We’d like to preface this post by saying that we find the word “trend” problematic — mainly because it leaves itself open to misinterpretation. We take umbrage at its supposed implication — that because a certain item or way of dressing has been spotted in the wild or on the runways three or more times, you’d be foolish not to try it for yourself. Or the reverse — that because a look isn’t buzzy — or even worse, was popular and now isn’t — you must cast it aside.
Thankfully, we live in the age of personal style, the internet and, for better or worse, fast fashion. The word trend doesn’t hold the same weight as it used to. These days, it’s pretty much understood that a trend is simply a pattern, no more no less. Do with said craze what you will. If you love it, great. If not, Zara and other speed manufacturers will have something new for you to deem worthy or unworthy in less than two weeks.
Trends, by definition, aren’t made to last forever. Each one comes with an expiration (and, in many cases, a renewal) date built into the package. Every year, certain fashions (off-the-shoulder tops, chokers) rise to stardom, infiltrating our closets and Instagram feeds. And then, so as to make way for the new, these supernovas gradually dim and collapse. It’s the circle of sartorial life.
Scroll through the slideshow above for 10 fashion trends that served us well in 2016, but are nonetheless due for retirement. Of course, keep in mind that trends are subjective and feeling good about yourself in a certain item is a good enough reason to wear it year in and year out.
Trends to Leave in 2016
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Bondage Swimwear
Let us begin by saying that we adore Chromat. Designer Becca McCharen-Tran is a champion of diversity and always throws edgy, tech-savvy designs our way. That said, this September, even Becca (for the most part) favored sleek Olympics-inspired designs over her usual Satan-summoning cut-outs. And why? Because after a year of awkward sun tattoos, we're ready to throw in the towel on bondage swimwear.
Image: @chromat
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Off-the-Shoulder Tops
In 2016, no article of clothing was used and abused more than the off-the-shoulder top. As Man Repeller's Harling Ross put it: "Something sinister happened. The off-the-shoulder trend went from trickle to torrential. They were everywhere. On Instagram. On every page of every magazine. On mannequins at Hollister. On my best friend. On my best friend’s mom. Wearing one no longer felt like a secret handshake between me and my personal style; it felt like peeing in a communal bathroom at Coachella." Painful as it is to admit, it's time to give our beloved clavicle flatterers a well-deserved rest. At least for a little while.
Image: @reformation
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Lace-Up Tops
Lace-up tops — especially this Reformation bodysuit — dominated the 2016 fashion scene. Isabel Marant and Kim Kardashian put them on the map and because they accentuated our cleavage without the threat of nip slips, we took the bait. Until, that is, we got tired of #twinning with everyone.
Image: @forever21
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PVC Boots
This year, leather got a slick, shiny upgrade. Patent and its vegan cousin PVC (short for polyvinyl chloride) marched the streets in trench, dress and boot form. Not to worry — both materials will follow us into 2017. (So long as it's not pool-adjacent, the bondage trend is going strong.) One particular PVC invention has (or ought to have) seen its last day in the sun, however. That day was September 7, 2016, when models and onlookers sweltered for the sake of Yeezy Season 4. The former struggled to strut the triangular runway in see-through PVC thigh-highs that had steamed up from the heat. We're already over these sweat traps. (Many cheap knockoffs later, their overpriced ankle-high predecessors have lost their novelty, too.)
Image: @kimkardashian
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Thrasher Tees
They've got the perfect lo-fi, graphic look. They call to mind the youthful rebelliousness of skate culture. They cost less than $20. Over the past year, Thrasher tees have become a model-off-duty wardrobe staple. Molly Bair, Binx Walton, Lexi Boling, Cristina Herrmann and more repped the paraphernalia of a mag they’d probably never read. (Hey, at least the publication profited.) Given that it only took a few bucks to replicate, the style stars' look caught on. We wouldn't call it cultural appropriation, but we would call it played out.
Image: @crisherrmann
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Poorly Destroyed Denim
DIY denim? For the most part, good. Exposing random patches of your rear end for no apparent reason? Bizarre. Kylie Jenner and Taylor Hill pioneered this impractical trend — since, you know, neither has to deal with chilly, bacteria-laden subway seats or office dress codes. A few of their brave followers tried it on for size, but the general consensus seems to be that bare butts are out, bared nipples are in.
Image: @kyliejenner
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Furry Gucci Slides
In 2015, fashion couldn't get enough of Alessandro Michele’s Gucci reimagining. Over the past year, Gucci cemented its status as one of the world's hottest brands. Among the Italian luxury house's greatest triumphs were its fur-lined Princetown loafers. Part shaggy slipper, part prim loafer, these beautiful bourgeois objects graced the feet of every in-the-know fashion editor, blogger and celebrity. That said, fur, even when it's not harvested problematically, is notoriously difficult to clean. In addition to a $995 price point, these loafers come with the rather irritating assumption that you won't be doing much walking in them. As much as we love the design, its ubiquity and elitism has come to bore us. Nexxxt.
Image: @sarah.dnz
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Chokers
Chokers have been around since the days of ancient Egypt. They'll likely weave in and out of the fashion zeitgeist for all of eternity. That said, in 2016 chokers exploded onto the scene like never before. Every imaginable interpretation of the neck garnishment garnished every neck imaginable. Dainty, statement, double-wrapped and layered, there was certainly enough variety to keep the choker love alive. Then things got weird. New takes on the accessory seem less inventive, more desperate to stand out from the crowd. Perhaps it's time to move on to something truly different. Neckerchief, anyone?
Image: @rumineely
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Faux Septum Rings
Septum rings have officially entered the mainstream. (Hats off to Zoe Kravitz and her skillful piercers at New York Adorned.) In 2016, dainty, bauble-free (though oftentimes filigree) silver and gold curves hugged the noses of fashion girls everywhere. An accessory that was once unconventional (because ouch) became commonplace, especially after some brilliant jeweler realized that this new snug generation of septum ring could hold its own, no needle required. But like a fake Fendi, faux septum rings lack the mystique of the real, painfully begotten thing — at least in our humble opinion.
Image: @vidakush
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Dad Hats
Emblazoned with the logos of up-and-coming brands or cheeky pop culture references, this year dad hats (typically monochrome, often suede) replaced beanies and snapbacks as the devil-may-care accessory du jour. Hailey Baldwin, Kylie and Kendall Jenner, Gigi and Bella Hadid and many, many more embraced the trend. Rihanna, a staunch dad hat supporter, recently wore one to the FNAAs. RiRi, we see your case, but we're calling this one. We predict 2017 to be the year of brims and berets.
Image: Ignat/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images
