Spring 2018's Hottest Accessory Trends
Thanks to the slew of micro trends that emerged from Fashion Month last September, this spring's accessories are just as exciting as the clothes they accompany. Whether it's through structured shapes or contemporary colors, the shoes and bags you'll be wearing are strong enough to act as the starting point for a whole host of outfits without being too eccentric or unapproachable.
A departure from the over-the-top maximalism we've been seeing for the past few seasons, there seems to be a shift (at least when it comes to our accessories) towards simpler and cleaner pieces; one's that feel less like they'll be "out of style" in just a few months. From basket bags (yep, we still love 'em) to architectural heels (for those who just can't get on-board with the chunky sneaker), the eight trends ahead may be minimalistic, but they're anything but boring.
1. MAKE IT MINI
You might have noticed that nearly all of your favorite street style stars have been carrying rather impractical bags, from Jacquemus' Le Sac Chiquito, which comes in canary yellow and is emblazoned with his eponymous brand's logo, to Simon Miller's circular-handled bucket bags that have been seen pretty much everywhere. Teeny tiny pieces are having a moment, and while they may only fit our iPhone and keys, they're the sweetest trend to come out of the spring collections.
2. BASKETCASE
You may associate the woven and wooden bags with sundresses, but we encourage you to pair yours with a checked blazer and kick-flare denim to work just as you would with a bathing suit at the beach. Our favorite structured number comes from Cult Gaia, the brand responsible for creating the statement Ark and Lilleth bag seen on the arm of every influencer on Instagram. You can stay structured and contemporary or go more '70s, leaning towards raffia and bamboo offerings.
3. HOWDY PARTNER
Cowboy boots have (perhaps surprisingly) become the footwear du jour as part of the return to a more wholesome, rural aesthetic — think corsets and prairie dresses, too. Make like Ganni, which paired oversized white denim jackets and jeans with theirs, or follow Natacha Ramsay-Levi's direction at Chloé, who toughened up floral frocks with stomping western boots. We love classic white, brown, and black, but a postbox-red or sci-fi silver pair looks just as cool.
4. PUT A BELT ON IT
The refreshed tourist staple infiltrated our wardrobe a while ago — in fact, Chanel sent a glittering silver fanny pack down the spring 2014 runway — but its popularity shows no sign of slowing down. Whether you go full '90s raver with a more sporty style, or keep it sleek and work-appropriate with a boxy, fitted number, there are hundreds to choose from.
5. K.I.S.S. (KEEP IT SIMPLE, STUPID)
Bags have become pared-back in recent seasons, with more muted colors and simpler shapes. That's not to say they're not statement-making, though; minimalist doesn't always mean boring, and our spring plus-ones are just as scene-stealing as they have been in the past. Consider this the ultimate antidote to the Gucci-led maximalism that's dominated the fashion narrative for the past few years.
