12 Fashion Trends That Defined 2017

Ruffles, with their associations of smocked babydoll dresses and slow-dancing, say "you're doing amazing, sweetie," even if you aren't. At least that's the vibe this Alessandra Rich gives off, and plenty of other designers who incorporated the sweet, movement-friendly embellishment in their collections this year.

Gucci

Shop similar: Missguided, $28.50

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Christopher Kane

Few will be able to utter that phrase without cringing, but the stenographer of time (tough gig) will confirm that this is what we did in 2017. Here is Gigi Hadid wearing whatever-shade-you-like Nina Ricci.

Céline

Jessica Alba in Narciso Rodriguez

Shop similar: Cinq à Sept, $425

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Whether one central stripe across the chest on a tracksuit a Victoria's Secret Angel would wear on the plane or a bunch of really tiny ones zigzagging around Tamu Macpherson's very billowy pant legs, stripes burrowed themselves deep into the aesthetic of this year. Why? Could be that they're a sure bet in an uncertain time. Or it could just be that they're...stripes.

Kate Bosworth in Antonio Marras

Shop similar: Roger Vivier, $1,750

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Chloë Grace Moretz in Victoria Victoria Beckham

On the other, riskier hand, striped button-downs got chopped up and sewn back together again, a bit like Frankenstein's Monster but way better-looking. There's a 9/10 chance you bought something resembling this Monse number this summer.

Shop similar: Monse, $1,490

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Ann Demeulemeester

Sacai

Shop similar: Sacai, $420

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Henry Holland showed cowboy boots (a shoe trend of the year), Calvin Klein did those ranch-hand shirts with the contrast pockets, and pretty soon, others will follow. Get thee some boots, ya hear?

Calvin Klein

Cinq à Sept

Shop similar: Topshop, $160

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This one seemed to have been agreed on without the input of the Corporate Fashion Illuminati, but designers might've conferred amongst themselves, given how much red showed up on 2017's runways. Here's Fendi.

Dolce & Gabbana

Shop similar: Forever 21, $50

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Giambattista Valli

The print: you know. The twist: acidic colors and unexpected tailoring. (And just so you know, the designer here Bottega Veneta.)

Tome

Stella McCartney

With all the patchwork and crochet, the point is to acknowledge the artist's hand but in an inventive way that suggests the whole thing is much more *elevated* than a simple, "I crocheted this over the course of a year" affair. Take this Public School suit, for example.

Valentino

Dolce & Gabbana

Just as clothes in general got comfier, so too did suiting, of all things. In texture and in cut, matching blazer and trouser sets got a softer makeover, like this long-line guy from Zimmermann.

Nina Ricci

Shop similar: Frame, $575

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Agnès B.

Even if it wasn't Louis Vuitton, you probably wanted some sort of sheeny, self-tying coat this year. Good thing the high street heard you.

Shop similar: Topshop, $170

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Sacai

Hermès