Top 5 Fashion Trends For Spring 2018? And How to Sustainably Follow Them
“Relax: however you dress, you’re on trend somewhere”
Ok ok, so enough about sustainability. LET'S TALK FASHION! Let's be honest, the only thing really exciting about a new year is the new fashion trends. I am 100% against following fashion trends, because usually this means contributing to fast fashion and the trends fall out of style within a year or two. But when I see influencers, celebs, or my friends rocking a certain trend, I can't help but want to follow it. I always actively avoid finding out what the new trends are so that I wouldn't fall for them. But that has yet to work according to my drawer full of chokers and closet full of off the shoulder shirt/dress/sweater/pants/shoes/whatever else they took the shoulders off of. So this year, I've decided to take a different approach. This year, I'm going to actively follow new fashion trends, but sustainably do so.
So without further ado: what are the top 5 fashion trends for spring 2018 and how can we sustainably follow them?
1. RED. Especially paired with millennial pink.
Red is a classic. It's how you pair this one that makes the trend. You don't need to go out and buy new red pieces, take a look through your closet (or your friend's closet, or lets be honest here: your mom's closet). I guarantee that you will find pieces of bright red clothing that you can incorporate into your 2018 spring look. Also, red items are pretty much the easiest things to thrift, so that's always an extra option for sustainable shopping. As for millennial pink, or any pink tbh, chances are you already have a closet full of it from last year's hauls. Put those together and try out a pink and red look. Or just have a pop of red or pink. Either way, you'll look poppin' in this trend.
2. Square Neckline
YES. TO. SQUARE. NECKLINES. It's been on the rise since about fall and is hitting full force this spring. Because this neckline is a classier one, I recommend sticking to classic colours like black and white, and let the neckline take the spotlight. This neckline can be casual or formal. For casual, a good way to create the illusion of this look without actually buying into it is to put a cardigan over a same coloured tube top (which has that straight across the chest look). This is the reason that black and white works because most of us have black or white tube tops and cardigans. Like the off the shoulder trend, this trend is likely to die out within a season, so I do not recommend investing in casual square neckline pieces.
However, when it comes to formal pieces with square necklines, such as dresses or jumpsuits, I recommend investing in a nice, ethically and sustainably made piece if you don't already have one. It's a classic and will always look beautiful for special occasions. Reformation, which is a sustainable fashion brand, carries gorgeous pieces with square necklines for reasonable prices. Also try vintage stores for classy square neckline dresses.
3. Dark Denim
Denim. So notorious in the eco game for its huge carbon footprint and water usage (not so fun fact: it takes 1,500 gallons of water to grow enough cotton for just ONE pair of jeans). Key here is to not buy it new. Jeans (including jean jackets and skirts) are one of the easiest things to thrift, and you will always (quite literally) come across a pair of vintage Levi's for a third of the price. Also, Re/Done works with up-cycled vintage jeans to create new jean garments.
4. Plaid.
Plaid! Yes! This one is so much fun, but so dangerous. Good, quality plaid fabrics look so classy and chic, and can last you years. Bad plaid, on the other hand, look tacky and should only be used as PJs (on the bright side, they're pretty comfy?). Good, quality plaid is thicker and typically made of wool. The colour combination and actual checker pattern is up to your own discretion, but as long as it's paired with more neutral colours, it should be fine. Plaid can easily be thrifted, because of its long history with fashion. Or you can invest in quality plaid from sustainable brands like Eileen Fisher, or Whimsy and Row (they have a new plaid collection). Also if you're taking a trip to Europe anytime soon, make sure to hit up the local thrift/vintage stores for quality plaid finds.
5. Fringe
Fringe is an essential to carefree and bohemian style. But for many people, its a no-go territory because it's a look that's hard to pull off. This will probably be a short-lived trend. But if you really want to play with this trend, fringe scarves and bags are a safer way to go, which can be thrifted. Fringe can also be easily DIY'ed (DIY = Do It Yourself) if you're into DIYs: fringe jeans, fringe vests, fringe skirt. DIY away for this trend!
I'm so excited to see how these trends progress in 2018. Personally, I will be wearing more red and plaid. Slow down in 2018 and follow fast trends sustainably. You'll feel so much less guilt when feeling trendy and chic, because you'll know you didn't contribute to fast fashion. Have a trendy new year!