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!
It can be intimidating to step out on your own and build a business from the ground up. As part of our collaboration with Office Depot, we're talking with Selfmade alum and solopreneur Colette Lawrence, the faith-based motivator and relationship builder behind The M.E.E. Movement, about ways in which women in business can find success.
B + C: How did you know M.E.E. Movement was your business to start?
The M.E.E Movement represents motivation, empowerment, and encouragement for women. It is what represents me. I did not know at first that it was my business to start, but then the thought of monetizing what I loved came to me. It scared me, however. I registered the business in July 2020 and have been slowly building my wings since.
B + C: What's one strategy that's helped you start your business?
Thinking through and researching what the requirements are to start my business, and then asking questions of people who are in the business. Not all advice worked; however, it helped me to figure out what I needed to do and not to do.
B + C: Did you always know life coaching would be your entrepreneurial path?
(Smiles) No, I did not. I 'stumbled" on it. I knew that people were always coming to me for advice and I found that I loved having conversations with them, especially with women, young and old.
B + C: What was your most valuable takeaway from Selfmade?
My most valuable takeaway was the first day of training: Get out of your own way. There were a lot of great moments and important takeaways from every presenter. However, getting out of my own way, pushing past doubts, was for me my most valuable takeaway. Doing something that I had never done before took courage. If I do not focus on what is happening with me mentally then I cannot deliver to my clients successfully.
B + C: What's one piece of advice you would give to female entrepreneurs on the brink of starting?
Get out of your head. You have something to offer. You have what you need to succeed so go ahead and do it.
B + C: How do you stay motivated?
I stay motivated by listening to music and listening to motivational speakers, and sometimes someone will just reach out and talk about the impact that I made in their life. That adds the extra juice or sauce I need to pummel through the day.
B + C: What's your best organizational tip?
Keep a diary and journal. It's the best way for me to keep organized and it also provides a source motivation as I record not only my "losses" but my wins as well.
B + C: Who inspires you in the entrepreneurial space?
Shirley Toliver – She motivates and empowers and makes me always want to show up.
B + C: What has receiving the Office Depot scholarship to Selfmade done to help you start or grow your business?
The scholarship was a blessing in that all the areas that were covered offered valuable information that I needed, from social media to HR. As a new business owner, I needed to know this to increase my own personal awareness in what it takes to run a successful business. The candidness of the presenters made it easy to see myself in their shoes and helped me to realize that I can also get there.
Thanks Colette! You can follow The M.E.E. Movement on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
Want to feel motivated to take the next step for your business? Let Office Depot OfficeMax give you the confidence you need with a suite of business services & solutions to help you put your best foot forward. Make a good first impression with business cards & build the business pitch of your dreams with custom presentations. With Office Depot OfficeMax you'll find the tools to reach new customers with confidence.
Head to Office Depot's Selfmade page to check out even more amazing business resources (and discounts!) to help you accomplish more on your entrepreneurial journey. These offers are available for a limited time only, so be sure to take advantage of all this goodness while supplies last. Want to join the next Selfmade cohort this summer? Check out all of the scholarship details right here.