Fashion Month is in the rearview mirror, and while you may have to wait a few months to snag the looks from the runways, the new spring street style trends for 2019 are begging to be copied now. Just when winter’s gloomy, gray cloud was getting to be too much, the fashion crowd came through with a hefty dose of inspiration to mix things up and help you break out of any cold-weather wardrobe rut and reinvigorate your wardrobe in anticipation of spring.
The most obvious among the sartorial refreshers was to ditch the all-black uniform you often find yourself living in by late February and embrace a little color play. Editors and influencers alike dialed up the saturation when getting dressed, opting for monochrome rainbow brights (think head-to-toe hot pink and tangerine suit separates) and pastel palettes that would give any Easter egg a run for its money. Of course, neutrals weren’t entirely absent from the street style scene, but in place of the usual black, navy, and gray, show-goers hit the streets in softer hues, like beige, brown, and taupe.
When color wasn’t the hero of the outfit, there was an emphasis on texture. Sleek leather took on unexpected modern forms, like wide-leg trousers and puff-sleeve blouses. Snakeskin was king in the animal prints category, with serpentine scales on everything from coats to dresses to shoes. Fluffy feathers lined the hems of jacket sleeves and trouser legs, bringing a touch of glamour to daytime ensembles.
When it came to accessories, the ‘80s reigned supreme from top to bottom. Crowning women’s manes were chunky padded headbands in vibrant satin, luxe velvet and knotted leather. While on their feet were wide-shaft boots with slouchy trousers worn tucked in and voluminous.
Below, catch up on the eight major trends that are on the must-try list of women everywhere from New York to Paris, and shop the perfect pieces to recreate each look.
Snake Charmed
Animal prints in general are in vogue at the moment, but snakeskin has become popular in its own right. It’s on-par with leopard in its ability to function as a neutral, making it a versatile and surprisingly wearable element. For a daring look, a head-to-toe mix of serpentine prints will have the edgy impact you’re after. Or, for the more faint of heart, a simple snakeskin boot can add a subtle touch of the exotic. Start with something in a natural color scheme, like black and beige or brown and move on to the bold-hued snake prints later on; the low-key neutrals will be easier to work into your existing wardrobe.
Down To Earth
Black and white have long been the fashion girl’s go-to color palette, but this season saw an influx of neutrals of an earthier variety. Shades of beige and brown were everywhere on the streets of Fashion Week, often worn head-to-toe. The key to making this taupe-y trend look dynamic and not drab is by layering various textures and hues for extra visual intrigue.
On The Bright Side
In stark contrast to the array of beige tones, an equally prevalent trend was wearing all-over brights. Show-goers turned out in statement outfit that ran the full spectrum of the rainbow. Whether it was a bold orange suiting, or a hoodie and trousers in complementary shades of green, the theme was color-wonderful. Your best bet for pulling off the super-saturated look? Stick to a single hue and mix shades within its color family. It'll veer more sophisticated than Crayola.
For The Love Of Leather
Leather's no longer just for moto jackets and leggings. And wearing it head-to-toe doesn’t mean you’ll look like an urban cowboy or Hell’s Angel, either. The new leather look is all about sleek finishes in modern silhouettes. Go for slick, smooth leathers in classic shades of onyx and cognac, with pops of color mixed into the ensemble. Instead of the usual close-to-the-body fits, try something unexpected like a voluminous leather blouse or a pair of culottes.
Spring Awakening
Mid-winter blues didn’t stop the street style set from embracing a spring-worthy palette of pastels. Imbue your look with some of the soft blossom sweetness of the coming season in candy-colored hues, like soft lavender, sea-foam green, and cotton candy pink.
All Tucked In
If you’re not sure how to wear tall boots with pants — or if you’ve only ever tried wearing them with skinny jeans — here’s a new styling tip to try: Tuck a pair of slouchy trousers into a wider-shaft boot that hits somewhere between your mid-calf and just below the knee.
Birds Of A Feather
Feather-adorned fashions are no longer just for evening occasions. Plumage has made the transition to daywear, adding a glamorous flair when trimmed along the hem of your pant legs, jacket cuffs, or dress. Keep the rest of the look pared back and on the simple side, so it stays in the realm of casual.
Major Bandwidth
In addition to the wildly popular barrettes, there’s another hair accessory that’s gaining momentum: padded headbands. Oversized and bulky, these heavyweight headbands are just the latest ‘80s/’90s trend to enjoy a modern revival. Whether you opt for a thick satin style, a knotted leather number or twisted velvet crown, these vintage-inspired extras are sure to make a statement (and tame a less-than-stellar hair day).
