By Molly Fitzpatrick
For some the new year signifies new goals, intentions and a renewed self, ‘new year, new me’ as the saying goes. For me, rather than setting out a list of resolutions that we all know will be forgotten by the 10th of the month, I prefer to go down the simpler route: new me, new wardrobe. There’s nothing like a blindingly white fresh pair of runners to make you feel like you have your life in order.
Fashion – wise, 2019 is set to be a scorcher (as if my shopping addiction couldn’t get any worse). Offering everything from returning nostalgic favourites like tie dye and 80s puffed sleeves to fresh, new, sure-to-be obsessions like micro bags and utility dressing. In case you need a little inspiration for your new year, new wardrobe shopping spree, here are our predictions of the top sartorial trends you’ll be seeing in 2019.
Tie dye
PSA: tie dye is making a comeback, I repeat tie dye is making a comeback, THIS IS NOT A DRILL. Let the twelve-year-old inside us all rejoice, this nostalgic favourite is back and set to become a staple in the fashion lover’s wardrobe. Tie dye appeared on the SS19 runways in two ways. Firstly, it was seen in a streetwear inspired way, think 90s surfer on the Californian coast. Pair a classic tie dye tee with light wash denim and old school vans for a laid – back Californian girl vibe.
The other less expected way dye tie was seen is in a more refined upscale manner. Tie dye doesn’t have to mean kitsch and juvenile, as the SS19 runways have showed it can be sophisticated. Tie dye has been appearing in muted tones on everything from silk midi skirts to more structured silhouettes. This unexpected juxtaposition of this traditionally laid back boho print with more formal shapes and materials keeps the pattern fresh and contemporary. Whether you opt for this elevated version of tie dye or you go full on surfer girl, our favourite preteen hobby is now fashion, I think we can all agree 2019 is off to a good start.
The micro bag
If you’re like me and carry your entire life in your handbag this trend probably isn’t for you. Although not the most practical of trends, the micro bag is set to be massive in 2019. These absurdly small bags may literally only fit your lipstick, card and a stick of chewing gum but this celebrity favourite is set to be the finishing touch to every going – out outfit of 2019; the smaller, the better!
Utility dressing
All about khaki, cargo pants and boiler suits, the utility trend is where function meets fashion. This one started creeping in to our wardrobes in 2018 with cargo pants quickly becoming a wardrobe staple. 2019 will see edgy and effortless utilitarian dressing taken to the next level, boiler suits are becoming a streetwear favourite and military khakis and camo are set to become our new neutrals. Also, extra brownie points for comfort!
Fringing
SS18 saw the rise of the prairie trend, then AW saw, to the disgust of many, the cowboy boot trend, and if you thought we’d get away without something western inspired in 2019 you were mistaken. Seen on the runways of Tom Ford and Coach, fringing is set to adorn everything from jackets, to trousers, handbags and everything in between, what ruffles were to 2018 fringing is to be to 2019.
Neon
Highlighter brights, another 80s throwback, have already managed to infiltrate the high street. Fluorescent shades slowly became popular last season much thanks to Kim Kardashian and Instagram. However, what we thought was a fleeting microtrend has made its way onto the catwalks, with lime green, hot pink, and flaming orange featuring across the runways of New York, London, Milan and Paris, and it looks like it’s here to stay. A daunting palette to tackle, it’s best to stick to one colour at a time, either grounding it with neutrals or opting for a monochrome neon look.
80s puffed sleeves
If you’ve been paying attention to the runways at all, you’ll know that there’s been a shift in our attention from the 90s to the decade earlier, with wide waist clenching belts, bold patterns and a personal favourite of mine, maximalism, dominating fashion weeks. As someone who loves all things 80s, particularly its fashion and rom – coms (even more so when combined, I’m still not over Andy’s wardrobe in Pretty in Pink), I couldn’t be happier about the return of the puff sleeve. A less harsh alternative to the much – hated shoulder pad, the puff sleeve creates a strong silhouette without losing femininity. Whether it’s a subtle puffed shoulder or an all – out Disney princess three quarter length puff sleeve, this 80s retro revival will be seen on the most fashion forward
