Spring Trends 2018 Sewing Inspiration

I thought it would be nice to carry on the tradition that I started last year of doing a bi-annual post on the latest season’s trends and featuring new sewing patterns. See the other two posts here and here. As usual, I did some surfing of the old interwebs and made a stack of notes, collected some inspiration photos and looked up a few new season patterns. Perhaps you might not be that much into trends, but the idea is to just inspire you a little, to help you decide how to add a touch of modern to your style and to pick and choose what you think will work for ‘you’ with no hard and fast rules. So without further ado let’s dive in and take a look at Spring trends 2018 sewing inspiration.

Spring (and into Summer)2018 Overview:

As per the last few seasons, the one main theme permeating through all of the trends is of individualism, creativity and maximalism. It’s a case of taking the trends that appeal and making them uniquely your own and if you fancy adding everything including the kitchen sink then go for it! There was an awful lot of unusual combinations and sometimes quite complex looking outfits on the runway shows. There were a fair amount of outfits inspired by 70’s and 80’s, some 90’s and from what I could tell some easy and comfortable styles too…nothing too restrictive and fitted. There wasn’t quite so much Athleisure but there were sportswear inspired outfits, so more of a Sports Luxe vibe.

Colour trends:

The Pantone colour of the year is Ultraviolet a rich lilac shade. Other colours to look out for are tomato red, pale pinks like blush and iced pink, emerald, yellow, earthy shades and neutrals like white, toffee, navy and metallics. Here is the official Pantone colour card showing some of the main trend colours:

Main fashion trends to look out for:

• High waisted trousers.
•  80’s strong shoulders
• 90’s slip dresses
• Dark denim
• Asymmetric necklines and square necklines or one shoulder only styles
• Ice cream colours
• Textures like lace, surface detail, piping.
• Ruching
• Ruffles and pleating
• Fringe
• Trench coats…often with unusual cuts or in fluid fabrics
• Wide fluid trousers, either very long or cropped
• Summer plaid
• Gingham
• Polka dots, particularly in black and white
• Trouser suits
• Florals
• Waist defining with belts and subtle shaping. Some peplums
• Big sleeves, puffed shoulders
• Raw natural fabrics like linen and organic undyed cotton
• For feet: Cowboy boots, flat or blocked heels, sneakers, a few dainty shoes
• To carry: Pouch type ‘bum bags’ cross-body bags, basket weave/straw bags, small satchels

Spring/Summer 2018 Runway inspiration:

I’ve put together three photo montages of runway looks that give a brief taster of some of the many and varied styles.

Pic 1….. Top row L to R: Hermes, Kate Spade, Stella McCartney…Bottom row L to R: Rachel Comey, Nina Ricci, Dries Van Noten:

Pic 2…Top row L to R: Nanette Lepore, Paul Smith, DVF……Bottom row L to R: Coach, Emilia Wickstead, Nicole Miller:

Pic 3…Top row L to R: Versace, Celine, Celine…Bottom row L to R: Gabriella Hearst, Alice and Olivia, Grey Jason Wu:

Sewing Patterns:

I’ve picked a few patterns that have come through from a few suppliers but bear in mind that many pattern companies bring new designs out as the season progresses, so there will be more as time goes on. Here are a few to inspire you:

Simplicity 8605

New Look 6510

Vogue 1581

McCalls 7725

Simplicity  trench/jacket 8554

Vogue top or dress 9299

Burda dress from 03/2018 #113

Burda coat dress from 03/2018 #104

Vogue dress 9296

Le 702 Trench by DP Studio

Republique de Chiffon Regine dress

Falzar cropped trousers by Modelieres (update: unfortunately this company seems to be no longer trading as the website is up now void)

Juno slip dress by Style Arc

So, we’ve been exploring  Spring/Summer trends 2018, but I don’t think it should mean we have to run out and buy a whole load of new fabrics and go crazy buying patterns. Pick and choose the trend you like the sound of and if that means just adding one of the on-trend colours that you like and staying with a style you usually wear or just adding a new accessory or two, then do it. Clothes should be a fun extension of yourself. Have a look at your fabric stash and see if any of it could be used. Or what about re-fashioning something to give it a 2018 vibe? I bet some vintage patterns from the 80’s are hiding in a few pattern stashes. I definitely have some from when my mum used to sew for clients. They may need toning down though to make them more 2018 and not 1984…lol!

For my own style, I like to add a few on-trend pieces most seasons and I love to mix them up with classic pieces too. I’m definitely going to make a soft trench coat and maybe something with a puffed sleeve. Ruching really appeals to me too…..

How about you? Do any of the new trends appeal to you and if so which ones? Let’s talk about it in comments. I’ll bring the tea and cake and we can have a natter.

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