From the Runway to Real Life: 2018's Spring Fashion Trends

In case you missed our “Step Into Spring” Style Challenge, we’re continuing the conversation on spring style. We always look forward to sharing our favorite spring trends of the year with you. As we gradually shed the layers and weight of our winter wardrobes, the colors become brighter, the embellishments become more adventurous, and skin becomes more conspicuous. These changes in our daily style routine are harmoniously in tune with the mental and physical renewal that accompanies spring, which can have a huge impact on us, as women, regarding productivity, security, and a sense of empowerment.

What we wear, and how we feel in what we wear, makes a difference. It’s tied to our attitude, personal identity, and how we want the outside world to see us…which is why budget should not be a barrier to dressing in a way that makes us happy and confident. We’re translating some of the most so-called “unattainable” darlings of the runway into real life, so that you can get the look without breaking the budget or dressing impractically. We’ve pooled trends from our favorite fashion publications along with our own observations and research, and we think this list is the bee’s knees. We can’t wait to see how you work these new styles into your own outfits, and try some of them for ourselves!

1. COLORS (PASTELS/COLOR-BLOCKING)

Pantone’s announcement of ultraviolet as the color of the year has elevated purple tones across the board, from lavender to royal blue, but the pastel end of the spectrum has really caught the eye of designers. Mixing pastels with bolder complementary colors, otherwise known as color blocking, has also trickled down from high-end brands to ready-to-wear sections at department stores.

RB3025 55 Original Aviator in Bronze Matte/Purple, Mirror Collection, Ray-Ban

Machine-Washable Merino Short-Sleeve Crew in Purple Heart, Banana Republic

Techloom Phantom Trainer in Light Lavender, APL

Crispy Viscose Ribbed Waist Pullover in Lavender, Tibi

Somerset Enamel Colorblock Earrings in Blush Pink, Brook & York

Icy Shores Maxi Dress in Multi, Love Like Summer X Billabong

Temple Colorblock Coat in Assorted, Mara Hoffman

Tierra Sandal in Bright Coral Suede, Earth

2. PRINTS (FLORALS/CHECKS)

Florals are pretty much a given for spring, but every year seems to bring more innovative and subtle ways of incorporating the print into clothing and accessories. And checks may be the new stripes…jury is still out on that one, but we confess we don’t hate it.

Floral Polka Dot Top in Sky Blue, Zara

Floral Mules in Multicolor, Zara

Flower Bud Choker Necklace in Vintage Gold, Madewell

Silk Pants in Dark Blue/Floral, H&M

Luna French Haymarket Check Wallet in Dusty Pink/Multi, Burberry

Ashley Check Asymmetrical Top in Ivory Multi, Topshop

Check Jersey Duster Coat in Grey Multi, Topshop

Checked Fabric High Heel Court Shoes in Multicolor, Zara

3. SPARKLE (SEQUINS/METALLICS)

This spring, we’re seeing a lot of sequins and metallics in unexpected places, particularly on more casual items such as rain jackets, sneakers, and leisure sandals. No matter our age, there’s just something youthful about sparkles.

Metallic Coated Anorak in Silver, Forever 21

Arizona Soft Footbed in Metallic Copper, Birkenstock

Mini Crossbody Pouch in Metallic Blush, J. Crew

Gold-Tone Chandelier Earrings in Gold, DKNY

New York Glitter Sneakers in Black, Keds X Kate Spade

Rosalie Sequin Cropped Jacket in Black, Urban Outfitters

Colorful Sequin Earrings in Multicolored, Zara

Large Vinyl Pouch with Glitter in Multi Clear, J. Crew

4. ASSYMETRY

The linear angles and offset balance of asymmetry is so eye-catching right now. Asymmetry is appearing in necklines and hemlines and in the smallest details of shoes and jewelry. The ’80s throwback has a fresh and modern makeover from brands such as St. John and Robert Rodriguez, and it’s cool to see two trends star in the same garment like this colorblock sweater (left).

Colorblock Knit Wool Sweater in Cyan/Emerald/Navy, St. John Collection

Asymmetrical Wrap Front Stripe Midi Skirt in White Stripe, Robert Rodriguez

Izar Slide Sandal in Steel Suede, Mercedes Castillo

Malachite and Pyrite Origin Bracelet in Gold, Seraphine Design

Asymmetrical Neck Pullover in Galvanized, Michael Stars

5. WHITE ON WHITE

White gets a bad rap for being unflattering, but I think all along it’s been a cut problem, not a color problem. When a garment is well-tailored, white can be so elegant and a real show-stopper. We love the tone-on-tone look of an all-white suit or white button-up with white jeans.

2018's Spring Fashion Trends: White on White

Two Button Suit in Cream, Calvin Klein

The Borough Oversized Ceramic Earring in White, Tibi

Karas Pointy Toe Slide Pump in Bleach Leather, Louise Et Cie

Oversize Boyfriend Shirt in White Linen, Gap

Block-T Double Zip Leather Crossbody Bag in Ivory, Tory Burch

Benefit Denim in Pearl, Goldsign

6. DENIM

Perhaps the most classic item on the list, denim is a versatile materials that works for every season. For spring, we’re seeing denim jackets with interesting new details, such as nontraditional shapes and frayed hems, and distressed jeans are as popular as ever.

Pixie Denim Jacket in Portland, Jessica Simpson

Rigid Demi-Boot Crop Jeans in Rowes Wash, Madewell

Super Stunner Ankle Fray in Baa Baa Black Sheep, Mother

Frayed Denim Jacket in Medium Blue, Evidnt

Extend Denim Dress in Dark Indigo, Rachel Comey

7. ONE PIECES

Aaaahhhhh jumpsuits…could any piece of clothing be more effortless? There’s a style of jumpsuit for everyone, from simple v-neck to halter, and the varieties just keep getting better and better. The shorter romper is great for dead of summer when it’s scorching outside. The right one-piece can take you from a picnic to a wedding and keep you nice and cool in the process.

2018's Spring Fashion Trends: One Pieces

Short Sleeve Jumpsuit with Pockets in Brick, Zara

Striped Halter Jumpsuit in Tushar Stripe Lighthouse, J. Crew

Dixie Off the Shoulder Romper in Sweetheart Sage, Show Me Your Mumu

8. OVERSIZED

I think oversized pieces translate so well to professional wear. There’s something graceful and bold about the way the exaggerated lines flow with our body movements. The oversized trend has expanded from blazers and wide-leg pants to sunglasses, tote bags, and more.

Blake Wide Leg-Fit Cropped Pinstripe Luxe Brushed Twill Pant in White, Banana Republic

Oversized Blazer in Black, Everlane

Oversized Carryall Tote in Sable, Cuyana

62mm Oversized Gradient Lens Square Sunglasses in Nude, Chloé

Chilly Colorblock Blanket Scarf in Camel/Heather Grey, Donni Charm

9. OFF THE SHOULDER

Off-the-shoulder garments are the perfect combination of sexy and classy. It’s fun to show a little skin in the right places. While this marigold top from Hellessy is in the runway price range, we wanted to include it because we especially dig the draped cowl sleeves, decorative bow, and bell cuffs.

2018's Spring Fashion Trends: Off the Shoulder

Off the Shoulder Shirt in Double Face Blue Stripe, Adelphi & Willoughby

Cape Overlay One-Shoulder Jumpsuit in Black, Vince Camuto

Phacelia Asymmetrical Silk and Linen Bow Sleeve Top in Marigold, Hellessy

Ruffle Off the Shoulder Cotton Maxi Dress in Plaid, Express

10. FRINGE/RUFFLES

Last but definitely not least, you can bring a lot of personality to your outfits with ruffles or fringe. Balanced with a solid pant or neutral accessory, ruffles and fringe can add just enough flair without being over the top.