Fashion Forecast: Spring/ Summer 2018 Trends

After a bit of a balls Winter I didn't get much opportunity to experiment with beauty and fashion and with having to take a little break from the blogging world I was itching to get ready better then I've ever done before for the new season. So since January I've been scouting some of the top trends floating around fashion weeks galore (from the comfort of my own home, phone and tea in hand of course) and I complied together a little list of trends we'll likely be seeing this Spring and Summer. There's nothing more I love than mooching through my trends list of a morning when I don't know what to wear so if you looking for a seasonal outfit you can sport through the day, or are just as enthusiastic as me to prepare for the upcoming trends to add a current flare to your individual style, I think you will love what's about to follow!

Plaid seems to be a massive up and coming trend, appearing to be inspired by Chanel's classic print on their SS18 catwalk. Much loved by the blogging community appears to be the classic nineties plaid, with a hint of Clueless-esque and Chanel hinting towards plenty of pastel plaid combinations. Suiting with plaid also appears to be the new blogger go-to for all occasions. For the chiller days I'd pair this plaid skater dress with fitted jumpers, white or black tights and a sophisticated coat. On warmer days, perhaps with a simple but smart blazer and some classic "I mean business" heels. The key is getting the right balance of pastel and smart; not too girly but hints of the retro pastels we all love to wear.

Just like plaid, suiting appears to be the other lust-worthy trend of the bloggers this season. Key specifics for suiting appear to be matching co-ords that are slightly oversized as opposed to fitted, with long blazers being paired with anything and everything and not just matching pants! I don't actually have any two-piece suits so if you want to be thrifty (and creative I may add) like myself I try pairing some similar suit-style pieces together, like this pink blazer and pants. Think nineties business women meets the Bloglovin highlights posts.

As I said previously, the key twist in this season's fashion tale is a good old selection of pastels. Literally, pastels in everything (I'm not complaining). In line with some of the retro nineties and eighties style out this season and the flare of sophistication and smartness, mixed with a dazzle of fun, I like to stick to the classic pastels as opposed to dusky or neon tones. This classic yellow tee would pair perfectly within the midst of a suit or layered cutely under a smart, little strappy bodycon dress. Get experimenting with pastels like you're a Twister ice lolly!

Sports luxe is a trend that appears to have popped back for another season, not as big as before before definitely a big deal when paired with smarts and suits! My go to for experimenting with this trend has been mixing one sporty article of clothing with another key seasonal trend, like statement pants (as seen on a lot of bloggers, especially Zoella, this season). I'm very lucky to own two gorgeous pastel bomber jackets, which are like little pieces from a heavenly wardrobe. But think beyond the bomber jacket! There's trainers, hoddies, cycle pants (for all the Kim Kardashian's out there), tennis skirts and more, creating an endless amount of combinations for this trend.

A little bit off piste now, but still current, is a touch of the sixties. Not as prominent as the likes of suiting and sportswear but definitely adored in the statement style of a few key individual bloggers out there (Blush and Noise, I'm looking at you girly!). Some key pieces I've seen swinging around are polo necks, calf boots, true sixties hats (like the beret and baker boy), mini skirts, monochrome dressing and knee high socks. Again, like the sportswear trend, a hint of sixties would look trés chic with some of the smart trends.

Moving onto yet another retro decade making a comeback, it's all things eighties power dressing! Think poof and think shoulder pads and you're good to go boss babe! More of a micro trend, this style pairs nicely with the suiting and statement pant trend. Now I shamefully (or greatly depending on your love for eighties fashion) don't have many statement power pieces but this blue coat has the shoulder pads and oversized style, making it the perfect stand out piece to add a statement but stylish eighties flare to many of my outfits. What would be really fun would be doing a bit of thrift shopping if you're into this trend! Beyond Retro is a great place to start, with a plethora of traditional eighties picks!

Statement pants are relevant to all the top trends this season and its a trend that I any any one else who loves comfort will flipping love! So spacious yet so stylish! The two pairs in my small collection are these pink trousers and a similar high waist black trouser. Any colour goes in this trend and the high waist options serve well in the chillier Spring days while wide leg pants keep things cool and breezy for the summer. Honestly a classic piece in my eyes, that pairs with absolutely everything you could ever own.

Speaking of colours, you will definitely want to invest in some lilac pieces this season and everyone is calling it the star colour of the season. A versatile yet gentle colour that can be easily worn in any style or trend. For this I picked my lilac tennis skirt, adding a current twist to the sports luxe trend. Lilac jumpers and coats would pair wonderfully in the Spring months, with dainty dresses and shirts staying right on trend in this colour this Summer.

Another statement trend, that I was actually quite surprised to see make a comeback considering the recent monochrome, nude hype of the past couple of years, is bright colours. We've already seen red make its debut this past Autumn and Winter and it appears to be around for this season too. Other standout colours to look out for are however yellow, pink, blue and green. For this I picked my bubble gum pink Barbie jumper, which gives a nod to a colour combo I have been lusting over this February. Red and pink.

Last but not least, arguably my favourite trend of the season. Fun and flirty yet sophisticated. As soon as I saw the name of this trend scattered around I immediately thought: glitter, frills, bows, sequins, princess dress, lace and ruffles. I mean it's a girly girl's heaven really! Here I have chosen my swoon-worthy tutu that adds a touch of princess ballerina to any look and provides the perfect dose of fun in the form of twirling around! Some of the styles for this trend have been really "out there", with clear PVC coats, extravagantly embellished blazers and 2000s double pink layered tees and dresses. So embraced whatever is fun and flirty for yourself with this trend and add a flare of sophistication to it by combining with one of the other previous trends.

Onto shoes, I've been incorporating some of the key trends into my footwear choices by dabbling in the much loved trainer and suiting trend. Other styles I also feel would work well this season are sophisticated girl boss heels, clear PVC or see-through picks, sparkling styles with toe to heel glitter and pretty much any of these trend-related picks in pastel colours. Especially so pastel and white coloured trainers for all the chic style enthusiasts.

And in preparation for another bright (or rainy shall we say) Spring day that is a summary of my 2018 Spring and Summer Fashion Forecast. Let me know if you enjoyed this post as I would definitely be excited to try more of these fashion forecasts! Also comment down below the trends you've already been wearing or which you're most excited to try!

Ellie x