The desire to update one’s wardrobe at this time of year seems to come on as naturally as the appearance of spring’s blossoms. And with the stock of fresh looks decorating shelves, there is no shortage of inspiration in local boutiques.
Elaine Smith, assistant manager at So Blu women’s fashion boutique in West Vancouver, says she’s seeing loads of pastels such as peaches, pinks and beiges coming into the store.
Unexpected details such as a hood on a sleeveless dress or details at the neck and back are big as well. “A lot of our items have a split at the bottom or an open back. (And) we have quite a few brands that have a criss-cross opening at the neckline,” Smith explains.
Continuing from last season is the dressy athletic sportswear trend, and the “peasant” look (think billowy blouses) remains in full force. Moto jackets continue to be a great way to top off an outfit, but for spring 2018 they’re being seen without collars and zippers. Fringe is also showing up on unfinished hems on jeans, and don’t forget about stripes (including the nautical stripe), which are a perennial spring and summer staple.
In terms of men’s fashions, lifestyle expert Steven Schelling says spring 2018 is all about mid-wash denim. “We’re moving away from the dark washes and deep indigos of the past 10 years into an almost retro-‘70s ‘new jeans’” wash,” he explains. “Also, you’ll notice that slim fits are filling out with a slightly less constricting cut.”
Jason Sarai, bespoke suitmaker and owner of style consultancy Style by Sarai, says linen and linen blend sportscoats will be big this season. “The lightweight nature of the fabric increases breathability and allows for a comfortable and casual fit — a huge plus if the jacket is also unstructured (meaning minimal shoulder padding and lining),” he explains.
Sarai says we’ll also be seeing embroidered patches and logo patches adorning guys’ clothing. “An embroidered design on a lightweight bomber-jacket or a sportcoat elevates the piece further as well as adding a personal and unique touch to the look,” he says.
This season men are also saying “Aloha!” to the staple of ’50s men’s casual – Hawaiian shirts. These were reimagined for Paris, London and Milan Fashion Weeks with a more tailored silhouette than in the past. “Hawaiian shorts washed up on the runways of DSquared2 and Balenciaga, to name only two. Paul Smith even put his signature stripes aside in favour of several bold, island floral shirts,” Schelling explains.
Monochrome looks with suit, shirt and shoes all in the same colour (but in different shades or tones) is a trend spurred on by suits in bold and unexpected colours, says Schelling. Pink and light green were popular on the runways for spring 2018.
For footwear, Sarai says he’s seeing the return of loafers, especially in a thinly constructed suede upper. “(And) a great alternative to flip-flops and sandals would be the easy-to-slip-on espadrilles that comes in many different colour combinations and designs,” he explains.
Eyewear is an often inexpensive and easy way to bring your outfit into 2018. Schelling says, “Say goodbye to oversized aviators and hello to the smaller, square sunnies that were popular in the ’90s Brit-pop scene.”
Finally, this spring/summer you’ll see stylish gents donning knotted bracelets, beaded bracelets and leather bracelets, as well as Nato strap watch bands in colour combinations such as white/blue/red, green/blue/white and yellow/white/blue.
