Jeans are skinny! Now, they're wide! Wear your bra over your shirt! Now, wear it under!
No one knows the whiplash of the trend cycle better than we do — and keeping up with it can feel like running a marathon that will never actually end. But, since trying to keep up with every single rise and fall of hemlines or seasonal colour palette is enough to make anyone go insane, it's helpful to approach trends in a pick-your-own-adventure way. We do this by placing bets on precisely which trends we think will catch on with the masses and then end up in fast-fashion retailers. What are the fabrics, shapes, and details from the season that will hands-down show up on shelves in a couple months? Those are the adventures, so to speak, that we'd pick if we were planning a wardrobe overhaul.
Click on to see the ones we're betting on, and keep checking back as we update with intel from the Paris shows, too.
"Wish You Were Here" Mementos
It may sound like an oxymoron, but things are getting tropical for the the fall/winter season. With motifs like hibiscus flowers, sunsets, and palm trees, why go to the beach when you can just wear one?
No. 21
Photo: Catwalking/Getty Images.
Trademark
Photo: Courtesy of Trademark.
Fausto Puglisi
Photo: Antonio de Moraes Barros Filho/Getty Images.
Prada
Photo: Victor Virgile/Getty Images.
Varsity Blues
Missing the days of hugh school hallways filled with letterman jackets? Rather than digging out your actual senior year piece, get on-board this #TBT-inspired trend with a fresh new update on this classic item.
Coach
Photo: Edward James/Getty Images.
House of Holland
Photo: Catwalking/Getty Images.
Dries van Noten
Photo: Catwalking/Getty Images.
Button-Lined Slits
Remember those snap-on, snap-off track pants from the early 2000s? Well, they're getting a lady-like treatment in the form of midi skirts and culottes that can be worn open or buttoned all the way depending on the amount of leg you're wanting to show off.
Prabal Gurung
Photo: Catwalking/Getty Images.
Chris Gelinas
Photo: Catwalking/Getty Images.
Maison Martin Margiela
Photo: Francois G. Durand/Getty Images.
Fishnet Undershirts
We've seen layering pieces go from basic to sparkly, sheer, and even mesh, but the latest iteration if one that resembles fishnet stockings. Toughen up any dress or jacket with this slightly-sexy, slightly-edgy touch underneath.
Sportmax
Photo: Catwalking/Getty Images.
Opening Ceremony
Photo: Edward James/Getty Images.
Marques'Almeida
Photo: Courtesy of Marques Almeida.
Military-Inspired Jackets
Time turned back a century or so with elaborate, ornate takes on military-inspired cropped jackets, often featuring embroidery and a hefty amount of tiny buttons.
Dolce & Gabbana
Photo: Victor Virgile/Getty Images.
Burberry
Photo: Catwalking/Getty Images.
Dsquared2
Photo: Victor Virgile/Getty Images.
The Not-So-Constricting Corsets
When it comes to old trends we thought were guaranteed to make a comeback, corsets definitely weren't at the top of our list. But, now that we've seen them on multiple runways across multiple countries, we might just be sold. The good news is that they're not tied to the rib-crushing tightness you'd expect, and instead simply make for an interesting outfit-topper.
Tome
Photo: Randy Brooke/Getty Images.
Brock Collection
Photo: Victor Virgile/Getty Images.
Prada
Photo: Victor Virgile/Getty Images.
Cold-Shoulder Suiting
This season, it's the suit that's getting the off-the-shoulder treatment, and the juxtaposition of a polished, professional piece with such a daring upper-body situation makes for the kind of contrast we love.
Yigal Azrouel
Photo: Victor Virgile/Getty Images.
Monse
Photo: Brian Ach/Stringer/Getty Images.
Beaufille
Photo: Courtesy of Beautfille.
Plaid On Plaid (On Plaid)
Whether you're mixing different plaids or literally wearing the same one head-to-toe, wearing multiples of this pattern will allow for a high-impact look that's so Clueless... in all the best ways.
Arthur Arbesser
Photo: Sebastian Reuter/Getty Images.
Antonio Marrras
Photo: Pietro D'Aprano/Getty Images.
Marni
Photo: Victor Virgile/Getty Images.
Suno
Photo: Catwalking/Getty Images.
Robe Tops
Cut off the bottom half of your bathrobe and you'll be left with one of Fashion Month's most popular top. The style is somewhere between a jacket and a blouse, and usually involves a waist-cinching tie that wraps around the waist.
Dries van Noten
Photo: Catwalking/Getty Images.
Simon Miller
Photo: Courtesy of Simon Miller.
Brock Collection
Photo: Victor Virgile/Getty Images.
Tights As Trousers
For some, it's hard enough to accept leggings. But designers are pushing the limits even further, by dressing models in tights, without any other type of bottoms. If you're daring enough to try this look, our only advice is simple: Wear a top that covers (at least most of) your behind.
Prada
Photo: Catwalking/Getty Images.
Maison Martin Margiela
Photo: Francois G. Durand/Getty Images.
Zimmermann
Photo: Peter White/Getty Images.
The Western-Inspired Skirt Set
From cowboy boots to Wild, Wild West-inspired embroidery, the rodeo has hit the runway, hard. And though we've seen this theme on a variety of pieces, an iteration of a matching set (think skirt and top or skirt and jacket pairings) is all over the place, taking these lady-like staples to new heights with western motifs.
Coach
Photo: Edward James/Getty Images.
Jeremy Scott
Photo: Victor Virgile/Getty Images.
Fausto Puglisi
Photo: Antonio de Moraes Barros Filho/Getty Images.
Barbie Dresses
They're pink, they're short, they're sparkly, and they're generally not meant for everyday life. We're dubbing them "Barbie dresses," because life in plastic is fantastic, right?
Isa Arfen
Photo: Courtesy of Isa Arfen.
Simone Rocha
Photo: Victor Virgile/Getty Images.
Ashish
Photo: Catwalking/Getty Images.
Comforter Coats
No need to leave your bed, just take it with you. Okay, this one's the most literal interpretation, but what we're really saying is that puffer-coats are finally getting their due.
Alexander McQueen
Photo: Victor Virgile/Getty Images.
Marques Almeida
Photo: Courtesy of Marques Almeida.
Burberry
Photo: Catwalking/Getty Images.
Osman
Photo: Eamonn M. McCormack/Getty Images.
Isa Arfen
Photo: Courtesy of Isa Arfen.
Face The Strange
Whether or not it's a Bowie tribute (we like to think it is), we saw a weird-in-a-good-way theme of faces on clothing in London, and can totally see fast-fashion hubs following suit.
House of Holland
Photo: Catwalking/Getty Images.
Paul Smith
Photo: Catwalking/Getty Images.
J.W. Anderson
Photo: Victor Virgile/Getty Images.
Gothic Florals
If you often feel like florals are too girly, now may just be the time to give them a try. With dark color palettes and long hemlines, these are more Morticia Addams, less Little House on the Prairie.
Marc Jacobs
Photo: Slaven Vlasic/Getty Images.
Erdem
Photo: Justin Tallis/Getty Images.
Burberry
Photo: John Phillips/Getty Images.
Preen by Thornton Bregazzi
Photo: Victor Virgile/Getty Images.
Peek-a-Boo Panel Skirts
Perhaps the new metallic pleated skirt is this one we've been seeing on the runways, where panels swish to reveal a contrasting fabric or print — like satin, fishnet, or snakeskin — when the wearer walks.
Peter Pilotto
Photo: Rob Ball/Getty Images.
Mulberry
Photo: Victor Virgile/Getty Images.
Burberry
Photo: Catwalking/Getty Images.
Punk Tweed
We're used to seeing tweed come in prim and proper skirt-suits à la Chanel, but this season, designers are giving an edge to it, with bolder silhouettes, damaged details, and angsty styling.
Alexander Wang
Photo: Victor Virgile/Getty Images.
Simone Rocha
Photo: Catwalking/Getty Images.
Erdem
Photo: Catwalking/Getty Images.
A Subtle Ruffle
Style a ruffle-sleeved blouse under a longer-sleeved top or jacket to bring attention to an unexpected place: your wrists.
Paul Smith
Photo: Catwalking/Getty Images.
Osman
Photo: Eamonn M. McCormack/Getty Images.
Roksanda
Photo: Catwalking/Getty Images.
Temperley London
Photo: Victor Virgile/Getty Images.
Sheer Sleeves
Whether worn as an under layer or actually attached to the garment, super-sheer sleeves make an interesting add-on to dressy and casual looks alike. Here, it's less about color (most options come in black or white), and more about volume.
J.W. Anderson
Photo: Victor Virgile/Getty Images.
Mother of Pearl
Photo: John Phillips/Getty Images.
Mulberry
Photo: Victor Virgile/Getty Images.
Molly Goddard
Photo: Tristan Fewings/Getty Images.
Erdem
Photo: Catwalking/Getty Images.
Statement Ponchos
Unlike other outerwear trends, ponchos have struggled to remain relevant season-after-season. But, thanks to some new textures and details (like thick fur or heavy embroidery), they're finally coming back to life.
Mulberry
Photo: Victor Virgile/Getty Images.
Temperley London
Photo: Victor Virgile/Getty Images.
Roksanda
Photo: Catwalking/Getty Images.
Isa Arfen
Photo: Courtesy of Isa Arfen.
Stencil Prints
Consider this color-blocking's second cousin. These pieces feature large splashes in abstract shapes, and often have a thick-black outline. It's like D.I.Y. art for your clothes, no?
Paul Smith
Photo: Catwalking/Getty Images.
Mary Katrantzou
Photo: Victor Virgile/Getty Images.
Roksanda
Photo: Catwalking/Getty Images.
Burberry
Photo: Catwalking/Getty Images.
Wispy Tulle
Crunchy, stiff tulle is for ballet tutus. This light, thin, and airy version is for some pretty dreamy dresses.
Mary Katrantzou
Photo: Victor Virgile/Getty Images.
Molly Goddard
Photo: Tristan Fewings/Getty Images.
Isa Arfen
Photo: Courtesy of Isa Arfen.
Half Shirt, Half Maxi-Dress
These asymmetrical tops double as a dress depending on which way the wearer stands — they're short on one side, with a giant slit that opens up to a longer length on the other side.
À Moi
Photo: Courtesy of À Moi.
Creatures Of The Wind
Photo: Victor Virgile/Getty Images.
Rosie Assoulin
Photo: Courtesy of Rosie Assoulin.
50 Shades Of Brown
The color brown kind of gets a bad sartorial rap, but now we know that wearing three (or four, or five) shades at once is the key to pulling off the hue. Stick with laid-back, menswear-inspired layers, like loose trousers, cozy crewneck sweaters, and schoolboy blazers. Consider this trend 2016's version of the groutfit.
Ralph Lauren
Photo: Randy Brooke/Getty Images.
A Détacher
Photo: Fernanda Calfat/Getty Images.
The Row
Photo: Courtesy of The Row.
Cardigan Dresses
Sweater dresses are getting the cardigan treatment, with ribbed details and a button-up front. These make for a shockingly versatile layering piece — try one half-buttoned or fully buttoned up over pants, or just on its own with a lacy bra peeking out. Bonus points for off-the-shoulder styling.
Tibi
Photo: Victor Virgile/Getty Images.
Adam Selman
Photo: Slaven Vlasic/Getty Images.
A Détacher
Photo: Fernanda Calfat/Getty Images.
Cut & Sew
Garments on the runway had a Frankenstein appearance that looked like the designers took a bunch of different pieces in a variety of fabrics and sewed them all together, creating asymmetrical shapes and contemporary-looking ruffles (and sometimes, extra sleeves in weird places).
Thom Browne
Photo: Antonio de Moraes Barros Filho/Getty Images.
Victoria Beckham
Photo: Antonio de Moraes Barros Filho/Getty Images.
DKNY
Photo: Victor Virgile/Getty Images.
Suno
Photo: Catwalking/Getty Images.
Rosie Assoulin
Photo: Courtesy of Rosie Assoulin.
BCBG
Photo: Firstview.
Forced Off-The-Shoulders
Many a blouse and sweater were styled to be worn off-the-shoulder even if they weren't designed that way. Turns out, tugging one side of a garment to hug your shoulder and show off your décolletage makes you look instantly cooler.
Baja East
Photo: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images.
Fenty x Puma by Rihanna
Photo: Thomas Concordia/Getty Images.
BCBG
Photo: Firstview.
Monse
Photo: Brian Ach/Getty Images.
Non-'70s Lacing
Over the last year, you couldn't walk into any fast-fashion store without seeing a lace-up top or dress. The trend's sticking around, but it's a lot less boho this time around. Check out these examples to see what we mean.
Proenza Schouler
Photo: Victor Virgile/Getty Images.
Fenty x Puma by Rihanna
Photo: Thomas Concordia/Getty Images.
Tome
Photo: Randy Brooke/Getty Images.
DKNY
Photo: Edward James/Getty Images.
Maiyet
Photo: Firstview.
DKNY
Photo: Edward James/Getty Images.
Clothes With Piercings
Runway looks featured metallic embellishments in the form of jewelry-like piercings. Here, little hoops clasp together the sides of a flowy skirt.
Public School
Photo: Victor Virgile/Getty Images.
Herve Leger
Photo: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images.
Dion Lee
Photo: Ilya S. Savenok/Getty Images.
Opening Ceremony
Photo: JP Yim/Getty Images.
Calvin Klein
Photo: Antonio de Moraes Barros Filho/Getty Images.
Print Clashing
Print mixing's gone to the next level, to print clashing. Anything goes this season, even if they don't technically "match" in the slightest.
J. Crew
Photo: Catwalking/Getty Images.
Opening Ceremony
Photo: JP Yim/Getty Images.
Victoria Beckham
Photo: Antonio de Moraes Barros Filho/Getty Images.
Coach
Photo: Victor Virgile/Getty Images.
Altuzarra
Photo: Firstview.
Phelan
Photo: Firstview.
Short Sleeves Over Long Sleeves
Here's another layering tip straight from the runways: Wear shorter sleeves over longer ones. Ideally, the sleeves that show from underneath are voluminous, printed, or brightly colored (or doubled up, in this particular case).
Creatures Of The Wind
Photo: Noam Galai/Getty Images.
Suno
Photo: Matthew Eisman/Getty Images.
Edun
Photo: Brian Ach/Getty Images.
Karen Walker
Photo: JP Yim/Getty Images.
Tinsel Town
You might be wearing tinsel (yes, the stuff you put on your Christmas tree) to your office holiday party this year. Dresses and outerwear looked straight from the party-supplies aisle at your local pharmacy, taking festive dressing extremely literally.
Adam Selman
Photo: Slaven Vlasic/Getty Images.
Jeremy Scott
Photo: Victor Virgile/Getty Images.
Milly
Photo: Firstview.
Contrast Top-Stitching
Stitches aren't necessarily meant to be seen this season, but contrasting thread colors were used on dresses and outerwear (like white stitches on black or navy) — some more subtle and thin, and some more thick and noticeable.
Dion Lee
Photo: Ilya S. Savenok/Getty Images.
Creatures Of The Wind
Photo: Victor Virgile/Getty Images.
Proenza Schouler
Photo: Victor Virgile/Getty Images.
Edun
Photo: Brian Ach/Getty Images.
Nicholas K
Photo: Catwalking/Getty Images.
Head-To-Toe Velour
You might regret throwing out your Juicy Couture velour sweatsuit come next fall, because a head-to-toe fuzzy look is coming back. Only this time, it's super chic with elevated silhouettes in super-rich colors.
Opening Ceremony
Photo: Edward James/Getty Images.
3.1 Phillip Lim
Photo: Antonio de Moraes Barros Filho/Getty Images.
Crumb-Catcher Bra Tops
You know back in the day of the cami when your bra would stick out from the top of your tank? This is one of those unexpected details we started to notice showing up over and over at the shows — a peekaboo bra detail on tops and dresses alike. Here, it's just a colorblocking illusion, and elsewhere, it's an actual crumb-catcher layer of fabric on the top of the blouse or dress.
Victoria Beckham
Photo: Antonio de Moraes Barros Filho/Getty Images.
Creatures Of The Wind
Photo: Victor Virgile/Getty Images.
Gypsy Sport
Photo: Firstview.
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