Women's 2018 Fashion Trends at MAGIC Trade Show

As I browsed hundreds of booths at MAGIC Trade Show earlier this month, I photographed anything and everything that captured my attention. After a few hours, it all became a blur of prints, colors, and silhouettes. The more memorable looks on the trade show floor tend to stand out to me because of a new color scheme, silhouette, print mix, or unexpected pairing. For spring/summer 2018, I've chosen to highlight seven key themes that kept emerging as I strolled past vendor after vendor. In terms of color, millennial pink is still going strong, but there's a new player in town - lilac. This season it's a pastel shade of purple with pink undertones. Think Ultra Violet, Pantone's color of the year, but more muted and soft. It's already popping up in retail stores, and fortunately, if you've stocked up on all things millennial pink, they work well together. 

Here's a look at the top seven Women's trends I spotted for spring/summer 2018.

1. Ruffled Sleeves
All kinds of statement sleeves dominated the show this season, but tiered and ruffled sleeves were the main attraction. Bonus points for pairing with a ruffled skirt (see number 4 below). 

See more ruffled sleeves:

2. Tie Waist Details
While self belts on tops and dresses aren't new, the tie waists on trousers, skirts and denim feel fresh and chic. They are easy to style with crop tops and tucked-in blouses. Paper bag waists like on the skirt below are a key detail as well.



More tie waists:

3. Woven Straw Bags
The straw/acrylic handbag craze launched by Cult Gaia's ubiquitous Ark bag in 2017 continues with new styles that include round shapes, ring handles, and picnic-inspired silhouettes. 



Browse more straw bags:

4. Flirty Ruffled Skirts
Wrap style mini skirts and pencil midi styles feature ruffles, tiers, and flounces galore. The more details, the better. 



See more ruffled skirts:

5. Colorful Camouflage Prints
While florals, stripes, and gingham are standard spring/summer print staples, camouflage is emerging in colorful and embroidered versions for a modern take on military-inspired style.



Discover more camouflage:

6. Pretty in Pastels
Color trends are all over the map, but one major theme stood out. I spotted a wide variety of pastels including mint, lavender, blush, mauve, banana, lilac, and peach. 



Shop pastels:

7. Vertical Stripes
Spring/summer is the season of stripes, more specifically, vertical stripes. When teamed with the aforementioned ruffles and tie-waist details, it creates a fun, embellished look for summer.



See more vertical stripes:

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

Catch up with me on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, or Snapchat @thekeytochic. 

Get more fashion trend reports here:


Four denim trends for 2019 

Seven trends for fall 2018 on Fashion Trend Guide.

Five denim trends for 2018

Five Women's footwear trends for 2018 

Men's spring summer 2018 fashion trend forecast

Women's spring summer 2018 fashion trend forecast

Women's fall 2018/winter 2019 fashion trend forecast (macro trends)

Women's fall 2018/winter 2019 trend forecast (four key themes)

Women's spring summer 2019 fashion trend forecast

Browse more trends for 2018:

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Top Women's Footwear Trends for 2018

I've just returned from a season at MAGIC trade shows, the biggest American trade show for the fashion industry. FNPlatform is the footwear division that's part of MAGIC, and I scoured the trade show floor to document emerging shoe trends for spring and fall 2018. In this report, I'll be sharing the top five themes that stood out. So let's get started.

1. Sculptural Statement Heels
Sure, kitten heels and block heels are strong silhouettes for 2018, but there's a new movement towards more sculptural heels for spring and fall. Cone shapes, slight curves, and artistic shapes take center stage. Clockwise, from top left: Carrano, N.Y.L.A., Vicenza, and Carrano.



See more sculptural heels:

2. High Shine
Practically every booth I peeked into or browsed included some representation of glossy finishes, metallics, or patent leather. With the resurgence of the '80s this fall, footwear is right in line with this notice-me trend. Clockwise, from top left: Carrano, Vicenza, N.Y.L.A., and Carrano. 



Shop shiny shoes:

3. Slide Them On
The chic mule silhouette (in a pointy toe shape) continues to be a strong theme for 2018, as do casual slide sandals. Expect to see fun embellishments such as embroidery, fringe, lace-up details, and shiny finishes. Clockwise, from top left: Vicenza, Ipanema, Schutz, and Schutz.



See more slides and mules:

4. Fit To Be Tied
Knotted and bow details add flair to chic booties, sleek heels, and fun sandals. Combined with metallics and muted shades of pink, they make a stylish statement. Clockwise, from top left: Schutz, Vicenza, Coconuts by Matisse, and Schutz.



Browse knotted and bow styles:

5. Menswear Moment
Loafers, booties, and oxfords get the menswear treatment with plaid prints, buckles, grommets, and two-tone styling. Clockwise, from top left: Vicenza, N.Y.L.A., N.Y.L.A., and N.Y.L.A. 



See more menswear shoes:

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

Follow along on social media @thekeytochic for more trend reports and fashion inspiration. 
See more trends for spring 2018 in my retail report on The Key To Chic and get more fashion inspiration via my blogs:

Women's 2018 denim trends

Men's spring summer 2018 fashion trend forecast

Women's spring summer 2018 fashion trend forecast

Women's fall 2018/winter 2019 fashion trend forecast (macro trends)

Women's fall 2018/winter 2019 trend forecast (four key themes)

Women's spring summer 2019 fashion trend forecast

Love shoes as much as I do? See more shoe trends.

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Universal Thread at Target Review

When Target launches a new brand, I'm always intrigued to see more and shop the line as soon as it hits stores. So when I spotted their denim-centric brand this month called Universal Thread, I had to get a closer look. Target describes the Women's line as a "lifestyle brand that's grounded in denim." Think of it as Madewell meets American Eagle, but with a Target twist. Sizes range from 00 to 26, and prices are under $39.99. Sounds good to me. Keep reading to preview the line, see seasonal updates, and shop your favorites.

February 26, 2024 update - Shop the latest from Universal Thread:

February 22, 2023 update - get ready for spring with these arrivals.

February 1, 2023 - Shop new arrivals:

March 29, 2022 - Get ready for spring:

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

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

February 21, 2018 update - See five key 2018 denim trends for Women in my MAGIC trade show report on Fashion Trend Guide.

Universal Thread aims to be inclusive and cater to all women, offering a variety of fits, rises, lengths, and sizes. With features such as slimming pockets, better fabric, contoured waistbands, adaptive clothing, sustainable pockets, and recycled cotton, this line sets itself apart from the competition.

Here's a look at what two Target stores near me carried. 

Dark denim prevailed here, with skirts, woven tops, and denim dresses rounding out the mix.



Visual merchandising felt more boutique-like, although I was not inspired to create complete looks because the tops and bottoms were scattered around.



Woven blouses have an airy, boho feel. 



Embroidered denim, a key trend for spring/summer '18, is seen on these white skinny jeans ($27.99). 



There are also accessories and footwear, found in their respective departments. (Not a lot of cross merchandising here.) 



Below, high rise raw hem straight jeans ($27.99) and a navy gingham dress in cotton ($24.99). I have these jeans in size 0 (they run slightly big). They keep their shape, are comfortable and fit like a girlfriend jean with a flattering high rise.



Shoes

The footwear has a homespun, basic feel, with lots of slides, sandals, and a few boots.

I tried on my usual size 7 for reference. 

The Ava Shield espadrille sandals ($32.99) are my top pick. The round buckle and cognac color give them a retro feel, while the 2.5" wedge height is easy to walk in and comfortable. These run true to size and also come in black. 



The Aurora backless sneakers ($27.99) were much more cushioned and bouncy that they look. I like the sporty, effortless vibe. As far as sizing, they run slightly big. I'd go down half a size.



The Autumn braided cut out boots ($34.99) are comfortable and run true to size if worn barefoot. If you have wide feet, I'd go half a size up. I found these to be more comfortable than expected. They were easy enough to slip on and look great with cropped denim. These also come in black. 



The Wenda cutout boots (A Free People dupe) are selling out quickly. They are $32.99 and also come in ivory. I tried on my usual size 7 and they felt snug as well as comfortable. If you have wide feet, I'd go up half a size. The texture has a nice faux leather feel, and the cut out detail gives some breathability. 



In the Fitting Room

Notes on fit: it runs similar to Mossimo and Mossimo Supply Co. 
Notes on quality: no loose threads, tricky openings, or stuck zippers spotted.
Notes on price: the denim is a good bargain, with everything I tried on under $30.

On the left is the railroad jacket ($29.99) in small with my boyfriend jeans from Zara. The jacket has an easy fit, snap front closures, and ties on the inside to cinch the waist. I liked the small striped print and laid-back vibe. What's cool about this is that it can be worn open as a jacket or closed as a layering shirt. 

On the right is the red floral woven top in small ($24.99) with the tie-front wide leg jeans ($27.99). I loved the cotton fabric and the elastic cuffs on the blouse, and found the fit to be loose. I'd size down on this if I plan to wear it tucked in. The jeans have a high rise, center back zip, and run very small in the waist. I'm wearing a size 2. They don't have back pockets so they're not that flattering on the booty. I liked the length, the side pockets, and the cute tie at the waist. 



Denim disclosure: I have a weakness for grey jeans. I'm ashamed to admit how many pairs I own, mostly from J Brand and Old Navy. This distressed pair ($24.99) really impressed me. I'm wearing a size 0, and I usually get a 0 or 2 at Target. The rise is high, which I love, the pockets are not shallow in the front, and the distressed hem was a cool touch. I found them to be flattering both in front and back. I'm happy to report no gapping in the waistband! 

On pocket placement: sometimes the back pockets can be too small or placed to far/close together, giving an unflattering look. These were designed better than some of the Mossimo jeggings I've purchased at Target, and they met all my criteria for a great pair of skinnies. With 2% spandex, they're not too stretchy, and have enough heft to keep their shape. The 26" inseam means I don't have to hem these, so no #shortgirlproblems. I took these home without hesitation.

February 15, 2018 update: I've worn the grey jeans twice now, and I love them. They don't stretch up after a few hours of wear, which is nice. I also bought the high rise skinny crop ($24.99) in a size 2 because they didn't have a size 0. After wearing them all day and walking around, they stretched up in the waist and hip area. 

Shoe note: I'm wearing ruffled slides by Nine West, available here in black or here in natural. 

I wasn't impressed by the tees, handbags, or belts, so I passed on those. My hope is that there are more woven tops, novelty jackets, embellished jeans, and on-trend blouses in the coming seasons. As far as denim, I'll be trying on some straight leg, embroidered, and high rise skinnies when I can find them in stores. 

As more of these Universal Thread pieces trickle into stores, I'll be sharing my favorites on social media @thekeytochic.

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


September 2018 update - Love Target style? Read my Prologue at Target review, my Wild Fable review, and my A New Day review for more style ideas and fit tips.

Shop my favorites:

Shop more options by Universal Thread:

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