The fashion trends that will be ruling 2018

While the New Year may have only just begun, we’re already feeling prescient.

This year's runways are already awash with plenty of new season trends, and early adopters should take note.

From the new wave of athleisure, through to fresh takes on time-honoured classics like the humble trench, we've collated our top trend predictions for 2018. 

Sportswear

If the motorbike stunts set against the millennial-pink sand dunes of Rihanna’s Fenty x Puma Spring 2018 show were telling, it was that sportswear - at its extreme – was poised to be worn by this year’s fashion cognoscenti.

Plastic

A modern material despised by critic Roland Barthes, plastic, conversely, was enjoyed by an array of fashion houses in the last months of 2017. Chanel, under the guidance of Karl Largerfeld, saw models donned in transparent capes and knee-high boots, while hyper-vivid fanny packs underscored translucent trench coats at Marc Jacobs.

KiraKira

Katakana for shining or glittering, try the burgeoning kirakira trend with sequins and glitter, as seen at Halpern on exuberant dresses during London Fashion Week, and in the iridescent iterations at Gucci Spring 2018.

Checked Prints

Check has returned, and it’s defying winter. While some designers, including Jonathan Anderson at Loewe, made beautifully mixed gingham dresses go way down the catwalk at their behest, others have shown us that it can be ushered in in excess, with plaid ensembles neatly paired with checked tights at Fendi.

The Reconstructed Trench

The trench coat – sliced, reworked, and put back together again – has been greeted with a revision. Play with this new-year update with coats, distressed and cropped and spliced with contrasting materials, and reveal your sharp twist on a classic.

Fringe

Tassels, texture and movement: There has been a call for the resurgence, among designers, for fringing. At Céline, the elegant black tassels of an evening dress ensconced themselves amongst a beige coat and trousers. If that feels too swathed for you, take note from Nina Ricci, whose bold pink tasselled co-ords were a lesson in colour.