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2018 Spring Fashion Trends Forecast

Greetings, friends. Cheers to the weekend! Who’s ready to talk 2018 spring fashion trends???

I’m in full-on winter mode here and spring isn’t even a twinkle in my eye, however, I’ve published a spring fashion forecast during January for the past couple years and it’s always the most popular post for months.

I take that to mean that while most of us are still dressing for winter, we probably have our winter wardrobes fairly well established and are ready to think ahead to spring.

2018 Spring Fashion Forecast: What's on trend for spring with pictures and product links! #springfashion #fashioninspiration #fashionover40

There will be plenty more winter outfits, don’t you worry, but for today let’s look ahead to what’s on the fashion horizon for spring.

I usually focus on wearable trends and forego the crazy ones, but I’m including some that I’m not so much a fan of for the fun of it. I will let you know how I feel. #feelingopinionated #onmy2ndglassofwine

The one thing I’ve learned from writing this post so early in the season is that it’s hard to find a lot of good shopping links to wearable options because the stores aren’t really stocking spring styles yet. I’ll do my best, but we’ll have to wait and see how some of these trends play out in the mainstream stores.

2018 Spring Fashion Forecast

Let’s get this party started. (The pictures below are all clickable, in case you want to shop.)

#1. lavender + other “sorbet shades” // Color trends are nice because you can get in on them early. I probably read 20 articles on 2018 spring fashion trends, and lavender was in well over half of them so I know it will be a biggie.

Ironically, I just added a lavender sweater to my winter wardrobe. I wore it yesterday with distressed skinny jeans and grey loafers, and I’ll be pairing it with my white jeans for a future post.

I’m all about this trend. I love lavender, but it’s not a color I’ve worn much so it feels fresh and fun. Even my daughter and husband commented on my lavender sweater yesterday.

The lavender lace dress above would be gorgeous for a spring wedding or other dressy event, and how adorable are these lavender pumps???

#2. scrunchies // YES, scrunchies. Like the 80s scrunchies we all wore. I’ve already seen this — this and big hair bows — on some of the younger fashion bloggers. This is definitely a trend I do NOT plan to participate in. #cannotgoback #willnotgoback

#3. fannie packs // Ohhhh, boy, possibly one of the least flattering pocketbook trends ever is coming back. Somehow they’ve managed to update it to look cool in an ugly way… ifyouknowwhatImean. At least this trend is practical, even if it isn’t the most attractive. They even updated the name — they’re calling them belt bags now.

Here’s a splurge version, a spend version, and a save version.

#4. mustard yellow // Another big color trend is bold yellow, sort of a mustard shade. They’re actually calling it “mellow yellow” on most of the fashion sites, so it’s really bold.

This is a harder color to wear, but you can always incorporate it in an accessory if you don’t want to go all over yellow.

J.Crew Triple oval earrings Triple oval earrings Triple oval earrings

#5. statement earrings // Speaking of accessories, statement earrings are hot again this spring. This is a trend I like but haven’t done much with. Maybe I’ll venture out of my comfort zone and trade in my oversized pearl studs for some big, bold, colorful drop earrings.

J.Crew is a great place to get fashion jewelry, particularly statement earrings, at decent prices. They’re not the cheapest, but they’re not crazy pricey either. Baublebar is good for more budget-friendly pieces, but be selective because some of theirs look cheap, IMO.

#6. round handbags // In general, more structured handbags are trending. If you’re updating your handbag this spring, look for ladylike styles, boxy shapes, and bags that stand up on their own. I’m loving the new R Minkoff Darren Messenger bags, and the boxy Tory Burch Serif-T Zip Satchel.

If you want to add a trendier piece to your wardrobe, circle handbags are all the rage right now, and straw bags are already popular again this year. You can combine the two trends with a round straw bag!

#7. geometric cut-outs // The cold shoulder trend is evolving, and this spring and summer you’ll see a lot of geometric cut outs. I’m noticing this in tops and dresses as well as swimsuits and shoes. I like the more modest versions of this trend, such as the Free People top pictured above.

#8. mules // Thanks to the Gucci Princetown Mule, this trend has gone gangbusters over the past few seasons, and it doesn’t look like it will be going anywhere anytime soon. They’re not the most practical shoe, but I really like the chic vibe mules bring to a basic outfit, and they’re so easy to slide on and go.

I’ve been seeing the Kristin Cavallari slide loafers pictured above on a lot of blogs so I’m thinking they may be fairly comfortable to walk in. They come in several really nice colors that you can start wearing now, but they’ll also take you well into spring.

#9. high rise denim + straight, cropped styles // These are really two trends, but I am lumping it all together. I’m seeing the high rise denim in skinnies as well (in fact, I just ordered a couple pairs to try.) The straight and cropped styles are also gaining momentum, and I suspect our eyes will begin to adjust as they become more mainstream.

The biggest challenge as I see it is figuring out the right tops and shoes to wear with these styles. Another emerging denim trend is the 100% cotton jeans (I’m looking at you, Levi’s!) I’ve already ordered a few pairs, and I’m trying to figure out how to incorporate these into my existing wardrobe. Here’s a splurge version and a save version.

#10. pool slides // Funny, I just noticed these on the Nordstrom website, and I was like WHAAAAAT ARE THOSE? Well, evidently they are spring’s hottest shoe trend. #youhearditherefirst

Every designer from Fendi to Saint Laurent seems to have an iteration of this shoe this season. If you’re going on a warm weather getaway anytime soon, add a pair of these to your suitcase and you’ll be on the cutting edge! I can see wearing the more athletic styles like Ivy Park, but I don’t see myself adding the Tory Burch version to my closet… but never say never, right???

Also, another big spring trend that I didn’t include in this list because I wanted to cap it at 15 is logos. If you search “pool slides” at Nordstrom, you will see what I mean. The designers are not being shy about splashing their logos all over their products this spring.

#11. prints // Almost every post I read about spring 2018 fashion trends included one of the following prints: graphic prints, bold florals, stripes, plaid, and mixing all of the above. I think it’s safe to say that the era of solids is coming to an end.

I still think there’s a place for solids in one’s wardrobe — they’re the classic pieces you build outfits around, that you can mix and match and wear in a lot of different ways. But if you want to add a few trendy pieces to your spring wardrobe this year, go for a bold print.

#12. circular sunnies // Sunglasses are getting an update this spring with more circular shapes, thinner frames, and mirrored lenses.

I’ll be curious to see how this plays out because the oversized plastic frames have dominated for a few years now. Here’s a splurge version, and a great save version.

 

#13. sequins & shimmer fabrics // These aren’t just for evening wear! This spring, the trend is to mix sparkle into everyday silhouettes. Look for shimmer on everything from tops to trousers and shoes to handbags. I’m kind of meh on this one… I guess I’ll have to wait and see what catches my eye as the retailers roll out their spring lines.

I hope that was fun!!! I had wanted to do a splurge/spend/save option for each trend, but I ran out of time. I did add some of those options here and there, as I noticed them. They’re easier to find for some trends than others.

Have a fantastic weekend!

Fashion Friday


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67 Responses

  1. I love a statement earring!!!  I will probably get some scrunchies for at home!!! I loved my scrunchies!! Haha!!
    Jaymie

  2. Very interesting!  I love the soft pastels.  The mellow yellow will not find a spot in my closet because that is not a good color for me to have.  Like you, I am not liking the transparent tops.  I can hear my mom saying, “would you wear that knowing Jesus will see you?”  As always, each season brings some unique trends, and it’s fun to see what makes it and what doesn’t.  Have a great weekend!

  3. I don’t know how lavender would look on me, but I suspect I can treat it like grey and pair it up with navy and/or charcoal or even olive as I transition into spring. Thanks for your hard work! 

  4. ohhhhh I love the pastel colors in spring and that lavender dress is gorgeous!!! I’m excited for the high waisted straight leg cropped jeans. I’m definitely going to give those a whirl this year. I’m only 5’3 so all the flared crops don’t really do me any favors (even though I still wear them). I think the straight leg skinny crops are going to be much more flattering on me! Fun post!

  5. I’m starting to get on board with the white shoes and was considering some white mules.  Unfortunately I live in the Rocky Mountains where we won’t be wearing shoes without socks for months! #frostbite 🙂 I might go for a white bootie instead- are you still seeing these in the spring trends?  Have you seen any white sock booties?  I really like that style of boot with the cropped straight leg jean.  

    1. I do expect we’ll see the white bootie continue into spring. I have my eye on 2 pairs, but they’re both spendy. I haven’t found anything I love for less than $300, and I really don’t want to spend that on a passing trend. That said, I feel like white booties are like over the knee boots… if you don’t buy quality, you may end up looking more like a comic book character than a chic lady of 45 years… ha! So yeah. I’m still on the fence with those. I just know I wouldn’t wear them much, but they sure would be fun!

      1. Yeah I hear ya!  Both the white and the OTK trend conjure up images of my second grade teacher who was probably all of 22 years old who wore tall white gogo boots and miniskirts!  That was 1970s hot!!  I think the Vince Blakely boot is my favorite so far but the price…..ouch!  

  6. Glad my hair is too short to put in a scrunchie. I’ve always thought they were cute on little girls, along with the big hair bows. I think we’ve got some in our bathroom cabinets still.

    Thanks for doing the hard work!

  7. Oh, this was fun! I tire of winter fashion right around this point. Having a glimpse at what is coming for spring gets me thinking what I might add to my wardrobe.
    I like the high waist crop pants. And, I’m going to try on some floral tops. It’s not been on my radar but you never know, I may find I love them. I bought a sheer top last spring and wore it with a matching colored tank underneath. I’m not so brave. Lol
    I’m not a fan of big logos on my apparel though so I’ll be trying to avoid them. Mustard yellow and those water mules are a no go for me. 

  8. Ahhh the 80’s and 90’s .. haha. I wonder if the ‘big’ hair will come back – my daughter could rock that look- lol!

    Lavender and purple are some of my favorite colors but I don’t seem to wear them often .. maybe this spring !
    Thanks for a little bit of spring this morning 🙂

  9. Thanks for giving us a peek into what’s coming this Spring.  Looks like I’ll be saving some money since most of these trends are not to my liking.   High waisted jeans and floral tops are already in my closet.  A fanny pack or belt bag will never have a place — ha ha.  As always, your posts are extremely informative and fun to read.  

  10. Scrunchies and fanny packs? Too funny! My take; scrunchies are the easiest on our hair, rather than elastic bands, so it’s probably a good thing. Fanny packs: the older style added visual weight to our middles, even though they are practical. The new sleeker style might look better, but I’ll bet are not as comfortable to wear. Try bending over with one on your stomach. Ahh, the old saying in fashion, “what’s old is new again”, is certainly true! Thank you for the post, …it did start my day off with a chuckle!

  11. This was a fun post! I’ve always loved florals so that’s a Spring trend I can get behind. I’ve tried a pair of mules but have trouble keeping them on, I guess I’ll try a few more pair. I think with my coloring, lavender will be pretty but I’m not sure about the yellow, my skin already has yellow/olive undertones. My hair is too short for scrunchies( yay!) and the belt pack isn’t happening!
    I am excited to try the straight leg crop pants though. Thanks for doing this post!

  12. Happy Friday! 

    I’m loving #7 Geometric Cut-outs and #12 Prints.  Looking forward to seeing more of these in the Spring. 

    Have a great weekend. 

  13. The one trend I am NOT excited about is high waisted 100% cotton jeans!  Fashion has truly come full circle if “mom jeans” are back in style!  I can do skinny, straight or bootleg, but give me some stretch and a mid rise!

    1. I am with you. I am trying the for the sake of the blog… and because you just never know… but I’m not sure I can pull it off. What I will likely end up doing is finding a more subtle take on the trend. I was on the AG site, and they’re promoting their cropped styles. I think a slimmer leg, still straight, and cropped would be more flattering than the “mom jeans” – leave those to the skinny 20-somethings. And I like the 98% cotton / 2% stretch jeans the best.

  14. That was fun , definitely no to scrunchies and belt bags . I really like all of the others except not sure about the ruffles on the trench coat , I also think I will stick with my classic one . I am starting the Frustrated to Functional class today so I am really hoping this class and the Adore your Wardrobe class will help me a lot , by the time they are over I should be ready to make some spring clothing purchases. I am very excited about taking them . Thanks for the spring trends .
    Have a great day !!!
    Diana 

  15. Our daughter just bought some scrunchies, and I had to zip my lip with my opinion.  Guess I should dig out my leather fanny pack and give it to her!  Very fun read this morning.  Transparency?! Oh my goodness!! 

  16. That was a fun read. I LOVED the floral sheer top from WhiteHouse BlackMarket that you linked to in the post. A little, ok, more than a little too spendy for me but I will watch it and sales. Lavender and pastels are good. And florals….????????????.

    PS Loved the 3 white jean outfits post. Please continue with those!!

  17. Thank you Jo-Lynne for this overview! I had done a little research but did not have all this good scoop. Does it seem like sometimes the fashion houses are just pulling out our old high school annuals to find fashion trends ? HA. Appreciate the links to wearable ideas. So ready for spring!
    Julie L 

  18. Scrunchies & belt bags…????! Lol, very informative post! I actually still have scrunchies from way back…haven’t worn them in years

  19. Jolynne! Thank you so much for this post! It was very informative! My favorites are the floral tops and the wider leg trends! We shall see how the high-rise Jean trend works for me?!?! #curvygirlhere OH! And that Rebecca Minkoff bag! ❤️

  20. Great post!  I appreciate the fashion forecasts.  I pretty much stick to the “classics”, but still like to be “on trend” with a few pieces.  Glad the prints and florals will still be popular as I added a few florals last spring/summer and loved them!  Have a relaxing weekend (they’re the best!).

  21. I just don’t like the way high waisted jeans look.  I like mid rise.  I think the new look will end up looking like MOM jeans. I still love my skinnies.  As for lavender its so pretty and I have one Spring top in my closet already but really never wore it for some reason.  Thanks for showing us upcoming trends.  Most are too out there.  

  22. I just saw an article that says scrunchies are being rebranded as “hair clouds”. Sounds more elegant, but still not going to wear one. I like the lavender and mellow yellow, is there a way to wear them together?

    Fun post!

  23. This was great. I always look forward to a sneak peek into the next seasons trends. I think the mules will be great, with ankle pants or crops and a light weight sweater for spring work wear……if I can find a pair that’s comfy and easy to walk in.   I loved scrunchies!  (But I always wore ones similar in color to my hair.) It’s definitely been a long time, but if I remember correctly, they held my hair better and were more “kind” than regular coated elastics.  But it’s been a long time since I’ve had hair long enough to put in a pony tail. Almost long enough now so we will shall see how I feel in a few months! ???? I’ve read perms are making a comeback…..but not the big, kinky hair of the 80’s.  A soft, relaxed loose wave similar to a body perm. So maybe not big hair but more tousled and carefree than the sleek, smooth tresses we’ve all tried to achieve the past few years.  Confession….I like big hair! ????????

    1. Gah, perms. I will not do that to my hair again. It’s already so fragile. I love sleek smooth hair, but I know no style/trend sticks around forever. Speaking of fragile hair, you make a good point about scrunchies being more gentle on the hair.

  24. So agree with you on all counts about what I will and more importantly will NOT be wearing. Too many of these things are flashbacks to me… and not in a good way. ????

    I, too, loved the commentary and laughed right along with you. Hope you enjoyed that second glass!

  25. Scrunchies and fanny packs were part of my childhood and teen years in the late 80’s/early 90’s, oh my I am feeling old lol!!

    I love the look of the round purse, will have to see if I can find one that will accommodate all I need to carry with me.

    Love that pastels will be in, although I am not sure on the white shoes! After your white heels post last summer, I bought white flats (not a fan of heels) and felt like a nurse the two times I wore them lol. I will have to try them again when it warms up. 

  26. The “save” trench coat you linked is on sale for 40% off. Ordered it this morning and can’t wait to get it! They have petite sizing which is great for me 🙂

  27. Lanvender is my favorite color, so I’m super excited that it’s a fashion trend this spring. I’ve been trying to keep up with my fashion game, so what will some of the summer trends be? Also, what fashion magazines do you recommend reading to keep up with trends?

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