much to say about it. But I do think it’s one you’re going to be seeing everywhere.

Elements to consider:

You’ll definitely utilize pieces like track pants, bomber jackets, puffer coats, and all white boots. But you’ll also mix in geometric prints with primary colors and cozy/luxe textures. You can go as kooky or simplistic and chic as you want, but it definitely gives an ultra casual but still luxe vibe. Like with the maximalism trend, I would 100% advise to work into into your wardrobe slowly. This is one of the trends that, if done in a way that’s not natural to you, will look like a Halloween costume.

Designer Inspo:

Marc Jacobs, Louis Vuitton,

Shop the trend:

Americana

The last, and maybe my favorite trend, to talk about today is the Americana variety. I love denim and collared shirts and looks that are more simplistic, which the Americana trend usually provides. The color palette is blues, and reds, and whites (obviously), but in various shades. So for me, I can take a muted, darker, earthy version of red, white, and blue and still be within the trend’s limits. And those are the colors I like on myself.

I think it’s safe to say inspiration for this trend is going back to the ’40s with Rosie the Riveter and the feminist movement of today, women’s empowerment, US history. Politics definitely plays a role in the return of this trend’s popularity. Generally speaking, the designers who are going to showcase this trend intentionally will most likely be American designers, which plays into the trend itself a little bit.

Elements to consider:

In terms of fabric, look for denim, chambray, leather, suede. Bandana prints, like seen at Alexander McQueen’s Fall 2017 show, and stars, studs, these are patterns and prints that fit into this trend. I also like to sneak in some gingham and polka dots–to me those fall into rural Americana for some reason…in my head. Look for western style shirts with double pockets (think Calvin Klein), eye-catching yokes on your shirts.

Designer Inspo:

Dior, Coach, Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger

Shop the trend: