While most trends come and go—and some we’d like to go sooner than others—every once in a while, with enough traction, wearability, and support from both brands and retailers, a trend can rise above the rest and catapult to staple status. This means if you were one of the people to adopt it early, you get to reap the benefits of your investment for even longer than expected.
If not, with fall around the corner, it’s the perfect time to revisit your closet and make sure you have all your essentials covered. With that in mind, we reached out to expert Melissa Moylan, creative director of womenswear at trend forecasting agency Fashion Snoops, to give us some intel on the 2015 trends that are 2016 staples—so if you didn’t invest in them before, you’re sure to now.
Scroll through to see and shop the pieces that were once trends and are now totally essential.
“The bomber jacket has become a wardrobe essential for any season. Newer embroidered details nod to the influence of Alessandro Michele at Gucci, while there are countless trend-right updates from quilting to satin materials and oversize shapes.” — Melissa Moylan
Shop our picks:
How perfect is this color?
A girl can dream—or splurge.
“Call them what you want—slippers, slides, and backless loafers are here to stay. Much like ballet flats were once part of everyone’s wardrobe, slippers are the new flat comfort shoes. Leather is the norm, although more forward slippers may feature velvet, prints, or fur.” — Melissa Moylan
Shop our picks:
These are perfect for fall Fridays.
We highly recommend keeping these in your desk drawer.
Make a statement in these.
“Athleisure is bigger than most trends because it truly signals a lifestyle shift. On one hand, we’re more active than ever before, and there’s certainly a customer who goes from yoga to lunch with her girlfriends in the same outfit. But more than that, it’s a level of comfort that packs both form and function. Los Angeles has been living the movement for some time, and we also have Kendall Jenner as poster child for athleisure with her off-duty leggings look.” — Melissa Moylan
Shop our picks:
Outdoor Voices Two-Tone Athena Crop in Dove Ash ($50) and 3/4 Two-Tone Warmup Legging in Dove Ash ($85)This outfit is everything Saturday dreams are made of.
Zara Yellow Stripe Sweatshirt ($40) and Yellow Stripe Trousers ($30)This is our new airport outfit.
“Shoulders are the new erogenous zone, with off-the-shoulder shapes that emerged last year. Now the flattering trend is featured everywhere on tops and dresses.” — Melissa Moylan
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Style this with white trousers for an end-of-summer party.
Every girl needs an LWD.
Can you believe this top is under $80?
“Slip dresses were introduced as a lingerie-to-daywear [piece]. They’ve now become an easy dress style in a variety of hemlines from mini to midi and even maxi lengths. Layer sweaters or jackets over slip dresses to keep them from looking too formal.” — Melissa Moylan
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Leave it to a blogger to design the perfect slip dress.
Olsen-approved, too? How can you not be on board now?
Style this with a tee for casual days and alone for dressier nights.
“Classic has never been so trendy. Blame it on Demna Gvasalia at Vetements and Balenciaga, who is out to shake up fashion with fresh, updated basics. The message resonates on a large scale with classic sneakers like Adidas Originals, Stan Smiths, or Converse Chuck Taylors. Most luxury labels also have their own versions of classic kicks.” — Melissa Moylan
Shop our picks:
Do you own a pair of these yet?
Read about why these are one editor’s favorite sneaker style of all time.
These durable sneakers are totally worth the investment.
Which of these former trends is now your favorite staple? Tell us in the comments!
Opening Image: A Love Is Blind
