Chunky bling, spiky sneakers, glitter and fringe–what you’ll be wearing for 2018
Looking at the footage and photos of the Spring-Summer 2018 runway shows, I got the overall message that it was not just about what would be in or out, but also about diversity, power and optimism. Whatever color or hemline you choose, there aren’t any rules—let fashion bring out the real you.
But if you want trends, here are some that will dominate 2018.
Pedal pushers
The “titas of Manila” will more likely remember this hemline as capri pants, popularized by the likes of Audrey Hepburn and Jackie Kennedy. However, they aren’t styled with cardigans this time but with midriff-baring tops, as modern suits and in everyday denim.
Sparkle
In every fashion capital, glitter and sequins dominated the runways, from Gucci and Dior to Chanel. And they aren’t meant to be worn solely for evening, but in the daytime as well, in the form of separates like shirts and skirts.
Paint box colors
From pastel hues of lilac and Tiffany blue to bright red, expect to see an array of Crayola box colors for your everyday staples. Consider tailoring in red or ice cream hues.
Fringe
Far from the recent and tired festival incarnations, this year’s fringe has a more refined, sophisticated take, as seen on dresses, coats and even bags.
Sheer
Everything see-through is having a moment, from sheer coats, dresses and skirts revealing cycling shorts and full briefs to plastic coats and accessories. After Raf Simons debuted a plastic-covered fur coat for the Calvin Klein Fall-Winter 2017 show, Chanel and other designers followed suit with a PVCtheme collection for Spring-Summer. In the age of social media, PVC accessories will surely make your fripperies the center of attention.
Micro lenses
Tiny, futuristic lenses made popular by Keanu Reeves and Carrie Ann Moss in “The Matrix” film trilogy are back in a big way, thanks to the likes of Gigi and Bella Hadid. Adam Selman’s collaboration with Le Specs comes at a more reasonable price point, but expect to see smaller versions from Prada, Louis Vuitton and MiuMiu. If you have a round face like mine, though, best to steer clear of this style.
Fishnet bags
It was Demna Gvasalia who popularized luxe versions of Ikea’s iconic blue shopping bag and the striped oversized “Divisoria” bag for Balenciaga. This time, he reinterprets the humble net bag for a whopping sixfigure sum in a luxe cloth and leather version. But fear not, the original net bag historically used by Russian babushkas and French and Japanese fishermen alike will set you back only a few hundred pesos on Amazon.
Boots
Stilettos are taking a backseat this season to the vast range of low-heel boots that appeared on the runways at Chloé, Dries Van Noten and Givenchy. Compared to stiletto heels, the block heels of these boots are truly made for walking.
Souped-up sneakers
Remember when Adidas Stan Smiths had a wait list? This time, sneakers are studded with spikes or covered with stones in every imaginable color—the uglier, the better, it seems.
Feathers
Miuccia Prada’s version of feathers for clothing and shoes from last season are not showing any signs of stopping. But, as with any trend, this year’s interpretation shows more versions, from trimmings to full-on looks.
Oversize jewelry
The ’80s are back in the form of statement jewelry. Forget the pompoms—layering necklaces, bracelets, and chandelier earrings will make accessorizing fun again.