Jet set is excited for excess
Cover up — cover everything up — this year as big, baggy garments from oversized sleeves to skirts are all the rage in a nod to the 1980s, says Nordstrom’s senior fashion director.
The biggest trend of 2018 is just that: big.
“Extreme volume is a huge trend we’ll see throughout 2018,” Shannon Schafer, the senior fashion director at Nordstrom, says. “Oversized statement sleeves, voluminous skirts, and full pants are must-haves this season.”
In addition to the aforementioned items, Schafer says shoppers can also expect to find a number of throwback styles that are inspired by a memorable — sartorially speaking — decade.
“There’s also a fashionable nod to the power dressing of the ’80s taking place through strong-shoulder blazers and match-set suits, which feels especially appropriate,” she says.
A monochromatic pantsuit that plays with volume, such as a tailored top and oversized trousers, is a stylish place to start when it comes to spring 2018 trends. Really want to up the style factor? Schafer suggests eschewing the traditional blacks and greys of staple suiting pieces and instead embracing colour.
“Impact brights will energize wardrobes this year,” she says. “We’ll see sun-drenched yellow, vibrant orange and bold blue, to name a few.”
And, while the Pantone Colour of the Year is officially Ultra Violet, style insiders (Schafer included!) are declaring it’s a softer iteration of the colour, lavender, that’s being billed as the new pink.
“Don’t be afraid to wear it head to toe,” she advises of the pastel hue.
For outerwear, one of the most-coveted silhouettes is one we’ve all seen before — and likely have at least one of hanging in our closets at home. But, as is often the case with a style revival, the familiar fashion item has been given a twist for 2018.
“Trench coats are a classic staple and are updated for spring with unexpected details and new proportions,” Schafer explains. “We saw Balenciaga and Celine pave the way for the reinvented trench on the runway this season.”
So, what did that look like, exactly? At Balenciaga, designer Demna Gvasali sent trench-inspired toppers down the runway in a far less-fitted version than we’re used to seeing, adding in quirky design elements such as an off-centre front opening, a multi-layer effect and a long, loopable tie at the neck. Meanwhile, at Celine, designer Phoebe Philo went bold and belted and even added a cape-like overpiece to a traditional tan trench design.
The trend toward more voluminous styles also continues into trouser territory with a style we’ve seen going strong for several seasons already.
“Culottes continue as a must-have for 2018,” Schafer says. “Volume is an important trend and culottes are an easy way to get the look.”
In addition to being figure-flattering, the wider-cut, cropped pants also prove to be the perfect way to showcase a chic shoe choice. And, according to Schafer, there are going to be an abundance of cool footwear options to choose from this year.
“Statement colour in footwear started with red and white and will continue with new impact hues this year, with a nod to metallic,” she says.
While heel heights have vacillated between sky-high stilettos and oh-so-wearable kitten heels in recent seasons, Schafer says the wearable, low-heeled trend is expected to be the one to hold strong all year long.
“With respect to heel styles, kitten and block heels will be statement makers,” she says.
While we wait for winter to withdraw, consider sporting the trend in the form of chic sock boots and leather Chelsea boots. Feeling especially daring? Don a heeled pump paired with an eye-catching pair of socks. Then, transition to sleek, pointed-toe kitten heel pumps (preferably in a punchy hue) or open-toe mules in a soft suede once the temperature heats up.
Speaking of heat: looking for a hot new trend that you can hold in your hand? Well, there is one major handbag trend happening that’s worth carrying around this year. But, it’s not exactly a style you likely expected to see labelled an “it” item.
“Everyone is excited about belt bags,” Schafer says. “These can be worn around the waist for a retro feel or as a cross-body bag for a modern, hands-free option.”
But before (or maybe while) you shake your head in disbelief at the thought of a “belt bag” — know that this year’s belt bags don’t look anything like the fanny packs of our pasts. Instead, iterations from the likes of Valentino and Proenza Schouler see the dressed-down accessories boosted by luxurious leather materials and embellishments. To put it plainly: they’re both hands-free and extra chic.
While it’s admittedly easy to point out all the top trends of the year, it can be a bit tricky to buy them all — or sometimes even more than one.
So, what’s the one must-have item of the year?
“A bold blazer is the closet staple to invest in for 2018,” Schafer says. “Blazers are versatile and can be paired with a dress, skirt or pants and worn from day to night, while ensuring to make a fashion statement.”