As 2018 is coming to a close, we’ve rounded up the hottest—and even the most head-scratching—trends that dominated the runways, streets, red carpets, and most especially, our IG feeds this year.
Ultra-violet
View this post on InstagramAnd just like that #NYFW is done and dusted for another season. ?? Photo: @gastrochic for @nytimesfashion
View this post on InstagramVJ Heart, reporting for duty! It was great to be back, even if just for the evening. I will always treasure my time with @myxph because they taught me that the most important thing is to just be yourself. I hope you all take that advice to heart. Just be yourself, work hard, and it’ll all follow…✨#MyxMusicAwards2018 #MMAs2018
Love it or hate it, ultra-violet had a moment this year after Pantone announced it as 2018’s Color of the Year. Slowly but surely, the bold purple shade popped up on the wardrobes of fashion’s It girls Kim Jones, Heart Evangelista, and Aimee Song, and the result was nothing short of eye-catching! Who wouldn’t notice that pop of violet on Kim Jones’ feet?
Polka dots
View this post on InstagramPolkadots dress and fur shoes are still trendy to me even it’s 2018 na coz hello imma fashy girl ?@luxe_finds #Carebear
View this post on InstagramDidn't get any sleep yesterday so even in pictures, I'm snoozing. ✨ #StyledByAdrianne
Polka dots are just so fun and flirty, which can explain why everyone from celebs to influencers was obsessed with the look all summer—and beyond.
Digging a little deeper, though, we can thank designers Carolina Herrera, Jacquemus, and Jason Wu for the re-emergence of the quirky print, after releasing a plethora of polka-dotted looks at the S/S ‘18 runways.
‘Dad’ sneakers
View this post on InstagramGloomy Tuesday ?. Finally, got my hands on these babies ? #LVArchlight
View this post on InstagramGoodnight. MNL day 2 ? by @boysso82
Let’s not forget that 2018 is also the year when our dad’s chunky-soled sneakers became cool AF. Unlike the year of Stan Smiths, the bulkier and the bolder—or dare we say it, uglier—your shoes are now, the cooler it is. Pro tip: keep your outfit as minimal as possible so you can go crazy with your footwear. Balance is key, ladies!
Tube tops
View this post on Instagram@nadine for today’s event. #styledbyjoannagarcia assisted by @randellgiel • thank you @vivaartistsagency ⚡️
View this post on Instagram#scoutgeneralpublic ??♀️ • ty @filaph @mrsoleslam #FILAPH #DisruptEverything
Following the return of tracksuits (minus the velvet) and chainmail dresses, the tube top is the latest 2000s trend that resurrected in 2018!
The strapless top was beloved by the likes of Britney Spears, Cameron Diaz, and Sarah Jessica Parker, often pairing it with low-rise jeans. Not sure how to wear ‘em now? Nadine Lustre styled hers with a pair of cargo pants for a casual-cool #OOTD. You can also team it up with a plaid skirt à la Gabbi Garcia for a major ‘90s #throwback!
Leopard print
View this post on Instagram?
View this post on InstagramHere’s my wild side ? @luisaviaroma
The leopard print is back—or did it ever really go away? When toned down with casual pieces like a graphic T-shirt or a pair of denim jeans, the bold print feels a little less tacky and a whole lot chicer, as demonstrated by Sarah Lahbati and Liz Uy.
Bike shorts
View this post on InstagramLet’s March! @AMarch4OurLives @EveryTown (Wear Orange) ? BACKGRID
View this post on InstagramNever thought this day would come—that I’d wear shapewear out. ? Blame Kim K. . What’s good Hong Kong? Glad to be here with my @cathaypacific fam and blogger besties! #LifeWellTravelled
Whoever thought of wearing their cycling shorts beyond the gym and call it #fashion? Well, Kim Kardashian thought so—and so did Princess Diana in the ‘90s!
We’re not gonna lie: this comeback trend didn’t seem appealing at first sight, but when style influencers like Camille Co paired ‘em with a dressy top or when Aimee Song topped it off with an oversized blazer, we were convinced that with the right styling, bike shorts can be incredibly chic and wearable IRL.
