Personal expression has never been bigger than it is in the age of Instagram.
When it comes to clothing, almost anything goes these days, as long as it’s creative and fun. From 90s throwbacks to futuristic styles, we’re in one of the most exciting times for fashion yet.
But that doesn’t mean that there aren’t still trends worth paying attention to. Knowing the top fashion trends can give you new ideas to play with. And when you add your own personal spin to the current styles, you’ll show everyone just how fashion-savvy you really are.
As 2017 comes to an end, it’s time to wrap up the biggest trends of the year. Let’s take a look at the four top fashion looks of this year.
There’s still time to work these trends into your holiday looks before the year is out!
What’s Different About Modern Fashion?
Before we break down the top fashion trends of 2017, let’s take a look at the modern world of style as a whole. Having the big picture helps put these trends in context.
Fashion is always a reflection of culture and society, and 2017 is no different.
The internet now plays a huge role in our lives and how we understand fashion. This means that certain looks may actually become more popular simply because of how well they translate online.
As we’ll see below, certain colors work better in a digital format than others. This also goes for shapes and silhouettes.
Monochromatic looks may be more commonly seen now because they look so striking in an online image. Big, bold shapes and structured styles also look great in a digital world.
Smaller details, like delicate jewelry and subtle patterns, have fallen out of favor simply because they are hard to see in an Instagram or Pinterest picture. That doesn’t mean that detailed looks have no place in fashion at all, but they definitely aren’t dominant right now.
Another thing that ties this year’s top trends together is rule-breaking. The old conventions of fashion have fallen by the wayside (who doesn’t love wearing white after Labor Day?).
The trends that characterized 2017 break from the past “rules” of fashion in ways that get attention online. Not all of the attention may be positive, but these are styles that are sure to get people talking, even if the trend’s not their favorite.
Ready to dive into the year’s top four trends? Let’s take a closer look at the looks that are so popular, they’re sure to spill over into 2018’s style.
1. Athleisure
Athleisure was one of the top fashion trends that shaped this year’s looks.
The word “athleisure” itself is a relatively new one. In the past, athleticwear, loungewear, and other clothes all existed in separate spaces.
The styles of 2017 blurred the lines between street clothes, gym clothes, and pajamas. This was an intentional choice. Breaking the rules always gets people talking on social media.
However, there’s a side benefit to the athleisure trend besides just starting conversations. These styles also do away with the old idea that fashion can’t also be comfortable.
For many decades, fashion and comfort rarely existed in the same outfit. From corsets to high heels too tight jeans, style was not meant to feel good.
However, in 2017, sneakers, sweatpants, and sweatshirts exploded on the fashion scene. Even oversized T-shirts became fashionable when paired with the right outfits.
Taking the trend a step further, pajamas actually became streetwear this year. Nice, coordinated sleepwear sets actually because perfect style statements when paired with a trendy shoe and a structured bag.
Of course, there are still some things that set “athleisure” apart from actual athleticwear and sleepwear. A full face of makeup, a contrasting shoe, or statement jewelry lets you say this look is more intentional than “I woke up like this.”
Athleisure is sure to stay a strong trend for next year and beyond since it brings so many new options to the world of style.
2. Menswear
Menswear is the next big convention-breaking trend of 2017.
Of course, menswear has been a big part of style for several decades now, but it tends to go in and out.
This year’s menswear trend seemed like a response to the delicate, feminine looks of recent years. Bold blazers, wide-leg pants, and loafers all offered borrowed-from-the-boys looks this year.
In fact, the menswear motto of the year seemed to be “the bigger, the better.” Blazers were even more oversized, and wide-leg pants even wider this year. Will next year take it to the next level or go back to a more feminine look? We’ll have to wait and see.
3. Elaborate Blouses
Fancy “shirting” was the third top fashion trend of 2017.
The trend of wearing oversized button-down shirts was taken one step further with the addition of everything from fancy ruffles to off-shoulder designs and even built-in corsetting.
The fancy, structured styles extend past just tops. Rompers from Morning Lavender and jumpsuits from ASOS show that bold patterns and elaborate ruffles work all over the body, just not on top.
4. Millennial Pink
Finally, the color known as Millennial Pink was a major trend that made it from the internet to our closets this year.
From clothes to makeup to hair color, this soft blush-pink was everywhere this year. It’s easy to see why. Millennial Pink is at once neutral and surprising since it’s rarely been seen in fashion before this year.
Perhaps most importantly, this color is relaxing and pleasant to look at. Many websites have incorporated it into their design since the color has a spa-like vibe. It only made sense that fashion designers and makeup companies would follow suit.
End 2017 With the Top Fashion Trends
Our favorite thing about these top four trends is that they offer so much room for personal style.
Gone are the days of strict rules about which top to wear with which bottom. Instead, you can take the current trends and interpret them in the ways that express you best.
Maybe wearing pajamas in public doesn’t quite work for you, but you love finding creative new ways to wear workout clothes. Or maybe you hate ruffles on shirts but are down to try a cool off-shoulder style instead.
No matter which of these trends you look at, you’ll be able to find an interpretation that works for you.
Today’s fashion is all about personality – how will you show yours as the year comes to an end? For more inspiration, check out the rest of our style tips here.
