The 11 Runway Trends of Spring 2017

The season’s most unlikely wardrobe staple? Dresses in brilliant shades of fuchsia, strawberry, rose, and bubble gum. Spring’s stripe doesn’t speak softly. No, it goes big in an array of bold, sporty-feeling iterations, or via a vintage menswear-inflected pajama ticking in blue and cherry red. Don’t expect the high-volume sleeve to disappear anytime soon (particularly if the number of street style cameos by a certain Gucci varsity sweater are any indication!). A leg-o-mutton silhouette à la Princess Diana sent a powerful message on runways from Marc Jacobs to Marques ‘ Almeida. Whether political (Christian Dior) or pornographic (Hood By Air), slogan tees came into a new prominence this season, with even more unexpected labels—see: Haider Ackermann—getting in on the game. Typically reserved for commercial lineups like Resort, swimwear and swim-reminiscent separates (bra tops and high-waisted briefs) were a de rigueur styling tool for designers like Alessandro Michele and Stella McCartney. You can bet women will fall hard for these chicer-than-your-average-string-bikini cuts. Get ready to bare it—almost—all. IRL wearable? Not always, but sheer, pretty chiffon layers are in in a big way; just make sure you invest in some cute underpinnings to go with them. Take a cue from the likes of Grace Jones and embrace the strong tailoring that emerged as a highlight of the Spring shows. Another take on the ’80s nostalgia simmering in the industry zeitgeist, these exaggerated suiting shapes feel surprisingly fresh. Ultra-spare and ultra-soigné, the season’s day dress comes in cream, bone, and ivory. Whether you opt for Sonia Rykiel’s breezy puff-sleeve number, or Nicolas Ghesquière’s take at Louis Vuitton, slashed to expose the shoulder and hip, expect to feel instantly, exponentially chicer. Utilitarian-feeling trousers and toppers riff on the classic workwear fabrications; look to labels like Loewe, Valentino, and Kenzo for a compelling taste of how olive and khaki can feel fresh come spring. Go boldly with retro-inflected wallpaper florals ranging from quirky and Mod, to classic interiors. Athleisure may or may not be on its way out, but there’s no ignoring the sporty, fluoro hues on runways from Versace to Alexander Wang.

The 11 Runway Trends of Spring 2017

Balenciaga

Céline

Valentino

Givenchy