Stories
Anything But Subtle: Spring 2018 Trends

By Aarian Frye, Buffalo Exchange HQ
Welcome to 2018! If you’re anything like me, you don’t consider the New Year to have truly started until spring rolls around. Once the frosty air gives way to warmer temps and sprigs of grass begin to spring from the ground, we’re finally able to shed the layers of yester-year and embark on a new – or recycled – fashion journey. From the runways to the streets, we’re seeing tons of 80s and 90s style inspo this year, from polka dots and denim to completely saturated monochromes and sorbet pastels. If you’re ready to have some fun with your closet, read ahead for the full scoop on spring 2018 trends!
Snap on, Snap Off: Belt Bags
You probably saw this one coming: fanny packs – or “belt bags” as they are now called – are here to stay as one of the most useful spring 2018 trends. These waist packs aren’t what your parents wore during the family trip to Disneyland. Instead, we’re seeing belt bags with minimal pockets in sizes ranging from wallet to supersized. Go the traditional route and snap it around your middle or loop one arm through to wear as a chic crossbody.
Suit Yourself!
Dapper Dans of the world, rejoice: the two-piece suit has returned! Whether you go classic with a blue linen blend that has sleek lapels or edgy with a double-breasted, grid-patterned short set, there is something sure to suit your every mood.
What’s In The Box?? Crayon-Inspired Saturated Brights
We can say for certain that color is packing a punch this season. Gone are the muted neutrals of 2017. This year, the goal is to be seen. The world is your canvas when you step out in CMYK-worthy magentas, yellows and cyans.
This Is For Sher-bert One of Our Favorite Spring 2018 Trends
Make way, millennial pink: there’s a new hue in town. While the last two years or so were dominated by rose tones, 2018 ushers in lavender as the new “it”-color. However, by no means should you limit yourself! Combining several pastel shades is strongly encouraged.
Denim Reloaded: A Fresh Take on the Big Blue
Denim is a mainstay in our closets. It never goes out of style; instead, it transforms. This season, we see dark denim in rich indigo and oversized proportions. Add a long trucker jacket or high-waisted pair of wide leg jeans to get in on this most classic of all spring 2018 trends. Double points if you try them both at once!
Polka Party
While gingham dominated last year, the sleeper hit of the spring 2018 trends seems to be polka dots! We’ve seen them all over the runway and now we’re seeing them make their way into our closets. If this trend feels a little too Minnie Mouse for you, opt for an abstract polka dot with an irregular shape.
BERET, there’s more!
We’ve seen a reemergence of headwear over the past few years. The first major trend was the ubiquitous wide-brimmed wool hat, which was followed by the newsboy cap. This year, berets are everywhere, in every color imaginable – but red seems to be the crowd favorite.
Check it Out: Plaid
Plaid has long been a winter wardrobe staple, but it’s easy to adapt for spring! Ditch the holiday color palette in favor of rich blues, yellows and greens.
Honorable Mentions:
- Fringe
- Scrunchies
- Glitter and sequins
I don’t know about you, but these spring 2018 trends are giving me some serious nostalgia for my grade school closet. The beautiful thing about fashion is that what goes around comes back around – and can always be found at your local Buffalo Exchange. This spring, we encourage you to shake the snow off, grab your Lisa Frank fanny pack and go shopping!