It’s time to whip out the hot chocolate, jam out to your favorite Christmas tunes and spend some quality time with your loved ones. But, aside from the warm and fuzzy feeling of this festive season, December also calls for a moment of reflection. With 2017 on the horizon, it’s always exciting to look back over the past eleven months while forever remaining grateful for the lessons we’ve learned throughout the year.
In addition to sifting through personal recollections, let’s not forget about fashion! There’s no doubt that 2016 was a whirlwind of sartorial magic that included a plethora of statement-making trends but there were a select few that seemed to tug at our heart strings (and our bank accounts)! So, it’s my absolute pleasure, to review the year’s most memorable style trends.
Let’s get to it!
1) Off-the-Shoulder Pieces
It’s evident that off-the-shoulder pieces were the highlight of 2016! We watched as the stars put their own spin on the romantic feature while iconic designers also added their own versions to the mix. Off-the-shoulder dresses, shirts and jumpsuits flooded the racks of department stores everywhere. Yet, we simply could not get enough!
It’s always inspiring to see our style faves add individual touches to fashion’s hottest trends. And, no one did this better than Rihanna! Throughout 2016, the Bajan bombshell proved that a classic button-up can do more than just serve as a 9 to 5 wardrobe staple. Rih transformed the way we see collared pieces (and denim jackets) while opening up our minds to an innovative styling technique.
And, let’s not forget about Bey’s iconic Roberto Cavalli ensemble for her “Lemonade” debut…
Keep the off-the-shoulder trend for 2017! This feminine accent works for women of all body types and possesses a timeless appeal that can be worn from day to night. How can you not love it?
2) Perspex
Perspex was another hot 2016 must-have! Fashion enthusiasts everywhere were itching to get their hands on a pair of the highly-coveted footwear. Dior also released their wildly popular perspex ankle boots that were seen on the likes of it girls such as Shiona Turini and Chiara Ferragni. But, with the tremendous price tag, many of us had to settle for cheaper alternatives.
Kim Kardashian West was an avid supporter of this trend (along with the rest of the Kardashian-Jenner clan). With her hubby’s upcoming collection dropping, the style maven was a dedicated muse for Kanye’s Yeezy Season 2 footwear that featured the ever-popular lucite ankle strap sandal and the jaw-dropping over-the-knee boots.
Perspex pieces a usually a hit or miss. The style pairing has to be on point while the outfit alllows these transparent stunners to truly shine. Many fashionistas added some flair to their distressed denim by adding a pair of colored perspex ankle boots while others channeled their inner Cher Horowitz in a silk slip and graphic tee. All in all, perspex is a cool way to embrace an edgy vibe while staying effortlessly fly in the process.
Perspex should not continue into 2017. With Kanye’s controversial New York Fashion Week presentation still lingering in the back of our minds, it’s safe to say that we can move beyond this questionable trend. Next!
3) Duster Coats
Duster coats added a chic touch to the more exuberant celebrity looks of 2016. Fashion’s finest style mavens embraced this easy layering piece as a means to transform the simplest of outfits into street style gold! Chrissy Teigen, Victoria Beckham, Gigi Hadid and Karrueche Tran were all fans of these delicate toppers and an ultra-lux heeled sandal seemed to be the accessory of choice.
There were endless variations of duster coats found in every fashion outlet on the planet – whether you opted for a sultry silk number, a graphic print stunner or even an eclectic denim showstopper, it was impossible to deny the power of their versatility.
Duster coats provided an extra ounce of glam to feminine silhouettes that quickly became the standard uniform for bombshells worldwide. Duster coats also gave way to a new style category that gives women the freedom to be sultry and irresistable without flaunting a load of skin.
I adore the classic Parisian feel duster coats provide; furthermore, I believe they are also an incredible way to incorporate a bit of depth to any frock.
Dusters instantly radiate an aesthetic of lavish sophistication and they’ve become a wardrobe mainstay for the modern woman. Let’s keep them for 2017!
4) Embellished and Decorated Denim
Gucci revamped the American classic with the introduction of their embroidered denim jackets from the game-changing Fall 2016 collection. Multicolored butterflies, tigers, roses, bumblebees and French phrases covered the fronts and backs of their costly pieces (ringing in at about $2,600, to be exact) while ushering in an unconventional alternative to the reign of the bomber jacket.
2 Chainz, Blue Ivy, Kanye West and Rihanna were all fans of the whimsical outerwear and the wave of influence washed over the entire fashion world.
Embellished denim was also a favorite! Style pros (including FBD fave Marjorie Harvey) show us how to glam things up without creating a look that could come off as “too busy” or “crowded”.
Decorated denim is a funky and memorable way to spruce up your trusty jean essentials but it also helps to add a bit of personality to your outfits.
Embellished and decorated denim is a timeless trend that can carry over for years to come. So, whip out those Hobby Lobby patches and get to work because 2017 will be here before you know it! Let your personality shine through and let’s keep this fun trend going!
5) Boudoir Ready!
On countless occasions throughout 2016, we’ve watched as the stars transitioned boudoir-wear into provocative style fixtures while cultivating some of the year’s most tantalizing looks.
Designers had us combing our closet for lingerie that could, ultimately, double as exciting additions to our bland ‘fits and runway models served as relics of outfit envy as we searched for ways to wear such risqué pieces. The alluring threads ranged from lush silk pajama sets, slinky yet seductive chiffon robes and the signature black lace bodysuit.
Playful slip dresses were also on the menu when it came to boudoir-dressing. And, the go-to accessories? A plain white tee, a choker and heels, of course.
While it was inspiring to see the likes of Selena Gomez, June Ambrose, Zendaya Coleman and Kendall Jenner adopting this enticing trend, social media was also saturated with fashionistas who put their own personal twist to the trend that gave a firm nod to the 90s.
It’s in the best interest of us all to leave the slip dresses in 2016. As women, we want to feel sensual and sexy but this trend is just so overdone! Perhaps, another “theme” can be introduced for 2017 but it’s best to leave your skivvies in the bedroom.
Honorable Mention: Sheer Dresses
Sheer dresses were a hot commodity in 2015. But, when the clock struck twelve for the entrance of 2016, we saw a welcome resurgence in their overall popularity. We, here at Fashion Bomb Daily, continuously cover celebrity red carpet style and Tinseltown’s most anticipated events but, with the overflow of sheer ensembles we’ve encountered, it’s enough to last us an entire lifetime.
Sure, Queen Naomi Campbell can uplift a revealing, black Alexander McQueen embellished design like no other and, yes, Jennifer Lopez can do no wrong when it comes to showing a little skin but, honestly, we’re ready to end the sheer era – once and for all.
Gone are the days that we want to see everything below your waist. And, the ship has definitely sailed on showcasing more cleavage than the world can handle. Now, don’t get me wrong, we’re all for you doing you, loving your body and embracing every single flaw but we’re just over seeing a PG-13 alternative to your original birthday suit.
So if you own an overwhelming amount of sheer dresses, don’t get rid of them yet; instead, simply push them to the back of your closet until 2018. Let’s forgo rocking them in 2017. Leave it at the door!
What are your thoughts? What trends should we take into 2017 and which ones should we leave at the threshold?
Drop your comments below!
Signing Out — Esmesha
