Plaid

Designers’ imaginations ran wild for checks. At Fendi, teal and salmon pink clashed brilliantly, and it was hard not to fall for Miu Miu’s kitschy-wallpaper-inspired patterns. Sorry stripes – it’s tartan time.
From left: Hermes, Bottega Veneta, Miu Miu, Eudon Choi and Fendi Spring 2018 RTW
Bustier

Like the corset, this rigid undergarment has become a symbol of female empowerment. Wear it layered over a blouse or with a bold choker – anything goes, really.
From left: Maison Margiela, Sies Marjan, J.W. Anderson, Prada and Alexander McQueen Spring 2018 RTW
Punk

Take anything Vivienne Westwood, add a dollop of Marc Jacobs circa Perry Ellis and mix in some Studio 54 and you’ve got this season’s grunge-meets-glitz vibe. Sparkles, PVC and leather are a must. Also key: eyeliner, and lots of it.
From left: Alexander Wang, Altuzarra, Christian Dior, Alexander McQueen and Coach 1941 Spring 2018 RTW
Shop the look: Punk

Topshop Sequin Embellished Jacket ($172.77)
Shop the look: Punk

Saint Laurent Repaired Baggy Jeans ($1,327)
Shop the look: Punk

Louis Vuitton Digital Bionic Earrings with Rings ($470)
Shop the look: Punk

Miu Miu Contrast Stitch Logo-Patch Canvas Ankle Boots ($1,000)
Dark Denim

An indigo wash has always felt dressier than your fave faded blues, but now denim has gone straight-up glam, from tulle at Max Mara to tulip skirts and flounces at Fendi and slits at Versace. For a more casual option, the Canadian tuxedo still lives on – try pairing a jean jacket with a mini.
From left: Mugler, Fendi, Tom Ford, Matthew Adams Dolan and Versace Spring 2018 RTW
Rainbow

Perhaps in response to 2017’s challenging global politics, fashion took itself far less seriously this spring. Vertical rainbow stripes were embraced by the usual suspects (Missoni, Moschino et al.), but Etro and Tory Burch showed office-friendly iterations, pairing flared skirts and wide-legged pants with cozy sweaters. When in doubt, pile on the colour – if you feel like Kimmy Schmidt, that’s a good thing.
From left: Philosophy, Dolce & Gabbana, Missoni, Etro, Tory Burch Spring 2018 RTW
Super Sneaker

Stash the classic Connies until fall. Your sneaks should be so dazzling, people (almost) don’t notice what else you’re wearing.
From left: Louis Vuitton and Vivienne Westwood Spring 2018 RTW
Plastic

The latest take on sheer layering is as practical as it is playful. Helmut Lang, Burberry and Marc Jacobs were among the many labels to give collections a sporty utilitarian vibe thanks to PVC pieces. Baby step: Try going clear with shoes or a hat or even a Plexiglas hair accessory a la Chanel.
From left: Valentino, Toga, Marc Jacobs, Burberry and Helmut Lang Spring 2018 RTW
Shop the look: Plastic

Jane D’Arensbourg Organic Cobalt, Green and Plum Necklace ($650 USD)
Shop the look: Plastic

Jimmy Choo x Off-White Claire 100 Floral Pumps ($1,350)
Shop the look: Plastic

Anya Hindmarch Clear Make-Up Bag ($405)
Shop the look: Plastic

Maram Embroidered PVC Biker ($1,676.11 USD)
Bungee

Look closely and you’ll spot a subtle yet impactful detail: a pull cord. This elastic gave a sporty feel to jumpsuits, anoraks and necklines.
From left: Public School, Anya Hindmarch, Calvin Klein, Kenzo and Fenty x Puma Spring 2018 RTW
Art Pop

Donatella Versace revisited the house’s iconic Warhol collection, and she wasn’t the only designer taking cues from the canvas. Prada’s show was a nod to women cartoonists, while at Oscar de la Renta, pristine white dresses were covered with daubs of primary colours.
From left: Prada, Akris, Versace, Oscar de la Renta and Christian Dior Spring 2018 RTW
Shop the look: Art Pop

Zvelle Anais Ankle Boots ($505)
Shop the look: Art Pop

Loewe Phone Print T-Shirt ($575)
Shop the look: Art Pop

Balenciaga Pink Elastic Magnet Earrings ($310)
Shop the look: Art Pop

Prada Light Frame Bag ($3,010)
Fringe

This swishy trend will always be a little bit boho. (See: Loewe.) But this season, it inched closer to party girl thanks to swingy and sequined styles in bold primary colours. Our editors loved the yarn-fringed Americana look at Calvin Klein and Céline’s so-minimalist-except-for-the-skirt safari dress.
From left: Loewe, Sachin & Babi, Calvin Klein, Céline and Erdem Spring 2018 RTW
Lilac

Millennial pink has met its match. Lilac, a delicate yet intriguing hue, dominated the spring runways, colouring skinny suits at Max Mara and Victoria Beckham, minimal midi-dresses at Tibi and sporty seperates at Valentino. Get ready for a (light) purple reign.
From left: Bottega Veneta, Proenza Schouler, Max Mara, Valentino and Victoria Beckham Spring 2018 RTW
Poly Bags

Consider giving your slouchy tote some time off. Models marched down runways with sharply structured holdalls.
From left: Salvatore Ferragamo and Louis Vuitton Spring 2018 RTW
Prom

Who wouldn’t want to relive their prom night (if only for a do-over)? Designers turned up the nostalgia vibe to almost saccharine levels with powdery hues (at Philosophy di Lorenzo Serafini), nerd-glam (at Gucci) and pastel pinstripes (at Emporio Armani). Corsages optional.
From left: Versace, Philosophy, Gucci, Emporio Armani and Preen Spring 2018 RTW
Shop the look: Prom

Isabel Marant Ecru Square Earrings ($440)
Shop the look: Prom

Mango Ruched Sleeves Blazer ($129.99)
Shop the look: Prom

Hillier Bartley Lantern Zebra-Print Velvet and Leather Pouch ($995 USD)
Shop the look: Prom

Adam Lippes Ruffle-Trimmed Square-Neck Pleated Dress ($556 USD)
Belt Bag

The ’90s must-have has been back for a few seasons, but for spring it went straight-up fancy. Wear it at night instead of a clutch.
From left: Creatures of the Wind and Zimmermann Spring 2018 RTW
White Out

A dreamy white dress has long been a wardrobe staple for the romantically inclined, and this season designers took the fairy-tale factor to new heights. One look at Rodarte’s delicately embroidered frocks has us falling in love.
From left: Céline, Etro, Rodarte, Jil Sander and Miu Miu Spring 2018 RTW
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