Top 10 Trends of 2014

By Jessica Mahmoud on December 31, 2014

As 2014 comes to a close, there are a lot of things to look back on and look forward to. One of the things to look back on is the fashion trends. It’s always interesting, I think, to see if trends transition to the next year or if they fizzle out.

Here are the top 10 trends I noticed in the past 12 months.

1. Crop tops

Whether it was with a skirt, shorts, or just a pair of skinnies, crop tops were big this year. They’ve even transitioned into chillier weather with long sleeve variations. They are especially popular with high waisted bottoms to limit the amount of midriff shown.

2. Shorttalls

Another way crop tops were popular were with shorttalls. These are a version of overalls, but with shorts. They were popular this past summer, especially in denim. Wearing one or both straps down also became trendy. Although the shorts version was big, the traditional version with jeans is not very common.

3. Tied flannels around your waist

I remember doing this as a kid when I didn’t want to carry my jacket, and it’s come back. This trend of tying flannels around your waist was often paired as more of an edgy look, but was also done with simple dresses. It is great for fall weather when it’s not too cold because the flannel could be used as an extra layer if it gets chilly.

4. Cropped sweaters

https://www.flickr.com/photos/shandilee

The idea of a piece that usually keeps you super warm bearing your midriff sounds kind of silly but cropped sweaters got very popular this past year. They became the crop top of the winter and fall because it became too cold for tank tops. Similarly, they pair perfectly with high waisted pieces, and are often worn with skater skirts.

5. High-low

Thinking back, one the styles popular this past summer was high-low. In the summer, skirts and dresses were often seen in this style. They were usually made of light material, and were also longer than shorter summer skirts. This trend also transitioned into high-low sweaters and tops, appropriately worn with leggings.

6. Combat boots

https://www.flickr.com/photos/emayoh

As for shoes, for 2014, combat boots were big. They were seen throughout the whole year, worn with everything from leggings to jeans to shorts. Often they were seen with socks pulled up underneath for a more edgy look.

Mostly, though, they were just slid on with leggings or jeans during the cooler months. However, if you were daring enough, you’d sport these shoes in the summer with some cutoffs.

7. High socks

This year, to stay warm, knee and thigh high socks were seen everywhere. They are great when it’s not too cold, but not warm enough to go out with nothing on your legs. They are also great for layering over thin tights.

Seen with dresses and skirts, they were worn a lot with skater skirts this year. High socks were also seen with boots scrunched down to just be seen a little. Although popular in neutral colors, these socks come in all colors and patterns.

8. Infinity scarves

Rather than the regular long scarves, infinity scarves were and are big. It’s actually rare to see longer ones around. These are scarves that are circular that are often wrapped around the neck for a tight fit. They can also be worn hanging down the front of the body for a unique look.

Obviously more worn in the colder months, they are usually worn over sweaters, under a jacket like a leather one with jeans or a skirt.

9. Skater skirts

As I’ve mentioned, skater skirts were worn all the time. “Skater” became a type of skirt and dress, just like body con or halter. Maybe there was such a name, but they definitely got more popular this year. Basically, skater skirts are like A-line. They are typically cotton and comfortable, which is probably why people love them. There is every color and style under the sun available.

10. Harem pants

https://www.flickr.com/photos/perpetuallychic

If you think about it, there are only so many choices as bottoms: jeans, leggings, a skirt, or a dress. However, this year, printed pants and harem pants were added. These trendy and baggy pants are a take on the pants worn in the mid 18th Century, so that’s kind of cool. Typically kind of high-waisted, they are often worn more with cropped tops or flowing, loose ones.

As you can see, there were many trends shown this past year. Even though I don’t always go out of my way to search for them, it’s easy to spot out what’s popular, and it kind of becomes second nature to try out the look.

It’ll be interesting to see if these trends transition over to 2015 and what new trends pop up then.

(Unmarked images by Jessica Mahmoud)

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