Fashion has always reacted to shifts in the socioeconomic landscape — like the way skirts got micro short and part-ready during prohibition in the 20s, or everyone wore business casual to club post-recession. Well, after a very short-lived stability in the early 2020s — giving rise to the “clean girl” quiet luxury-minimalism — the pendulum has swung in the opposite direction. 

Not only are we going to use clothes and makeup as a release valve for all this tension, but an act of rebellion — reclaiming our individuality in the midst of uncertainty. We're also going to signal back to happier times. The hope we felt in 2016 was also present in 2009, when the militarism trend reigned alongside skinny jeans and poet-core bohemianism. We'll say it: fashion is about to get FUN again. 

This spring, we're going to see playful proportions, bold color-blocking, and expressive beauty. Layer on the accessories, experiment with ethereal textures and resurrect styles you thought were long retired — it's all about expecting the unexpected. 

CHAINS AND CHARMS 

If you thought it was time to retire your Tiffany charm bracelet, think again. It's going to be all charm everything this season, but your wrist is just the beginning. Handbags adorned with tassels, multi-layered belts decked out with bobbles — it's the 90s all over again, so you should take any chain as invitation to have fun. 


BOHO IS BACK

Not to brag or anything, but we've been saying this for a hot minute now. Now, though, we mean it...in a different, more elevated way. Not so much suede vests and ruffle shorts as balloon pants, crochet, silk with lace trim. We might even see a resurgence in turquoise jewelry, since shells are already all over.

HELLO COLOR

Let's talk beauty. Just in time for the return of Euphoria, is exciting makeup, and we mean thrilling. You may have noticed a red lip cropping up more regularly, but I'm predicting colorful eyeshadow and bright blush like you've never seen it before (not even in 2019). If Zara Larsson has anything to say about it, we'll be wearing sparkles all the way into 2027 and beyond.

SPORTY SPICE

Vintage athletic-wear is IN (this pains me deeply because I've been on this for a while and seen the prices steadily rising). Head to Ebay and Poshmark while you still can and score yourself some y2k Bebe or Nike. Otherwise, if you want to participate without doing all that legwork, look for pieces that are color-blocked and not super branded. 

TORY BURCH

You sorority girls always know best. Even the bravest among us hung up their Tory Burch flats in the late 2010s, but now, they're back. Like every great trend, it's cropping up a little ironically, but we're about to go full tilt. Look for vintage t-strap sandals and make it a TB spring.

The fact that we are reliving 2009 is nothing new, but going full French revolution-mode has got to be the most obvious example. The military trend was huge among 'it' girl class of the late 00s, and seeing the resurgence of garishly gold buttons, pointed shoulders and popped colors, well, that's really something special. Expect a lot of camo green and earth tones to follow, as well as train driver caps and likely cropped cargos. 


MORE IS MORE

Prints! Layers! Today’s mood is loud and proud: maximalist silhouettes like bubble and balloon will continue to reign, as well as sequins, clashing patterns, saturated hues, and of course, exciting makeup. Basically, go big, or go home.

SKINNY JEANS

It started with Alix Earle and Frame Denim and is going to end with all of us...Don't say I didn't warn you.