Fashion Trends & Forecasting for Apparel & Accessories

The latest design report reveals the new shapes for women’s jackets and coats, from casual street-styled pieces to upmarket luxury items. A new approach to outerwear breaks down traditional concepts in favour of deconstructed styles, which re-examine what we expect from this sector of the market. This new wave of jackets and coats reshapes the future with styles that break away from the norm. Familiar styles are recut or skewed and bold design details shift the focus.

The latest design package for SS 18 spotlights women’s jersey and knitwear areas, covering tops, sweaters, dresses, skirts and trousers from casual street-styled pieces to upmarket luxury items. The middle ground falls away, leaving behind styles, which either connect to the street or push into the luxury sector. At the sophisticated end are jersey tops with chiffon sleeves or decorative crop tops with lingerie details, while youth-centric looks revolve around distorted classic sportswear incorporating unconventional design ideas.

Skirts incorporate movement in styles with a gentle flare or through the addition of splits, gathers and frills. Hybrid skirt styles combine the structure of tailoring with soft frills or gathers. Tailored trouser silhouettes are nostalgic with high waistlines and neatly cropped lengths. Sports-inspired pants feature gathers and drawstrings and shorts have a lingerie look with delicate details.

Structure eases off in generously proportioned styles and soft, easy shapes. Where there is structure, it’s softened with deep splits at the hemline, or wide cuts at the neckline. This free-spirited look opens the way for lighter, softer, more open fabrics in sheer lace; qualities with a fluid handle and fine cottons with added stretch.

In this season of contrasts, menswear silhouettes are divided and pull in two opposing directions. Slimline styles skim the body and contrast with wider and longer silhouettes, which are generously proportioned. Tailored jersey adds a casual note to structured styles, and construction itself is in the spotlight with contrast stitching and visible linings.

The new outerwear silhouette is dominated by unstructured shapes, and drop shoulder/rounded raglan sleeves add to the easy mood. Fabrics determine the finished look, which can be soft and shirt-like, or stiff like a protective uniform. The movement towards workwear uniforms throws the focus on pockets, reinforced panels and shirt-style collars.

The polo shirt is a key player with alternative versions for men and youth sectors. Stretch terry fabrics add an accessible retro vibe, and engineered knits upgrade the look with luxe yarns. Handknit sweaters feature subtle alterations to proportions and new points of focus. The relaxed mood expands into jersey shorts and pants in wide, easy proportions with fresh details.

There is a subtle push towards tailoring, which in the trouser/shorts sector, smartens up the look. Rather than having a formal effect, styles remain grounded with the addition of sports detailing and the casual, relaxed attitude of streetwear. Slouchy volume is balanced and controlled with pleats and a belted waist or a tapered cut and braces are revived as part of the trend for a higher waistline.