STYLE EXPERTS PICK TOP TRENDS FOR YOU
Simple white tank is officially back on the fashion radar; pair it with high-waisted denim
Each new season ushers in its own set of sartorial must-haves.
There’s the chic and cosy coat for winter, the statement handbag for spring, and the stylish sandal for summer. But with new trends and “it” items being announced seemingly daily, you’d be forgiven if you admitted that when faced with choosing the top trend for your spring 2018 wardrobe you felt a little bit overwhelmed.
Even longtime fashion insiders admit they feel the same way.
“You’re only giving me two?” Susie Wall, a Vancouver-based style expert, says with a laugh when asked to choose her two favourite trends.
While shoulder-grazing statement earrings, transparent handbags and sparkle-adorned shoes are easy-to-spot trends in the accessories space this season, Wall says there are a few different highlights to keep an eye on for clothing.
“My life is such a hybrid of work and play that I am loving the return of Haute Performance — this concept of aggregating your athletic wear with daytime casual in a way that is flattering and super cool,” she says, pointing to athletic tights paired with an army-approved coat and a bold red lip as a potential look.
“And the gender bender — a utilitarian dress code has trickled down from runway to street with an easy, retro spin.”
For Afiya Francisco, a Torontobased style expert, this spring/ summer season will be all about pattern play.
“I’m looking forward to eccentric pattern mixes like colourful florals set against graphic stripes or checks — sometimes in the same piece,” she says.
“I also like the utilitarian trend, multiple pockets and zippers and casual fit — particularly when it’s paired with more feminine pieces.”
Francisco says style fans can expect to see strong prints and patterns paired with a softer colour palette like pastels to make the looks more wearable and 9-to-5 appropriate.
“The season’s mood is playful and eccentric with lots of colour and unusual pairings and pattern play,” she says. “A perfect blend of masculine and feminine.”
When it comes to mixing prints, there are MVPs (most valuable patterns, obviously) in gingham and plaid.
“Checks are also a traditional way to make an impact,” Francisco says. “In graphic black and white it is an easy complement to the season’s bolder colours.”
Francisco points to a simple style featuring a gingham print from Joe Fresh as her must-have piece for the seasonal shift.
“Shoppers will get a lot of wear out of a gingham shirt, it works well with colour and other patterns and will continue through until winter,” she says.
For Wall, the spring workhorse in her wardrobe will be a topper with a utilitarian edge.
“At $49, the Joe Fresh tie-waist parka is the smartest kind of shopping math there is,” she says. “It’s light but also layers to perfection — and the fern green is a super fresh contrast against faded pinks and blues.”
In addition to the jacket, Wall says she’ll be stocking up on simple staples for a quick wardrobe refresh that will work for spring, summer and on into fall.
“A fresh round of simple white tees and tanks,” she says of the closet classics.
“The simple white tank is officially back on the fashion radar, so think about pairing yours with high-waisted denim, a slick pencil skirt, paint splatter sweats — anything.”
Above all, Wall says, when it comes to choosing the trends you’ll follow for a new season, the most important element to keep in mind is that they work for you.
“I think it’s more charming and personalized than ever,” she says.
“What do you love? What fits into your life? Wearing what makes you happy instead of seeking some sort of validation has never been more apropos.
“If it brings you joy, go for it.”