It’s a blast from the past – with a twist – as we gear up for what are slated to be the biggest – and most surprising – retro-inspired trends for the coming year. So bust out the neon, and get ready to repurpose that never-worn lingerie, as we take you through the 10 (most surprising) trends that everyone will be wearing this year!
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Neon brights
For fans of highlighter-hues (or the 80’s), you’re in luck! Bright, bold shades are the new neutral, and we’re not talking small accessories here – we’re thinking more like all-over neon in mixed pops of colour and bold print. So trash the fashion etiquette of 2016, because old rules need not apply!

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Balloon pants
So we’re guessing this means MC Hammer was ahead of the times when he first rocked the balloon pant? Wide leg trousers have given way to even wider fits in a bid to see which designer can parade the most voluminous pair down the runway. Get ready to see this style in the everyday, as mainstream labels like Zara have begun stepping up with their own (somewhat) scaled down versions for spring 2017.

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The new “it” accessory
Strap yourself in, because it’s going to be a sexy ride. Or at least that’s what all the recent lingerie-turned-ready-to-wear designs would have us believe. Hitting the scene in a big way are lacey underthings overtop of basic T’s, and corset and harness-style accessories giving an x-rated update to your basic belts. If you’re looking to try the corset style, we suggest going for something with minimal bells and whistles, preferably in a neutral colour so you can layer it overtop of your basic t’s and get the trend points - without looking like a dominatrix in training.

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Back to the 80’s
If the neon, lace details and slogan styles didn’t give it away: 80’s fashion is back, and it’s better than ever. We’ve done away with the shoulder pads, but brought back the boyfriend blazers (were they ever out?) and hiked those hemlines higher than they’ve ever been. Welcome to the year of the reboot of the micro-mini.

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Foral overload
Designers are gearing up for spring and breaking some outdated “fashion rules” with the resurgence of the floral print. All forms of the patterned fleur are back with a vengeance, with runways bursting at the seams with head to toe mixed florals. From tops to shoes to the matching dress and jacket – there’s no such thing as too much when it comes to this trend for 2017.

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Mixy matchy
Forget everything you think you know about “complimentary pieces” – this year fashion is going bold and breaking all the rules. When it comes to matching – or mismatching – your wardrobe, it’s all about extremes. Skip the middle-ground and choose to go either completely monochromatic with your look, or go the other way and have some fun mixing clashing prints and styles. Anything goes!

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Stirrup pants
It’s off to the races in the revival of the stirrup-pant. Only this time around, instead of using the strap design to keep pants securely tucked into boots, it’s looking like trend setters are showing off the foot strap detail instead, pairing the pants with pumps and sandals alike.

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Exaggerated sleeves
It’s all about the statement sleeve in 2017. You’re going to be seeing classic styles with a new twist, as your sleeves get decked out in frills, ruffles, ropes and lace. They are going to be longer and louder than you’ve ever seen them, so as with most of the trends on tap for the year: this one’s for the brave.

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Bralettes
Piggybacking on the lingerie theme is the bralette; now a totally acceptable form of day-wear. Style stalkers have already begun rocking this style, pairing their basics with bralette styles layered overtop, or taking the plunge wearing the skimpy tops with high-waisted trousers and jackets overtop.

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Slogan style
If you’ve got something to say this year – get it printed on your shirt. Everything from playful to political is on the table as style takes a very graphic turn. Quotes, sayings and calls to action are on everyone’s mind, and their t-shirts in 2017 – what will yours read?
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