Spring Summer 2018 reshaped everyday wardrobes with relaxed tailoring, dreamy layering, and a soft-focus approach to color. Designers balanced urban functionality with romantic silhouettes, creating a season that felt both practical and aspirational.
Below you can scan key trends, reference looks, and standout pieces that defined the collections and editorial moments of SS 2018.
| Trend Category | Signature Look | Key Colors | Iconic Runway Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Silhouette | Relaxed tailoring with soft shoulder, boxy coats | Neutral palette with pastel accents | Giorgio Armani, Max Mara |
| Fabric & Texture | Fluid silk suiting, fine wool, crocheted layers | Muted metallics, washed pastels | Chloé, Miumiu, Ports 1961 |
| Details | Tiered hems, asymmetric hems, softly gathered sleeves | Rose quartz, lavender, powder blue | Dries Van Noten, Etro |
| Styling Approach | Monochrome dressing, tonal suits, layered dresses | Neutrals with a single bold accent | Prada, Marni, Philosophy di Lorenzo Serafini |
Soft Tailoring And Relaxed Structure
SS 2018 softened the language of power dressing, favoring a slightly slouched shoulder and a gently nipped waist when needed. Suits arrived in roomier cuts, paired with silk blouses and soft knitwear, giving modern professionals an effortless, balanced silhouette.
Romantic Layering And Lightweight Textiles
Tiered Hemlines And Flowing Fabrics
Runways showcased tiered skirts and long, floating coats designed for slow movement. Lightweight wool, fine jersey, and silk suiting allowed motion without sacrificing polish, making romantic dressing appropriate for office environments.
Crochet And Sheer Accents
Delicate crochet overlays and softly sheered panels introduced an artisanal touch. These details were often paired with structured pieces to keep the overall look grounded and wearable.
Color Palette And Print Trends
Muted Pastels And Dusty Neutrals
Color stories leaned toward dusty rose, powder blue, and muted lilac. These hues were echoed in concrete neutrals and washed greys, creating a cohesive, modern pastel spectrum across jackets, dresses, and separates.
Subtle Prints And Tone-On-Tone Textures
Rather than high contrast graphics, designers favored tonal jacquards, micro-checks, and softly blurred florals. This approach maintained an elevated aesthetic while providing visual interest through texture rather than loud signage.
Key Pieces And Styling Solutions
- Oversized blazers paired with tapered trousers for relaxed polish
- Tiered midi skirts styled with fitted silk tops
- Crochet cardigans layered over slip dresses
- Lightweight trench coats and longline dusters for transitional weather
- Pencil skirts in pastels combined with chunky loafers or ankle boots
Translating SS 2018 Trends Into Modern Wardrobes
Adapting these trends into current dressing requires selective blending of relaxed silhouettes with streamlined basics, focusing on quality fabrics and restrained color harmonies for long-lasting relevance.
FAQ
Reader questions
What defines the SS 2018 runway silhouette compared to previous seasons?
Spring Summer 2018 favored relaxed tailoring with soft shoulders, gently nipped waists, and boxy coats, shifting from the sharper, more structured lines of prior seasons while retaining clear tailoring details.
Which color stories stood out most in SS 2018 collections?
Muted pastels such as dusted rose, powder blue, and lavender dominated, balanced by washed greys, neutral beige, and subtle metallic accents that kept the palette modern and office-ready.
How did designers incorporate romantic elements without sacrificing wearability?
Tiered hemlines, flowing fabrics, and crochet overlays were paired with structured pieces and tailored fits, ensuring movement and delicacy remained grounded in everyday practicality.
Which iconic runways best represent the SS 2018 aesthetic?
Giorgio Armani, Max Mara, Dries Van Noten, Etro, and Prada epitomized the season through their restrained tailoring, pastel gradients, and layered textures that blend softness with precision.