We live in a time where buying a new pair of shoes or an expensive handbag just happens in a vacuum. It's a group activity these days — and it's all thanks to Instagram. Because of this 'gram-it-or-it-didn't-happen mentality, certain It items blow up once one celebrity or influencer posts about it or a PR company decides to get gift-happy with a particularly hot product. Before you know it, your feed is clogged with the same scalloped bikini or designer-collab sneaker.
This past year, a crop of apparel, bags, and accessories became familiar faces as we scrolled through our timelines. We're talking the items that you couldn't refresh your app without seeing pop up on your Discover page: Rihanna's Puma creepers, the Chloé Faye bag, and Fendi's furry charms, just to name a few.
A lot of these pieces play on the Instagram community's undying obsession with minimalism, while others go to the total opposite end of the spectrum as loud, statement-making, street-style mainstays. And while we don't have the official stats on what merch got the most 'grams in 2015, we're willing to place bets on the picks ahead.
Marysia Swim Scallop Bikini
Would a summertime flatlay even be a summertime flatlay without a scalloped bikini?
Photo: Via @marysiaswim.
Mansur Gavriel Bucket Bag
Yep, the bucket bag to end all bucket bags didn't go anywhere in 2015 — and we anticipate it to stick around as an Instagram favorite for seasons to come.
Photo: Via @mansurgavriel.
Rachel Comey Legion Pant
With the rise of wide-leg jeans came the rise of the Rachel Comey jean that every fashion person had to own — and that frayed hem just made for the perfect 'gram.
Photo: Via @rachel_comey.
Reformation Lace-Up Front Bodysuit
We're not talking just any lace-up bodysuit — we're talking the lace-up bodysuit of the year.
Photo: Via @lusttforlife.
Dylanlex Necklaces
More badass than dainty, it didn't take long for celebs and influencers to catch on to Dylanlex's next-level, layered-up bling — and it's beyond photogenic.
Photo: Via @dylanlex.
Puma By Rihanna Creepers
These babies sold out in mere hours and celebs like Lena Dunham didn't hesitate to 'gram them.
Photo: Via @lenadunham.
This year's designer collab craze was more insane than ever, so it's no surprise that those who were lucky enough to get their hands on it posted their scores straightaway.
Photo: Via @chroncilesofher_.
Delfina Delettrez Eye Jewelry
These glitzy, statement-making pieces were seen on everyone who makes the rounds during Fashion Week.
Photo: Via @chiaraferragni.
Gucci Fur Loafers
These flurry slip-ons flurried through our feeds like the shoe equivalent of latte art.
Photo: Via @Gucci.
The Silver-Buckle Belt
Belts haven't really had their moment in the spotlight for a while — that is, until these vintage (or vintage-inspired) silver buckle belts blew up among every single blogger we follow.
Photo: Via @jacquiealexander.
Miu Miu Ruffled Cotton-Poplin Blouse
Seen here on blogger and writer Pandora Sykes, this prairie-ruffle blouse isn't for the sartorially shy — but with mom jeans and block heels, it's a total street-style win.
Photo: Via @pandorasykes.
Elina Linardaki Penny Lane Sandals
These craft-store-happy sandals were basically made to be photographed. It's no wonder they were everywhere this past summer.
Photo: Via @caitlinburkenyc.
Janessa Leone Hats
Janessa Leone is a perfect example of a brand that's blown up largely thanks to Instagram — her hats became a blogger favorite in a matter of months.
Photo: Via @janessaleone.
Chanel Two-Tone Slingbacks
For the editors lucky enough to get their hands (or — feet, rather) on a pair of these, Instagramming them was a sure thing.
Photo: Via @amyastley.
Vyshyvanka By Vita Kin Dresses
With some pieces taking more than three weeks to make, Ukranian label Vita Kin caught on quick with the fashion crowd. The line celebrates vyshyvanka, the country’s traditional embroidered clothing, which means it's total eye Instagram candy.
Chloé Faye Bag
You couldn't scroll through Insta without seeing a blogger (or five) donning one of these ring-closure It bags.
Photo: Via @alwaysjudging.
Self Portrait Dress
We're big fans of designer Han Chong, so we were pleased to see his gorgeous lace dresses catching on and littering our feeds.
Photo: Via @yumso.
No21 Shoes
Another fashion-set favorite, the knotted-fabric heels and flats from No21 looked as good with ball skirts as they did with destroyed jeans.
Photo: Via @n21_official.
Tibi Off-The-Shoulder Tunic
It almost feels like this must-have tunic was designed specifically for envy-inducing vacation Instagrams.
Photo: Via @tibi.
Adidas Stan Smith Sneakers
If you feel like these white sneakers of choice completely took over your Instagram feed, it's because they did.
Photo: Via @xmyde.
Aquazzura Flats
A blogger fave, these lace-up flats completed every off-duty outfit. Major fast-fashion retailers knocked them off left and right, too.
Photo: Via @sincerelyjules.
Kiini Bikini
A photo-worthy two-piece that fits all the Instagram requirements: colorful, sexy, and with a price tag beefy enough that not everyone had one.
Photo: Via @hannahbronfman.
Stella McCartney Platforms
There was a period where it felt like every single person photographed for street style was sporting these extreme platforms.
Photo: Via @stellamccartney.
For Love & Lemons Lingerie
No sexy flatlay image was complete without a lacy black bralette.
Photo: Via @forloveandlemons.
Sub_Urban Riot Kale Sweatshirt
This cozy number was already catching on, but when Bey wore one, everyone had to get their hands on it.
Photo: Via @suburbanriot.
Rae Feather Monogrammed Tote Bag
It seems as though no one took a beach trip without a monogrammed Rae Feather bag.
Photo: Via @kimhersov.
Daniel Avakian Skinny Scarf
You can thank Daniel Avakian for the popular skinny scarf trend that became a street-style favorite.
Photo: Via @danielavakien.
Moschino Phone Case
The over-the-top, selfie-worthy phone cases from Mochino sold like hotcakes over the past year and made their way into many a mirror pic.
Photo: Via @moschino.
All Things Yeezy
You couldn't — you wouldn't — shell out the cash (and good timing) on Yeezy sneakers without posting an Instagram photo to prove it.
Photo: Via @nydoorman.
Outdoor Voices Activewear
Another prime example of a brand who got Instagram right, these photogenic activewear pieces were seen on models, celebs, and bloggers.
Photo: Via @outdoorvoices.
CVC Stones Necklace
It's as if we woke up one morning to find every editor and It Girl sporting these stone necklaces.
Photo: Via @carolinedemaigret.
Dior Patent Boots
The shiny patent leather, the clear, colorful heel...How you could not snap these sockboots to post to Instagram?
Photo: Via @shionat.
Vans Embroidered Jacket
Embroidery took the fashion world by storm in the past few months, so Vans' monogrammed jackets were a surefire hit among editors and Instagrammers.
Photo: Via @vansgirls.
Maryam Nassir Zadeh Roberta Heel
Oh, grandma heels, we are so glad that you exist.
Photo: Via @maryam_nassir_zadeh.
Sleepy Jones Pajamas
Yes, all those Instagrammers woke up like this(wearing these pajamas).
Photo: Via @sleepyjones.
Marble Phone Case
"All-marble everything" was the motto on Instagram this past year, and phone or laptop cases were no exception (the stacking rings were a thing, too).
Photo: Via @laurencaruso_.
Stuart Weitzman Highland Boot
Don't even bother 'gramming a black boot if it isn't Stuart Weitzman's must-have over-the-knee version — they're an easy way to look instantly more chic.
Photo: Via @stuartweitzman.
Dior So Real Sunglasses
These shades don't come cheap, but they do make for a mean Insta.
Photo: Via @songofstyle.
Re/Done Jeans
What would 2015 have been without repurposed Levi's?
Photo: Via @shopredone.
Solid & Striped One-Piece Bathing Suit
One-pieces came back with a vengeance this year, but none was quite as prevalent as the classic Solid and Striped bather.
Photo: Via @solidandstriped.
Bandanas
Our favorite $1 accessory showed up up in every other photo in our feeds because it so flawlessly completed every outfit.
Photo: Via @thriftsandthreads.Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
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