The Trend That's Poised to Be the Next Athleisure

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(Image credit: @samimiro)

Predicting that any singular aesthetic will stand to replace athleisure is kind of a big claim to make. We saw the rise of leggings, joggers, and tracksuits take such a Millennial Pink level hold on the trend cycle, which is to say a really, really strong hold on trends. Don't get too worried if you're among the hoards of spandex-clad athleisure fans, though, as it's not going anywhere anytime soon. Instead, we're seeing a micro-trend bubbling up that's on the verge of blowing up.

But where leggings and sneakers defined athleisure, canvas "carpenter" pants and heavy-duty boots define 2018's workwear trend. Grounded in utterly practical items, it's a trend that's inspired by everything that serves a clear function. The antithesis of fashion for the sake of fashion. Make no mistake, as the issues currently plaguing the American political climate have put a sinister veil over the country. And since fashion always finds a poignant way of addressing the cultural zeitgeist, it's almost as if a shift toward the pragmatic is our way of arming ourselves for the worst-case scenario. I think the emergency clothing that appeared in Calvin Klein's F/W 18 collection reflected this sentiment beautifully.

To explain everything that defines the workwear aesthetic, we'd also like to CC you on our breakdown of skater, streetwear, and Hypebae style, all of which share overlapping themes like an emphasis on tougher, androgynous style and a bit of an ironic sensibility. Ahead we're breaking down every item that defines the trend.

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Carpenter Pants
(Image credit: @claire_most)

Thanks to Dickie's, the workwear pants are a cult-favorite among Hypebae girls.

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Traffic-Stopping Orange
(Image credit: @scapesny)

The electric shade is oddly reminiscent of traffic cones. In other words: All eyes are on you.

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(Image credit: @wuzg00d)

A trend that will literally stop traffic.

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XL Work Belt
(Image credit: @alealimay)

Pairs yours with a crop top and sneakers.

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(Image credit: @bettinalooney)

… or a bandeau top and platform boots.

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Heavy-Duty Boots
(Image credit: @laurenegg)

Wear chunky-soled boots like Dr. Marten's and Timberlands to toughen up just about any outfit.

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Pair the boots with a delicate handbag to create an intriguing contrast.

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Hardware
(Image credit: @vbiancav)

Hypebae girls already know a thing or two about a strong chain belt game, so we're taking notes from them on styling the cool metalwork.

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(Image credit: @oursecondskin)

Chain belts meet their ultimate match with cargo pants.

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Utility Jumpsuits
(Image credit: @orseund_iris)

The fact that we feel like we could easily change our oil in this trend kind of says it all.

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Reflective Stripes
(Image credit: @devonleecarlson)

Safety first, am I right?

By no means is athleisure on the way out, though. See this pretty microtrend that's making me put my black leggings on hold.

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Senior Editor

Anna is an editor on the fashion team atBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing and has been at the company for over five years, having begun her career in the Los Angeles office before relocating to New York, where she's currently based. Having always been passionate about pursuing a career in fashion, she built up her experience interning at the likes of Michael Kors, A.L.C., and College Fashionista before joining the team as a post-graduate assistant editor. Anna has penned a number of interviews withBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing 's cover stars over the years, including A-listers Megan Fox, Issa Rae, and Emma Chamberlain. She's earned a reputation for scouting new and emerging brands from across the globe and championing them to our audience of millions. While fashion is her main wheelhouse, Anna led the launch of WWW Travels last year, a new lifestyle vertical that highlights all things travel through a fashion-person lens. She is passionate about shopping vintage, whether it be at a favorite local outpost or an on-the-road discovery, and has amassed a wardrobe full of unique finds. When she's not writing, you can find her shooting street imagery on her film camera, attempting to learn a fourth or fifth language, or planning her next trip across the globe.