Be a trend setter

As a new year kicks off, the hunt for new trends begins and we're always looking a season ahead to find the next 'it' item or style. It's part of our DNA as fashion lovers to take a moment to assess what is really going in our closets in the new season. 2017 has given us a lot of styles that have dominated the runways, trickled down to fast-fashion, and sneaked in the store shelves. These are the trends that will have a lasting effect on the industry, i.e. they're guaranteed to have a lasting effect as the new year commences. Let's check out the upcoming trends or styles that will rule the year.

Voila! violet

Although Pantone has stated that "ultra violet" is the colour of the year, we are banking on the softer shades of lavender to take over instead. While it will be an alternative to millennial pink, it will give out a top-notch presence in every silhouette, right from boho playsuits to romantic dresses. Standing for hope and positivity, this uplifting hue will be a hit in 2018.

Roaring ruffles

While off-shoulders and cold shoulders were the top few styles in 2017, ruffles seem to be at the peak this coming season. Ranging from delicate frills to oversized layers, dramatic decorations on the apparel, the year will see ruffles as an emerging trend. You'll notice ruffles go hand in hand with the modern romance feel for 2018. The prints and colours are light and airy, complete with feminine touches which you'll definitely fall for.

Slip it on!

There is nothing we like more than a super-comfy fashion trend like a slide or a slip-on sandal. The love for sneakers and athleisure has paved way for these in the coming season. Slides, as a trend, in the previous seasons have evolved time and again. Right from sneaky slides to loafer slip-ons, the trend is transforming every day. From sophisticated minimalism to all about comfort, you'll find these flat sandals are worth clearing your shoe closet for.

Check mate

The prints that have dominated the runways this season are plaids, tartans, and checks. Checks, among the others, is surely going to surpass, as this print can be seen everywhere; right from fall runways to the streets. Being a classic print from earlier seasons, you'll find checks popping up on shirts, pants, skirts and even on the jackets in the coming season.

Vintage flora

Florals are all about playing with fashion and embracing the joy and romance of spring. For those less willing to live in bloom all season long, the floral trend still continues to make its presence felt in the coming season, with the printed palazzos, slip dresses, skirts and everything else that retailers can put a flower on. And when it comes to mixing the pastels and florals, they create a vintage vibe altogether. This season's florals come in soft pastel colours with vibrant hues.

Hold up high

Fashion is pretty spiral and always turns to the past for inspiration, that's why we see a comeback of 70's and 80's trends when we look at the latest summer pants collections. So, the best trousers to choose are flowy printed pants, jogger pants, harem pants, all sort of wide leg trousers, culottes etc. Basically, high-waist styles are going to be a top trend with a lot of additions to give you style as well as comfort.

Dainty fusion

Fusion, the word itself means a blend and when it comes to combining different, disparate dress elements, it's even more awesome! The Indo-western fusion has been one of the biggest and most versatile fashion trends in India. Looking at the last year's styles, the fusion of the Indian fabrics or prints in the western silhouettes and vice versa can be foreseen for the next season.

Make a statement

If you are looking for an accessory that is going to make a statement this year, then choose earrings that will dust your shoulders. Ear cuffs were cool and edgy when they first came out in 2017, but the new season is expected to go in full sway with big earrings trend - hoops, massive earrings, fringe earrings and gold statement earrings (geometric shapes, bold and clean lines). Hoops have a long history of being in and out of pop culture, wherein Jennifer Lopez has made her signature for over two decades. While long and fringed earrings have been swaying off shoulder silhouettes to stand out, they also look simple and elegant with your favourite pair of jeans.

Wide belts

If you don't already have a wide belt lingering in your closet, we suggest you shop for one now, as this super-flattering accessory trend will be sticking around for some time. Instead of lace-ups or knot belts of 2017, a classic wide belt with a varied range of hues would be a good choice in the coming season. You can style them with any outfit, right from jeans to skirts or tunics to dresses etc. Since the high-waist pants are a rage, these waist watching belts are surely going to be the right match.

The fringe binge

Last but not the least is the fringed tassels, that is a blend of drama and femininity. From sweaters to evening gowns, pumps to purses and boots to stilettos, there are versatile uses of tassels on practically every type of product possible. There are many ways to make this trend work for your personal style, but for a more subtle touch, consider an accessory such as earrings, boots or a bag. You surely can't go wrong with any type of fringing coming up this season!

(The author is a fashion expert at Fynd)