2016 was the year of the culotte, the backless loafer, the big sleeve and the bardot neckline – but now it’s time to update your wardrobe ready for a new year. If you’re wanting to lead the way in the fashion stakes, we’ve got the 11 trends of 2017 you need to know now – so you can get ahead of the style game and slay all year long…
Colour: Shocking Pink
We’re not talking subtle blush and candyfloss tones – we mean beautifully bright magenta and fuchsias, in eye-wateringly vivid shades. If you’re feeling daring, rock this trend from head to toe a la Valentino’s runway show – pink makes the boys wink, after all.
Shape: The Power Shoulder
If 2016 was all about the statement sleeve, 2017 is undeniably the year of the shoulder. Whether you’re injecting shoulder pads into your look or plumping for a softer, rounded shape, playing with your silhouette up-top is a key trend to watch this year.
Party Looks: Underwear as Outerwear
The ‘underwear as outerwear’ trend was one of the main looks for SS14, and it looks like it’s back for 2017, too. Last time around, it was all about peekaboo lace and slinky satin – but this time, it’s tough leather bralettes over shirts (think: Kenzo), crazy designs and seriously outlandish pieces: no frills in sight.
Trend Revival: Leggings
Don’t look at us like that – leggings are making a comeback (honestly). They’re back, but they’ve had a serious makeover: crafted from the softest velvet, the most luxurious lace and in a rainbow of delicious colours and textures, these are putting the leggings of the noughties to shame.
Finish: Metallics and Lamé
Thinking of subtle injections of silver and gold? Wrong. This year, the metallics trend is in-your-face shine that can’t be ignored: think sweetie-wrapper colours with an iridescent sheen that no one will miss.
Staple Piece: The Jumpsuit
Dresses are SO last year – now, it’s all about the jumpsuit. Choose baggy, boiler-suit-esque styles for weekend casual, or channel your inner Sandy from Grease with a sassier, statement number. Whatever style you choose, the jumpsuit is a key piece for work, play and relaxing, and it’s here to stay in 2017.
Print: Florals
Florals for spring may not exactly be ground-breaking, but they’ve got a psychedelic edge this year, in loud colours inspired by the seventies – oranges, pinks (of course), whites and rich, buttery chocolate.
Denim: Flared
Forget skinny jeans: flares are the only way to take your denim this year. We don’t just mean your traditional seventies kick-flare look, either: designers are playing around with silhouettes, adding pleats and ruffles to graze the ankle, mini-flare style. Pair with pointed boots and sloppy sweaters for a twist on January jeans-and-jumpers.
Controversial Trend: Punk
If embracing your inner rebellious teen sounds right up your street, this trend is most certainly for you. Not everyone’s cup of tea (but guaranteed to turn heads), the punk trend was seen on the catwalks from the likes of Coach and Haider Ackermann: mohawk optional.
Trend Reinvention: The Classic Trench
The trench coat rarely drops off the fashion radar, so this isn’t a particularly surprising contender – except this year, it’s all about trenches with a twist. Think asymmetric hemlines, structured collars pointing in all directions, and contrasting waist-belts that put a new spin on an old favourite.
Leisurewear Looks: Sports-Luxe
We love leisurewear, and this year the comfort element is juxtaposed with a healthy dose of sport-inspired detailing. Want to emulate this look? You’ll need oversized sports jackets in bright, look-at-me nylon, exaggerated elasticated waistbands and block colours head to toe – very nineties-shell-suit-esque.
Images: Andrew Barber.
