New season trends SS18

Right about now I begin to feel excited about the new season as I emerge from my winter style rut – I fall into the jeans and jumper trap every January – too cold and starved of daylight to think of any other outfit combos. If you are like me, you’ll be looking forward to splurging on a few pieces that will bring your wardrobe up to date for next season but before you do that, here’s the lowdown on the trends that are hot for SS18.

Clashing Prints

I’m talking checks AND stripes – worn at the same time. In fact all manner of plaid and stripes are good this season and don’t be afraid to mix them up. My personal view is that stripes are neutral and therefore go with anything so go for it and have fun. A good stripe teamed with leopard print accessories is a match made in heaven if you ask me.

Image: Sheerluxe

Florals are still very much in the picture. My suggestion is switching traditional florals for tropical prints, just not pineapples please! I have had my eye on this jungle print skirt from M&S since the press day a few months ago and it’s on my list of things to try on for summer.

New season trends SS18 | Tropical Print wide Legged Trousers | Clashing Prints

Image: Summer Storm

Also look out for black and white polka dots – I don’t expect this one to last to be honest, the high street has gone dotty for it (#sorrynotsorry) but I think it will be a flash in the pan. That said, this dress from & Other Stories is very classy and I found some cute alternatives to the black and white polka dot trend here and here.

Statement shirts

First it was the statement sleeve and now we’re taking it a step further by giving the whole shirt a shakeup. Think asymmetric hemlines, bold details and belts. These are super for an effortlessly cool office outfit but do wear a statement shirt when you are off duty too! I would style mine with jeans and trainers at the weekend and wide legged trousers for more formal look.

Image: Tumblr

Tailoring

The two piece continues to take centre stage, loose silhouettes and playful prints are very popular but I have also spotted a lot of Chanel inspired jackets and more structured styles on my travels. The good thing about this trend is that it’s timeless so any purchases you make in this department are likely to be guilt free!

Zara has quite a few options to choose from but I always have issues with the fit as they seem to think all their customers have really long legs – I don’t – yet this this green pinstripe suit from ASOS nails the trend and I would be prepared to have the trousers altered.

Maxi dresses

You have probably got a few in your wardrobe already from previous seasons and there’s a great deal of choice out there in terms of styles but the twist for 2018 is that the maxi is going luxe. Eye catching details such a pie crust collars, luxury fabrics, embellishments as well as asymmetric and dipped hems which I actually don’t much like but I guess you can’t win them all.