Your 2018 wardrobe shopping guide, according to 5 fashion retail experts
For many of us, the start of a new year can involve things like a new workout regimen, a new job, or a healthier diet, but it is also prime time for a fresh wardrobe revamp.
Why wait until March for spring cleaning when you can get started on your wardrobe refresh today? To help you get there, Yahoo Lifestyle asked five fashion experts from Net-A-Porter, Shopbop, MatchesFashion, Stylebop, and Barneys New York to share their favorite must-have buys for 2018 to inspire your new-you new 2018 wardrobe.
It’s important to note that these suggested buys are considered investment pieces, which are intended to last you throughout the spring and summer seasons, and hopefully beyond. The price tags are at a luxury price point, but the quality will last. However, if you’re simply looking for quick buys to satisfy your 2018 retail cravings and are restricted by a tight budget, Yahoo Lifestyle has supplied its own wallet-friendly editor’s picks to complement the items chosen by the following experts.
Ahead, see the top 2018 buys according to 5 fashion retail experts.
“I’m loving ’80s, tailoring, and pastels,” Lisa Aiken, retail fashion director for Net-A-Porter, shares with Yahoo Lifestyle. “Specifically, the Off-White SS18 pastel jacket hits so many trends in one whilst working with my daily uniform of jeans and a white tee. It’s the instant update my wardrobe needs!” Pretty pastels were front and center across fashion weeks in New York, London, Milan, and Paris last season. Although the Off-White blazers are not yet available online, you can still shop similar versions from Tibi.
Aiken’s pick (suggested alternative to Off-White): Tibi, Double-Breasted Satin-Twill Blazer, $595, net-a-porter.com
Editor’s budget-friendly pick: PrettyLittleThing Lilac Boyfriend Blazer, $45, prettylittlething.com
“I’m so excited for spring!” Shopbop fashion director Caroline Maguire tells Yahoo Lifestyle. “For the season, I’m obsessed with color — either as a standalone statement or mixed together. It’s all about feeling so fresh and so clean. I can’t wait to get my hands on green or lilac floral print items especially.”
Maguire’s picks: Innika Choo Gingham Frill Dress, $407, shopbop.com, and Rachel Comey Delirium Top, $395, shopbop.com
Editor’s budget-friendly pick: River Island Green Stripe Wrap Frill Hem Dress, $92, riverisland.com and Mango Ruched Detail Blouse, $30, mango.com
“For handbags, it’s all about a natural woven feel, but in super fun and kitschy bucket shapes,” says Maguire. “I love the ones from Staud — they’re the perfect brunch bag!”
Maguire’s pick: Staud Moreau Bag, $375, shopbop.com
Editor’s budget-friendly pick: Anthropologie Woven Bucket Bag, $68, anthropologie.com
As for spring footwear, “It’s all about platform sandals with a sporty chic lift,” she says. “These ones from Marni will go perfectly with everything from cut-off denim shorts to easy spring dresses!”
Maguire’s Pick: Marni Platform Sandals, $790, shopbop.com
Editor’s budget-friendly pick: Rocket Dog Jarvis sandals, $40, zappos.com
With a specialty in bags and shoes, Cassie Smart of MatchesFashion has an eye for one bag only this year: the Wandler Hortensia bag. It is a “desirable handbag with a sharp price point and excellent quality,” she tells Yahoo Lifestyle. “I love the modernity of the shape, while thinking of the women’s lifestyle and creating a super-stylish, functional handbag. The colors have great depth and really complement outfits.”
Smart’s pick: Wandler Hortensia Trapeze Leather Shoulder Bag, $752, matchesfashion.com
Editor’s budget-friendly pick: Zara Bucket Bag with Studded Detail, $40, zara.com
“I’d love to purchase one of Mr. Alaïa’s famous leopard print bags or this beautiful red sandal,” Marina Larroude, fashion director at Barneys New York, shares with Yahoo Lifestyle. “Now more than ever, I want to invest in his legacy by picking up a piece from one of his last collections.” Although Azzedine Alaïa died in November 2017, his brand has not.
Larroude’s pick: Alaïa Laser-Cut Suede Sandals, $1,130, barneys.com
Editor’s budget-friendly pick: Express Metallic Swirl Caged Heel Sandals, $70, express.com
For women’s wear, “Jacquemus was one of my favorite collections of the season, effortlessly nailing an ease into minimalism in a sexy and feminine way. This dress was a highlight,” Ronald Burton, fashion director of Stylebop, shares with Yahoo Lifestyle.
Burton’s pick: Jacquemus Conga Dress, $479, stylebop.com
Editor’s budget-friendly pick: Lulus Lolita Black Velvet Bodycon Wrap Dress, $79, lulus.com
For menswear, “My obsession with the new Calvin Klein direction continues with this Western-inspired policeman’s coat. Menswear is all about versatility, finding a modern way to dress items like this up or down.”
Burton’s pick: Calvin Klein 205W39NYC Policeman Coat, $2,095, stylebop.com
Editor’s budget-friendly pick: Uniqlo Men Mountain Parka, $60, uniqlo.com
Read more from Yahoo Lifestyle:
• The new Loft Plus collection appeals to stylish women sizes 16 to 26
• Ahead of N.Y. Fashion Week, designers are warned against sexual harassment
• 5 black women and men share their natural hair stories
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