August 17, 2017

Fall 2018 Winter 2019 Fashion Trend Forecast

Another season of MAGIC trade show has come and gone, and it's time to review four fashion trends for fall 2018 and winter 2019 in this fashion trend forecast by New York-based firm Fashion Snoops. In this post, I'll be introducing the four macro trends that Fashion Snoops is highlighting, and then going into detail with each fashion theme that relates to each of the macro trends.


February 21, 2019 update - See four women's denim trends for 2020.

January 15, 2019 update - See four women's trends for spring summer 2020.

August 31, 2018 update - See four men's spring summer 2019 trends on Fashion Trend Guide.

August 25, 2018 update - See four denim trends for 2019 on Fashion Trend Guide.

August 21, 2018 update - See four fashion trends for fall 2019 and winter 2020

February 2, 2018 update - See more details about the four Women's trends for fall 2018/winter 2019 in this post on Fashion Trend Guide.

Follow along on my Insta stories @thekeytochic, my Facebook page, and my Pinterest trend boards, where you'll have access to emerging trends, personal style, outfit ideas, shopping reports. For more forecasts, see my posts on top denim trends for 2017, a fall 2017/winter 2018 fashion trend forecast, this spring summer 2018 fashion report, and this spring summer 2018 fashion trend forecast.


January 23, 2018 update - See four Men's trends for fall 2018/winter 2019

January 4, 2018 update - See a spring summer 2019 fashion trend forecast.

Please note that this blog post is adapted from Fashion Snoops via MAGIC trade show, is protected by international copyright laws, and may not be republished without permission. Students, please feel free to use this information for school projects as long as it's not reproduced or republished online and you properly cite both Fashion Snoops and The Key To Chic as sources. 

1. Engineered Identity/Identity
Engineered Identity is the macro trend of an art movement of creative shakers, art as activism, political messaging, and bold statements. The creators of the world take stock of reality as our future becomes destabilized by political upsets around the world. With this tense political climate and our collective feelings of uncertainty, comes an explosion of creative expression. This new maker's movement is galvanized to make a difference in the world by reusing waste and transforming the mundane into expressive art for the people. 

Engineered Identity Fashion Snoops Trend forecast fall 2018 winter 2019
The Women's trend story is called Vanguard. It evokes the 1970s, a D.I.Y. feel, and the maker's movement. Key colors are yellow, magenta, navy, lavender, pink, and red. Materials are high pile, velvet, corduroy, crochet, mixed media, patchwork, bungee fibers, and resin scraps that are reproduced. There's an undercurrent of female empowerment. 
Engineered Identity Fashion Snoops Trend forecast fall 2018 winter 2019

Patterns include illusion play, digital prints, storytelling, strong messaging, bold graphics, and organic prints. 
Engineered Identity Fashion Snoops Trend forecast fall 2018 winter 2019

See and shop examples of Identity:





2. Human Nature/Earth Alchemy
The Human Nature macro trend is about biotech, the farm-to-fabric movement, biotextiles, and reactions to the ecosystem. It includes the maker's movement and handmade crafts. There's a modern eco feel with plastic made from wool and leather-like fabric made from pineapple leaves. Earth Alchemy is the fashion theme here. It blurs the boundaries of the natural and the synthetic. It examines the moments where our organic world collides with the digital realm. Heritage brands such as Patagonia and The North Face are embraced.

Human Nature Fashion Snoops Trend forecast fall 2018 winter 2019

Earth Alchemy Fashion Snoops Trend forecast fall 2018 winter 2019

The Women's trend story is called Terra. Fabrics reflect layers of life, and come from algae, mushrooms, and pineapples. There are plush materials, furry fabrics, mixed media fabrications, utility details, slouchy shapes, and layering. A sci-fi feel comes across in artificial materials, PVC, and transparency. Accessories include sock boots and tote bags. 

Earth Alchemy Fashion Snoops Trend forecast fall 2018 winter 2019

See and shop examples of Earth Alchemy:






3. Emotional Capacity/The Space Between
Emotional Capacity is a macro trend about technology, our need to disconnect, feel human emotions, and experience self-growth. Key influences are sensory textiles, experiential spaces, a focus on mindful living, and inclusion design that makes us connect to one another. The fashion theme, called The Space Between, is where darkness reveals just as much as light. It's inspired by a Japanese aesthetic and is influenced by notable designers such as Rei Kawakubo, Yohji Yamamoto, and Issey Miyake.
The Space Between Fashion Snoops Trend forecast fall 2018 winter 2019
Colors of The Space Between tell a passionate story. They include samurai red, blues, beautiful neutrals, navy, inkwell, Tokyo Glow pink, teal, and monk yellow. Architectural rigor is a focus, and there's an understated urban edge. Materials are felted wool, refined quilting, and raw stone canvas. Graphics are illustrated language with abstract formations, scenes of Tokyo at night (urban streetscapes), distorted reality, florals, exotic motifs, and patterns with layering or overlays. 

The Women's theme is called Sensei, and it features modern Japanese tailoring, minimalist lines, fluid volume, vents, wrapped kimono styling, and elongated tunics. Accessories are minimal with exquisite details, traditional floral, artisanal knots, and high shine fabrics such as jacquard. 

See and shop examples of The Space Between:





4. Through Space and Time/Time Traveler
The macro trend Through Space and Time explores the human journey. We question physical space, the real vs. the surreal, and humans vs. machines. The fashion theme is called Time Traveler. This is where the past and future converge to create a new altered reality. There's a collision of eras and cultures, along with gaining hyper-real insight into the past. It's escapism at its best and a metaphorical travel through time for style. Influences are Victorian, Renaissance, and everything in between. Time Traveler is elaborate, with a focus on heritage fabric mills, Harris tweed, and showing how life can be lived in two different tempos at the same time. See the Burberry spring '17 runway as an influence. 

Through Space and Time Fashion Snoops fall 2018 winter 2019 trend forecast

Time Traveler Fashion Snoops Trend forecast fall 2018 winter 2019
Key colors are pinks, blues (especially tech blue), neutrals, and heirloom green. The mood is one of surreal ornamentation, dramatic details, and flamboyant style. Materials are satin, beading (metallic and matte), draping, plastic shell, sci-fi, and 3-D technology. Prints have dense ornamentation, such as brocades, dark romantic florals, and peacock feathers. There are also optical illusions, edited photorealism, and aerial perception. 

The Women's trend story is called The New Romantic. Clothing features ruffles, Victorian vibes, high collars, puffy sleeves, draped velvet/lace, a focus on pajamas/robes, and slouchy pants. Accessories have an undercurrent of Goth and punk. Trims include lace, pearls, velvet, and rhinestones. Key items are the statement mule and the plush micro bag. 

See and shop examples of Time Traveler:






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See more upcoming trends:



August 14, 2017

A New Day at Target Review

If you've shopped the Women's clothing department at Target recently, you might've noticed the quiet launch of their new brand called A New Day. It's akin to the Merona brand in terms of price and sizing, with a solid selection of basic striped tees, khaki pants, lightweight cardigans, denim skirts, and utility jackets. Interestingly, Merona is being phased out to make room for Target's 12 new brands in apparel and home furnishings. According to Target's press materials, the official launch of A New Day is August 27. They describe it as a "mix and match" brand with "attention to detail and focus on quality in every piece." 

February 26, 2024 update - Shop new arrivals from A New Day:


January 17, 2023 update - Shop the latest from A New Day:

January 30, 2019 update - See my Kona Sol at Target swimwear review.


February 3, 2018 update - See my Universal Thread at Target review.

Here is a look at the logo and hang tag.

A New Day Target logo and hang tag




A New Day Target women's Clothing lookbook August 2017

A New Day Target women's Clothing lookbook August 2017

See more info on sizing, availability, and the return policy

In Store

A New Day Target pink outfits

Shop the looks above:





Here's the burnout velvet T-shirt ($24.99) and yellow pleated midi skirt ($24.99) from the ad campaign. The skirt also comes in navy. Both the top and skirt have become top sellers in my local stores. I have the top in a size small and it's got a roomy fit, slightly sheer construction, and with the sporty trim, it works just as well tucked into trousers or skirts as worn untucked with girlfriend or skinny jeans.

A New Day Target burnout velvet shirt and yellow pleated skirt





A New Day Target women's clothing outfits

Now for the clothing. My first impressions were that it appeared to be preppy. Upon closer inspection, I was impressed by a few items. While the denim skirt didn't spark my interest, the floral embroidered blouse ($17.99) was tempting (and would actually look nice tucked into the indigo skirt). 

A New Day Target brand embroidered blouse and denim skirt

This chic graphic T-shirt ($9.99) gives me J.Crew vibes. (Shop it in sizes X-4X.)

A New Day Target adventure t-shirt

This grey lace-up hoodie ($24.99) had just enough detail to grab my attention and make it into my basket. It has a structured, boxy fit but is still comfortable. I plan on wearing it with white denim, printed leggings, slim joggers, and grey skinnies for fall. 

A New Day Target lace up hoodie

Shoes by A New Day have on-trend details and adorable artwork on the boxes. While I usually recycle my shoe boxes, these would make fun storage containers. This pair of pearl-embellished slide sandals is $24.99. 

A New Day Target Paris pearl slide sandals

These glossy platform oxfords ($27.99) remind me of Stella McCartney's style, and they also come in silver. I inspected them in store, and they felt lightweight. They run a half size small, so I'd size up, especially if you plan to wear them with socks.

A New Day Target Jaynee platform oxford shoes

These Bridget velvet leopard print booties are top sellers. I tried them on barefoot in my regular size 7 and found them to run ever so slightly small. The plush texture, 2.25" block heel, and rich print make them look much more expensive than their $34.99 price tag. I'd size up half a size if you plan to wear them with thick socks or tights. These are perfect with cropped trousers, A-line dresses, mod mini skirts, and skinny jeans. My advice: don't let these get away before they sell out.

A New Day Target Bridget leopard print velvet ankle boots

The Rebe backless bow mules ($24.99) run true to size and are comfortable. I got them in my regular size 7 and I adore them. 

A New Day Target Rebe backless loafer pink bow mules

A ruffled skirt  ($24.99) in the shade of the season (bold crimson) certainly caught my attention. Perfect for the holiday season, parties, or a night on the town. This is the statement piece that my store displayed front and center. I didn't like the poly crepe fabric and wrinkled texture. 

a new day target red ruffle skirt shopping review




Below, some of the more basic items, in a traditional fall color palette.

a new day target cargo pants

The pieces below instantly reminded me of Old Navy circa 2000-2005. I'd prefer to see more denim, woven blouses, outerwear, and dresses from this brand. These pieces just felt preppy, boring, and uninspired. Not surprisingly, I won't be buying any of these. 

a new day target stripe tee khakis

a new day target women's clothing review

I love the sleeve detail on this blue striped blouse ($24.99). It's on-trend with just enough detail to make it stand out from the typical office-appropriate button-front blouse. I took one home and look forward to pairing it with two-tone denim, vintage Levi's, pencil skirts, and cropped trousers.

a new day target puffy sleeve blouse

As a floral print collector, the V-neck shift dress ($24.99) stood out to me. It's a lightweight polyester and I think it would look very chic with a skinny belt. 

a new day target denim and floral dress

I'm looking forward to seeing more prints and trend-conscious pieces by A New Day. No more khaki pants and striped tees, though! 

For on-the-go shopping updates and sneak peeks, link up with me on Insta stories @thekeytochic. 

September 20, 2018 update - For more Target style, see my Prologue at Target review and my Universal Thread review

This post contains affiliate links and I may be compensated if purchases are made by clicking links.

Shop A New Day:


August 13, 2017

Trend On the Rise - Sock Boots

As much as I adore my ankle boots, I've set my sights on a refreshing new footwear trend that's rapidly gaining traction for fall 2017. Say hello to the must-have boot of the season, the sock boot. Featured on the runways of Dior, Balenciaga, and Vetements, they are fast becoming street style favorites.

They have been spotted on trend-forward influencers, models, and celebrities. Think they are hard to style? Think again. Sock boots come in many shapes, prints, and materials, making them an easy trend to dip your toes into.

How to wear sock boots, sock boots street style trend

images via Pinterest

These ankle and calf-hugging styles are sure to complement short hemlines, cuffed denim, midi dresses, leggings, tapered trousers, or whatever else you style them with. In sturdy block heels, decadently embellished materials, or pointy stiletto versions, they are both statement-making and modern. Plus, high-heeled versions elongate the legs and highlight the ankles. Below, see nine options for all budgets.

sock boots trend 2017
Pictured above:

1. Sam Edelman 'Corra', $180
2. Stuart Weitzman 'Clinger', $575
3. Kendall + Kylie 'Hailey', $174.95
4. Raye 'Fable', $197.95
5. Balenciaga stretch jersey boots, $995
6. Sophia Webster 'Felicity' crystal boots, $750
7. Topshop 'Honeydew' boots, $160
8. Steve Madden 'Grand' boots, $129.95
9. Topshop 'Holi' boots, $160

This post contains affiliate links and I may be compensated if purchases are made by clicking links.





Style them with:





See more options: