Taking a quick look through your (super organized for winter, natch) closet, one thing is for certain: 2015 totally nailed it in the sartorial department. From throwback-inspired styles to unexpected twists on everyday pieces (hello, 21st-century denim), there was no shortage of fashion-forward trends to follow. And luckily for your wallets, in the new year, your 2015 wardrobe promises some serious staying power. Revisit the year’s fashion with us and feel satisfied knowing you’ve invested in some majorly stylish threads.
1. ’70s Style-Inspired Style: Designers brought the disco era back in a BIG way this year with far-out flares, plunging necklines and all-suede everything. The seemingly niche-y trend took off thanks to its clean lines, modern silhouettes, versatile neutral-toned color palette and undeniably romantic vibe, making it a fave of both front-row scenesters and fashion-loving ladies everywhere.
Reformation Eldridge Top ($168), M.i.h. Marrakesh Jean ($255), Zara City Bag With Flap ($70) + Topshop Smile Wooden Platform Clog ($90)
2. Anything but Skinny Jeans: Skinny jeans will always have a place in our wardrobes, but over the last year, we’ve had to make way for a whole new flock of denim. With crazy covetable cuts like cropped flares, boyfriend jeans, culottes, wide-leg denim, overalls and more, the whole off-duty dressing game permanently changed.
Mother Denim Maverick Jean ($105), M.i.h. Linda Jean ($265), ASOS Cropped Flare Jeans With Patch Pockets in Vintage Wash ($63) + J.Crew McGuire High-Waisted Flares ($216)
3. Skinny Scarves: Both statement baubles and dainty chains took a back seat to a totally unexpected retro piece: the skinny scarf. The delicate add-on packs major Stevie Nicks vibes, introducing a rocker edge to classic tees and injecting a free-wheelin’ feminine note to boho dresses and structured shirts.
Free People Rebel Rebel Printed Skinny Scarf ($20), Chan Luu Peace Keeper Skinny Scarf ($48) + Urban Outfitters Silky Skinny Scarf ($14) + Jayley Cara Silk Skinny Scarf ($27)
4. Menswear-Inspired Flats: Flats became a major fixture among the fashion set this year — even despite Cannes’ no-flats-allowed policy. Everyone from editors to big-name celebs was sporting the low-riding kicks at big-deal events like Fashion Week, award shows and beyond. In all of these occasions, shoes with old-timey, masculine flair were the style of choice. Loafers, oxfords and bluchers pulled their weight to add tomboy charm to femme looks.
ASOS MERCURY Lace Up Pointed Shoes ($63), Claire Slip-On Shoe ($99), Everlane Modern Loafer ($170) + Loeffler Randall Callie Wedge Oxford ($395)
5. Mini Bags: This year was all about taking a much-needed break from larger-than-life, shoulder-aching handbags and embracing more shrunken-down styles. They might not be able to fit much more than a phone, lipstick and a pint-sized wallet, but they turned the mandatory pocketbook into a very necessary accessory.
ZAC Zac Posen Eartha Iconic Mini Top Handle Satchel ($295), You’re One to Croc Mini Bag ($48), Rebecca Minkoff Micro Avery Tote ($195) + Furla Metropolis Crossbody Bag ($348)
6. Pointy-Toe Lace-Up Flats: While the expression “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” rings true for many classics, sometimes putting a modern spin on a wardrobe essential is a recipe for success. The ballet flat is one such example. The ordinary steppers became *the* must-have of the season with the addition of a pointy-toe and dramatic straps.
Ivanka Trump Trish Pointy Toe d’Orsay Ghillie Flat ($140), M. Gemmi The Brezza ($248), Gap Lace-Up Ballet Flats ($50) + Topshop Finest Pom-Pom Velvet Ghillies ($48)
7. Velvet: While suede was definitely a stand-out fabric of 2015, super soft velvet slithered in and held its own. The iconic ‘90s fabric spread like wildfire through collections, turning up in everything from party dresses to classic camis and athleisure-inspired pants. Striking the perfect balance of cozy and luxe vibes, it’s a welcome addition to our cold-weather wardrobe.
Tophop Textured Velvet Bomber ($115), Silence + Noise Satin Inset Velvet Cami ($44), Mango Velvet Pocket Skirt ($60) + Cos Velvet Crop Trousers ($125)
8. Capes: Any less-than-outstanding outerwear just wasn’t going to fly this year, and the cape did not disappoint. Instantly elevating everything from LBDs to classic denim, this chic topper kept us cozy to boot.
Nasty Gal Kiley Plaid Cape ($88), COS Oversized Wool Cape ($350), Zara Colorful Striped Poncho ($50) + ASOS Premium Extra Chunky Cable Roll Neck Cape ($90)
9. Off-the-Shoulder Tops and Dresses: You couldn’t walk down the street this summer without spotting at least one off-the-shoulder frock or top showing off perfectly sun-kissed shoulders. For winter, the ultra feminine silhouette got upgraded with luxe fabrics and long sleeves for a sophisticated and seasonally appropriate feel.
Free People Need You Now Pullover ($168), ASOS The Off Shoulder Top With Long Sleeves ($26), Silence + Noise Arianna Velvet Off-the-Shoulder Top ($39) + Loft Beach Tropic Off-the-Shoulder Dress ($70)
10. (Faux) Fur Accents: For fall and winter 2015, not just any accessories would do. From vibrant, oversized coats to eye-catching earmuffs and super soft bags, faux fur accents ensured that cold weather wouldn’t get in the way of achieving haute style status.
Urbancode Faux Fur Clutch Bag With Optional Shoulder Strap ($162), Ann Taylor Faux Fur Earmuffs ($45), Charlotte Simone Shaggy Stole ($281) + H&M Faux Fur Jacket ($129)
11. Lazy-Girl Style: This year was basically a lazy girl’s dream, with the introduction of athleisure and oversized everything making big waves. Trainers reigned supreme, joggers made their way into the workplace and big cozy knits became *the* must-have piece. The easy-going look is totally game-changing, making it easy as ever to look stylish, even on days you just can’t motivate.
Forever21 Classic Bomber Jacket ($60), COS Roll Neck Jumper ($125), Missguided Fleck Marl Joggers ($34) + New Balance 530 90s Running Remix Sneakers ($100)
What was your favorite 2015 trend? Tell us on Twitter!