It feels as though we are stuck in an endless cycle of recycling trends of baggy mom jeans, chunky boots, scrunchies, choker necklaces, and puffy sleeves from earlier decades. 

I don’t know about you guys, but I’m dying for the fashion industry to hit the refresh button. With hope for a new upcoming take on style, I investigated my way into obtaining the predictions for incoming fashion crazes. 

In addition to thorough research (and a lot of online shopping), I also have a close connection in the fashion industry. My older sister, Angela Waddle, works for the online retail store ​​Shopbop. Before buying an item, I get to send her a quick text: what’s coming in, and what’s going out? 

Do I really spend $100 on another pair of flared pants only for them to be outdated within a month? Having an inside relation in fashion is a handy tool when it comes to thinning out a perpetual list of items in my shopping cart. 

Puffer jackets and chunky snow boots will be coming to a close soon, so I thought I’d share the insight I got for the spring and summer fashion forecast to help you get your closet ready. 

First, let’s see what’s staying. 

Coordinating sets 

The trend of co-ord sets is one I’ve been loving. Everything from athleisure sets, cropped tops and skirt sets, and even PJ sets; they just make me feel so put together and ready for the day (or the end). 

However, Angela predicts a slight change in the trend.  “Sets will likely be moving away from loungewear, and more towards fancier summer sets”, said Angela. 

Tennis sneakers

Tennis sneakers started their come-back with the notorious Adidas Superstars and Stan Smith’s. Over the past couple of years, they have gotten chunkier, more colorful, and abstract in shape. They’re the perfect comfy, go-with-everything kind of shoe to add some height and some fun to your outfit. “Upgraded athletic sneakers are a great staple to add to your closet, and I’m happy to say that the trend is here to stay. The details may be modified, but chunky court sneakers won’t be a wasteful investment,” said Angela. 

So… What’s coming?

COLORS! 

Sage green and Bubblegum pink are on the radar for spring and summer. Hot pink has been a popular way to add a pop of color your closet may have been missing, and army green has been all the rage for quite some time, so it might be nice to lighten it up with some more subtle shades.

Contrasting colors and patterns

I frequently see checkered, striped, and floral pants in the hallways and on the streets, but I can’t wait for this upcoming pairing. Patterned bottoms with patterned tops? I know, it sounds clashy, but if done correctly, this could be the most fun trend yet! The key will be coupling the right color schemes together. 

Cargo pants (and utility type clothing)

Personally, I have always loved this trend. Cargo pants have come in and gone out several times in the past few years. This time, lower rise, stiffer and strappier styles will be filling the catalogs.

Loafers and Gladiator sandals

Yes! Fun shoes! A 90’s trend that I stand by: chunky loafers. I’ve had my eye on loafers for a while now, but have been hesitant to purchase them because they seem a little too far outside of my comfort zone and a little too business-casual for my wardrobe. However, if this trend continues to rise, a pair will be in my closet shortly. You can wear them with jeans, a dress, with a fun pair of socks, or however your stylish imagination tells you to. 

Gladiator sandals might be the perfect shoe trend for this summer. I know that my summer shoe collection consists of flip-flops and a pair of worn-down wedges. I could use a new pair of summery sandals that aren’t heeled, stay on my feet, and go with everything.

Lastly… Let’s talk jeans

I know this is probably the last thing you want to hear, but skinny jeans and low-rise seem to be on the radar for spring and summer, according to Angela. Probably the most uncomfortable style of pants, but I’m not complaining about the fashion statement. Personally, I like a tighter jean. This may seem intimidating, but remember, there are no rules in fashion, so if you favor the comfy, baggier jean, keep doin’ you! 

Now we’ve covered some possibilities for upgrading your future closet, but we haven’t gotten to an important question: what’s leaving?

Puff sleeves

I’m sad to see an end to the fun, structured sleeves, but they have run their course. “We are seeing less puffy-sleeved tops in our incoming inventory,” said Angela.

Cottage styles

Billowy, blousy, flowy pieces, and neutral florals were a huge hit last summer, but they aren’t expected to continue rising in popularity for upcoming warm weather. Brighter colors, patterns, and structure seem more likely to be worn this spring/summer season. 

Shackets

Shackets were perfect for fall, doing the job of keeping you warm and staying stylish as the temperature got colder. But now the light shirt-jacket is too thin for Chicago winters and too thick for a summer sweater. “We see the shacket trend leaving, but possibly making a comeback next fall in winter,” said Angela. 

Hopefully this helps to refresh your fashion-brain, and give you a bit of insight on what to anticipate seeing your icons, celebrities, and friends wearing in the near future! 

But remember, style is a way to express yourself. Despite what everyone else is wearing, wear whatever makes you feel the most comfortable, confident, and uniquely you!