Fashion has an uncertain shelf-life — what was once the IT thing one year loses its cool factor in the next, and other things that were deemed unwearable suddenly become style staples. It’s like a never-ending chain of trends. What remains constant is people like you and me — the ones who make and break these trends.
2015, like any other year, had its share of highs and lows as far as style was concerned. While we cringed at the rise of the naked dress trend, we loved how the spotlight was on “sneakers with everything”. Some pieces that were already in our closet held their ground and became the accessory of the year (read: brooches), and we’re not complaining. Not to forget how wraps and capes seamlessly shifted from just being seasonal layering to fashion staples. Here’s a look at 2015s biggest fashion trends and what did/didn’t make them special for us.
Lisa Haydon. Photo: Viral Bhayani
1. The Naked Dress
2015 was a year when risqué became synonymous with stylish. Celebrities were seen baring it all on red carpets globally, giving rise to the naked dress trend. While it was ushered in by international celebrities like Beyonce, JLo and Rihanna, we soon saw Bollywood actresses follow suit and go to extremes in some cases. Deepika Padukone and Lisa Haydon experimented with daringly-cut gowns, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan made a mild display of skin at Cannes. Nonetheless, the naked dress gained prominence in the fashion world, in the form of sequinned, feathered, and beaded cover-ups. Will we continue to see this dress in 2016? We hope not. There’s something to be said about leaving a little to the imagination.
Shraddha Kapoor. Photo: Viral Bhayani
2. Culottes
The pants du jour of 2015 were undoubtedly culottes. Touted as the IT pants of the year, this tricky trend was a must-have for fashionistas. From Deepika Padukone to Shraddha Kapoor, Bollywood actresses took to this wide-legged trouser in style, and it seems like the trend is likely to stay. We love how chic these billowing pants look, and let’s be honest it’s flattering no matter what your shape. Want to look chic in this flowing silhouette? Team it up with a crop top and a pair of heels and you’re good-to-go.
Sonakshi Sinha. Photo: Viral Bhayani
3. White Sneakers
One shoe that literally invaded the style zone was a pair of white sneakers. In 2015, sporty kicks met every style of outfit — dresses, shorts, denims and more. Everybody was literally living in a pair of non-coloured sneakers. From street style fashionistas to celebrities, stark white sneakers were embraced by the fashion set with open arms. Is this trend going to stick around? We hope so!
Aditi Rao Hydari. Photo: Viral Bhayani
4. Distressed Denims
Sloppy started looking in vogue thanks to a pair of tattered denims. From skinny to boyfriend styles and even mom jeans, ripped denims were seen in every style this year. We also saw this pair of denim being teamed up with ethnic jackets, shirts, sweatshirts and a long cape. When Google released its most-asked fashion questions of 2015, how to fray jeans was one of them. All we can say is, this unexpected shift of deeming tattered appropriate shows that it only takes a nod from the fashion crowd to define what will rule the streets.
Kangana Ranaut. Photo: Viral Bhayani
5. 70s Revival
70s-inspired fashion was a runway favourite for Spring/Summer 2015 and carried forward to Fall as well. Fringes came back with a bang, peasant blouses and dresses were touted as a favourite, bell bottoms were given a spin in the form of flared trousers, suede was the preferred fabric for skirts and dresses, and there was a throwback of the off-the-shoulder style. The turtleneck was a must-have in the 70s, and we love how we saw the trend this year around as well. The haute hippie made a stylish comeback.
Deepika Padukone. Photo: Viral Bhayani
6. Athleisure
One word that made a big difference in fashion this year was athleisure, and frankly, we couldn’t have been happier. From couture sneakers to jogger pants, the funda was as simple as it sounds: comfortably stylish. From fashion houses like Chanel to even Indian designers like Anamika Khanna, athletic ensembles were as chic as anything else in one’s wardrobe. And why not? Overtaxed schedules call for gym-to-the-boardroom kind of clothing. It’s not just time-saving but also infinitely relaxing.
Kriti Sanon. Photo: Viral Bhayani
7. 90s Revival
If the 70s were all about boho, the 90s was all about grunge. And the latter half of 2015 looked a lot like the 90s. Ripped jeans made its presence felt all year around, tees turned graphic, back-to-school trends were seen on adults and chokers became a thing again in jewellery. Even timeless patterns like plaid and gingham turned out to be a hit this year, not to forget slip dresses and shirt dresses.
Alia Bhatt. Photo: Viral Bhayani
8. Slogan Tees & Accessories
From graphic clutches to slogan tees, wearing your opinion on clothing and accessories was all the rage. We really like the idea of letting your ensemble do the talking for once. Sartorial text messages have made quite an effect in fashion. This trend has only helped heighten the quirk factor as far as fashion is concerned. We have no qualms whatsoever, because quirky is cool.
Shilpa Shetty. Photo: Viral Bhayani
9. Badges & Brooches
From being just functional to looking decorative, a brooch has come a long way. And 2015 was the year it gained the status of being a hot accessory. And why not? It can amp up even a simple ensemble. Be it in the oversized form in Prada, or pinned more than just once as seen on Dolce & Gabbana’s show, this incredibly stylish accessory walked in right from your grandma’s closet to ours.
Deepika Padukone. Photo: Viral Bhayani
10. Wraps
Gilets, capes and all kinds of wraps did a stylish 180 from being just fall layering and were incorporated in our summer wardrobe as well. The cape is a chic piece, and it helps transform a simple outfit into one that’s seriously stylish. This one piece of clothing adds so much potential to your ensemble, its addition can instantly change an office-appropriate attire into a party-approved one with minimal effort.
