New season, new outfits. In today’s world, where almost everyone has a camera and social media account, anyone can be a trendsetter. In the lightning-fast world of fashion, these trends have risen to the top. Spring/summer 2019 is all about big shoes, little bags, and breathing new life into vintage prints. Try on some of these hot trends:
Cowboy fashion
Last year, 25 million people watched 11-year-old Mason Ramsey yodel a Hank Williams song in Wal-Mart, tapping along with his cowboy boots. Earlier this year, country singer-songwriter Kacey Musgraves took home an Album of the Year award.
In March Solange Knowles released When I Get Home, an ode to her Houston, Texas, hometown. Her album visuals were all about the Wild West: cowboy boots worn with crystals and leotards, and a whole outfit made of white cowboy hats. 2019 is the year of the modern cowboy (and girl). Leather boots and tassels add a twang of all-American glamour to an ensemble.
Matching sets
“Opposites attract” is a cardinal rule of fashion. But rules were made to be broken. The matching set creates an immediately coherent look. It comes in many forms, including:
- bralette and skirt
- crop top and flare pants
- cami and shorts
In every case, both pieces of the outfit have the same print, color, and fabric. A uniform look appears simultaneously carefree and composed. Matching sets allow a fun pattern to take center stage.
Tie Dye
Tie-dye will never really die. The flower-child trend returns at an opportune time, as DIY crafting culture rules the internet. In a departure from the brand’s preppy reputation, Ralph Lauren debuted rainbow-swirl sweats.
Prada dressed models in acidic tie dye streaks. Haute couture labels and skater brands alike are giving the familiar pattern another spin. This time around, loud tie-dye prints in unexpected places ooze hypnotic Cali vibes. Soft, faded tie dyes look handmade and unique.
Tiny bags
For years, celebrities dragged around designer totes big enough to seat small dogs. But lately, bags have been shrinking….and shrinking. Super trendy French designer Jacquemus is known for crafting purses tiny enough to fit in the palm of the hand. These bitty bags encourage their owners to decide what’s really necessary to carry. Small wearable items–like fanny packs and mini backpacks–are practical and won’t overwhelm an outfit.
Block heels
Roger Vivier, the designer responsible for the stiletto, introduced a new type of heel in 1965. Its square heel and toe were pilgrim-meets-pop art. The “Pilgrim pump” was refreshingly mod after decades of razor-thin heels. Today, the block is still one of the most stylish women’s shoe designs.
Block heels are fittingly comfortable for warm-weather frolicking. Their solid geometry contrasts with the season’s flowing dresses. Block-heeled lace-up sandals are the hottest accessory of the moment. Block-heeled ankle boots will also continue to be popular, even as the temperature rises.
Prairie Chic
Fans of Laura Ingalls Wilder rejoice. This spring and summer, throwback fashion doesn’t stop at the ’80s and ’90s. Fit-and-flare sundresses feature a calico floral print, a staple of 19th century America. Cheerful gingham lends folksy flair to all manner of summer outfits. And it’s not just the patterns; the silhouettes echo this trend. Last year’s off-the-shoulder bohemian ruffles are giving way to structured puff sleeves. Straw hats and basket purses are everywhere. All that’s missing is the butter churn.
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Chunky sneakers
It’s no longer unusual to wear sneakers with every outfit. Sneaker fads have evolved rapidly over the last few years. We wore sleek athletic sneakers with just-left-the-gym outfits. We wore slip-on sneakers. We even wore platform creepers reminiscent of the Spice Girls.
Now, we’re wearing chunky sneakers, often with dramatically thick midsoles and ridged soles. Spring sneakers are usually white, but cartoonish primary colors have crept into the palette. These kicks might not be suited for a marathon, but they’ll certainly boost your height–and your style.