I've Just Discovered 6 Secret Microtrends, and I'm Buying the Lot

Microtrends are often an offshoot of defining looks from the runways. After a few months of percolating and being adopted early by fashion enthusiasts, the eagle-eyed can start to see key buys emerging. What's more, they're often easier to weave into our daily looks without resulting in side-eye from passersby in the street.

Take animal print, for example. It's undoubtedly one of autumn's frontrunners (showcased at Dolce Gabbana, Givenchy and Halpern in the most delightfully extravagant ways), but you may find that in reality, wearing it head to toe isn't the simplest option. Instead, we'll likely turn to hero pieces like a coat, skirt, or a jumper.

Another example of a microtrend that came to life this past summer via street style and social media was Réalisation's leopard-print skirt. Why did it become so popular? Because it's a game-changing item we can style with T-shirts and our go-to shoes.

In addition to reflecting the top trends, you'll also find that microtrends are often more affordable (win) and more likely to garner a nod from those in-the-know (double win). Keep scrolling to discover and shop the microtrends dominating autumn/winter 2018.

PUFF-SLEEVED DRESSES

Style Notes: Type the words "puff sleeve" into the search engine of any website and lots of options will pop up. We're especially here for the minidresses. 

Related: The Iconic High-Street Dress Brand That Comes Fashion-Editor Approved

RECTANGULAR-BUCKLE WAIST BELTS

Style Notes: That's right—waist belts are officially back, but they're infinitely cooler than the elasticated numbers we wore back in the day. We're thankful that butterfly clasps have been replaced with much sleeker rectangular buckles.

Related: The 4 Easy Autumn Trends That Will Instantly Update Your Wardrobe

ZEBRA-PRINTED KNITS

Style Notes: Leopard and snake motifs are all the rage right now, but zebra print is quietly rising through the ranks too. We recommend integrating it into your wardrobe with a monochromatic pullover. 

STATEMENT PEARL EARRINGS

Style Notes: Nothing can overhaul your look quite like a pair of statement earrings. This season, instead of coloured gems and hammered metal, the baubles to flaunt are pearls.

Related: Winter 2018 Fashion Trends: The Only Looks You Need to Know

YELLOW TROUSERS

Style Notes: Standout strides always make a comeback for autumn, this time in a sunny hue. Wearing a pair of wide-leg yellow trousers is the fashion equivalent of taking a Berocca.

Related: All the New Season Shoe Trends We Want to Tell You About

MOCK-CROC SHOES

Style Notes: Commonplace on handbags it may be, but mock croc is fast becoming the It material of shoes too. They're effortlessly elegant. Use them to add polish to ripped jeans, miniskirts and floral frocks.

Shopping on a budget? You need to see our expert edit of the best buys under £100. Enjoy!

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Maxine Eggenberger
Deputy Editor

Maxine Eggenberger isBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing UK’s deputy editor and has over thirteen years of experience in fashion journalism. She been creating engaging and elevated style content specifically forBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing UK since 2018, covering runway reports, emerging trends, long-form features, self-styled shopping stories and columns, including her edit of the best new-in buys. She ensures the highest editorial standards are met across the site, leads the editorial team in their SEO strategy and keyword planning, works closely with the beauty team on content initiatives, represents the brand at industry events, and regularly contributes to social media, including her ownBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing UK TikTok franchise, French Style Fridays. Previously, Maxine appeared on ITV's This Morning in her own fashion segment and has interviewed countless celebrities—everyone from Victoria Beckham to Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o.

Prior toBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing UK, Maxine’s career began when, after completing her first-ever internship at Look magazine, she was offered a position on the brand's fashion desk. She accepted, leaving university a year early in the process. Her passion and natural talent for writing and styling meant she swiftly rose through the ranks to become the title's fashion news and commercial content editor, with a stint as InStyle.co.uk’s fashion and beauty writer along the way. She later served as Look’s acting Editor in Chief, overseeing both print and digital, before embarking on a successful freelance career, working with Grazia, The Pool, and Marie Claire amongst others.

Maxine is based remotely from her countryside home near Edinburgh where she spends her downtime renovating her house, walking her dogs, hosting friends and trying to master the art of making Old Fashioned cocktails.