As we move toward the spring, I find myself wondering what fashion trends will transpire. Every year, trend forecasters research what was popular in past and current months to predict what the next big trends will be.
WGSN is a global trend forecasting company that provides clothing designers and consumers with data reports and style tips for the upcoming seasons. Long-term trend forecasting typically begins around two years in advance. Predictions can be made based on changes in consumer behavior, consulting with fashion buyers or even top search results on Pinterest.
Here are some of the styles, colors and silhouettes experts predict to show up the most in stores and in people’s closets.
Boho aesthetic
Brand styles this upcoming season will revolve around the bohemian aesthetic. Boho fashion is a laid-back, eclectic style that emphasizes organic prints, mixing patterns and artistic expression. It is inspired by the free spirit of bohemian culture.
I have bought into the boho trend before, and it is something I see consistently every year on social media. I appreciate some of the other aesthetics that are predicted to tie into the style this year so that a fresher interpretation can emerge. These range from festival, beach and vacation looks to soft, flowy and romantic ones. When trends resurge with little reimagination, it is boring and raises questions about why we should consume more of the same thing.
Boho and romantic styles are familiar, but the combination of them together for the spring is intriguing. Other people who have super distinctive styles that fall into a harder, grungier aesthetic could incorporate a few items with a softer style into what they already own.
Spring colors
The spring color pallete mixes light pastels, mid-tones and brights. A few of this season’s featured colors, Panna Cotta, Midnight Plum and Cool Matcha, are predicted to transition into autumn and winter, increasing the longevity of any garments purchased for spring.
I like that the spring color pallete is so diverse. Because the colors look classic while still feeling new, they will attract consumers but maintain a long lifecycle.
My own closet could use more pastels and rich brights, so I would love to adopt this playful and joyous color forecast. Another featured color is chartreuse, a shade of yellowish green. As one of my favorite colors and something I already have a lot of in my wardrobe, this is one way I will be sustainably joining in on a spring trend.
Bermuda shorts
Bermuda and elongated shorts are an elegant, gender-inclusive bottom that can appeal to a lot of body types and climates. Straight leg tailoring combined with lighter fabrics makes this item a reasonable, business casual go-to. These are my favorite style of shorts because the length is comfortable enough to wear in warmer spring and autumn weather. Bermudas fall into the baggy jean shorts trend that I have seen a lot more of on campus recently but offer a more approachable look.
Skinny jeans
While WGSN predicts that wide leg pants will be popular, fashion experts from CNBC to Glamour are saying that skinny jeans will make a comeback. This is the result of brands like Prada and Loewe featuring the skinny-leg silhouette in their spring/summer runways.
While I don’t like skinny jeans, they can create nice proportions when paired with a looser-fitting top. Since people around campus already wear bottoms with a wide range of widths, skinny jeans are definitely a trend that could rise again.
Tie-front blouses
Sheer floral blouses are probably the epitome of the boho aesthetic. WGSN says that the tie front style will appeal to younger consumers. As a young person, I would agree that a tie front detail can make a top feel more youthful and flirtier. Tie front tops have also been popular with tank tops and sweaters, so it would help market blouses to a younger audience. This is one of the more nostalgic predictions, as this garment has come in and out of popularity over the years. Voluminous sleeves could create interesting proportions if paired with skinny jeans.
Button-ups
This is probably the most classic garment in the list. Button-ups are a perfect layer to wear in any season. I would love to see some of the brights from the spring palette designed into the standard pinstripe pattern.
I believe one of the best parts about fashion is watching what is accurately predicated and what comes completely out of left field. I can’t wait to see which of these trends shows up around campus. Try melding some of these trends with your personal style this spring and look out for them on the street.
