Well, the trends are in for 2018, and here’s the good news: no more crop tops. Or unflattering ¾ length skirts. This year is FUN – from bright, bold colors to shimmery fringe.

Color!

Whether it’s a pastel purple or a deep saturated Yves Klein blue, color is back. Which is tricky for those of us with a white/black/grey wardrobe (ahem, me). Our favorites are tomato reds, like Rosie Assoulin’s fabulous separates. Color can be a lot, and separates are a great way to wear it: a bright skirt with a crisp white button down or a colorful top with jeans does the trick. But don’t be afraid to go the whole hog—I love a colorful shift dress with simple summer sandals. My first step: a classic black and white dress with a hot pink sash. Sometimes just a touch of color is exactly the right amount.

Glitz

Metallic, sequins, fringe, applique, glitter – we’re seeing all these things on dresses this spring. In short, the opposite of minimalism. Maximum fun, led by the Italians, from Gucci to Versace, is the perfect reaction to years of androgynous trends that stressed simplicity of line. In true Texas style, more is… more. At Kit, we just got the most fabulous metallic-tinged fringe chiffon. If you’re just looking to dip a toe into the deep end of the glitter pool, start with shoes. Louis Vuitton showed us the way, pairing incredibly intricate beaded jackets with casual track shorts and tennis shoes. Because why not go high/low?

Prints

From vintage florals to geometrics, there were a ton of prints on the runway last fall. We love it, and so do our customers: our top selling fabrics are what we call “neutral prints”—prints that aren’t super loud, are easy to wear and match everything. If that’s what you’re looking for, think black and white or navy and white geometric prints. But don’t worry, you’ll see plenty of in-your-face prints as well—Marni always brings colorful, oversized prints to the party. Stella McCartney even stirred up a conversation about cultural appropriation by pairing West African wax prints with resort silhouettes.

What’s Old is New Again

Some years, a specific decade is in. This year, it seems like everything is in: ‘50s volume, ‘60’s glamour, ‘70s flare and fabrics, ‘80s pop and ruffles, early ‘90s grunge – you name it, you’ll see it. Some of my favorites came from Chloe, which is known for its light, whimsical looks. Their late ‘60s minis and prairie blouses felt super wearable in Texas heat. But it’s a grab bag, so take what you like and leave the rest. (‘80s shoulders? No, thanks.)

Accessible Polish

Okay, so who isn’t hugely looking forward to a royal wedding, particularly when an English Prince is marrying an accomplished American? For years, Kate’s straight-laced, lady-like style was de rigueur, but Megan is bringing a different type of polish to the table. A little more relaxed, a tad more imperfect. (A great tailored coat with a ponytail.) It feels like she doesn’t have a full hair and makeup team on call. (Let’s be honest: she does.) I’m not gonna lie, I did have a “hair in her face” moment – am I becoming my mother? – but her look is refreshing and modern.

The great thing about all of these trends is that they are, at their heart, accessible. Anyone can wear prints or color in a way that suits them and their style. My favorite show in recent memory, Valentino’s uber-dreamy Haute Couture collection, tied it all together. And the future looks fabulous.

Merin Guthrie is the founder and CEO of Houston-based Kit, an innovative Made in America clothing start-up changing the way clothes are made. Their e-commerce platform provides an antidote to standard sizing and throwaway fashion by offering custom fit clothing based on each individual customer’s height, weight, build and muscle mass. Cover photo courtesy Valentino