Most Flattering Trends 2017
14 Universally Flattering Trends to Try in 2017
Product Credit: Audra Blouse, La Vie by Rebecca Taylor Jeans, Eugenia Kim Hat, Svilu Top, Levis Jeans, Gucci Sunglasses, Nanushka Budapest Bag
As POPSUGAR editors, we independently select and write about stuff we love and think you'll like too. If you buy a product we have recommended, we may receive affiliate commission, which in turn supports our work.
Some trends are short-lived but memorable (arm warmers, bubble skirts, the list goes on), while others have staying power. So far, 2017 has seen plenty of the latter, and we simply must pay them respect. These 14 trends aren't just eye-catching, they are also entirely figure-flattering and help us appear more confident in our clothes. We're taking a closer look at all the styles this year has brought us so far and shopping them just in time to wear all Summer — and beyond. Scroll to read up, get inspired, and hit the streets feeling fashion-forward and fabulous all at once.
1 Exaggerated Sleeves
Product Credit: Audra Blouse, La Vie by Rebecca Taylor Jeans, Eugenia Kim Hat, Svilu Top, Levis Jeans, Gucci Sunglasses, Nanushka Budapest Bag
At this point, there are so many different types of exaggerated sleeves, it's tough to pick a favorite shape. From pleated bell sleeves to balloon sleeves and ones with loose sashes hanging from the wrist, whichever you choose, the silhouette promises to draw attention to the slimmest part of your figure when you tuck it into your jeans or rock a cropped version.
2 Corsets
It's easy to tell why a wide corset would flatter your waist in a cinch. Use one to break up a busy pattern, simultaneously giving off the illusion of a slimmer, leaner frame. If you need more inspiration for how to wear one, we've got you covered.
3 Track Pants
A high-waisted, loose-fitting trouser with vertical lines is not only flattering but also comfortable and striking. These pants help you pull off a sporty look, but you can up the fancy factor with heeled boots or mules to lengthen your legs and get away with the style at an event.
4 Millennial Pink
Product Credit: A Piece Apart Blouse, ASOS Pants, Agmes Earrings, Krewe Sunglasses, Karen Walker Bag, Tabitha Simmons Shoes
To us, millennial pink is flattering because it's a visual delight and refreshing in all forms. There's a certain nostalgia tied to such a girlie shade that we used to associate with our Barbie dolls or favorite princess dresses. But even more importantly, the hue flatters many skin tones and helps us embrace our glow. If you need to get in on the trend, shop away.
5 Gingham Print
If you had been tired of stripes, 2017 brought a new classic option: gingham. In tiny checks, the pattern is flattering and mixes seamlessly into any outfit. It helps you pull off the mixed-print look, and it pairs perfectly against bright colors, especially when you opt for gingham in black and white. The best news is, there are so many options for shopping, you can wear gingham on any separate you like.
6 Ruffled Denim
From ruffles to wraps around the ankle, 2017 denim isn't just distressed, it's deconstructed and adorned with extra embellishments. Ruffles are a flattering option since they draw attention downward, elongating your legs with a little strip of "extension" material.
7 Crochet
Crochet appears breezy and light and helps you pull off effortless vibes in the warmer months. It's all the texture and dimension you need, so when you complete it with a neutral pair of shoes or some standard denim, you're good to go. The material helps you achieve a no-brainer one-and-done look in a snap.
8 Lightweight Wrap Dresses
From Harley Viera-Newton's buzzy dress line to silk styles and wrap dresses with ruffles, the silhouette seems to be everywhere this year. Even before Spring, fashion girls wore their numbers layered over jeans. The design isn't new (it was brought to life by Diane von Furstenberg in the '70s), but in 2017, it's being worn in refreshing ways.
9 Grandpa Glasses
We call these oversize opticals "grandpa glasses," and plenty of supermodels are on board with the trend. If you shop for the right shape and color, these can be extremely flattering when you want to ditch eye makeup and just swipe on a bit of lipstick. They also help you add a vintage touch to any ensemble you're working.
10 The New Power Suit
The new power suit doesn't come in simple black, and it's offered in a wide range of avant-garde, unexpected shapes. This power suit is all the more exciting when you layer with it and use it to achieve a sleek, sophisticated monochrome look.
11 Sock Boots
While you might at first expect the sock boot to hit your shin at an awkward spot, the leg-hugging style is actually super flattering. It adds length to your gams and, with the help of a heel, adds inches to your frame. Pair these with a miniskirt for a sporty-chic touch.
12 Hoodies
The oversize hoodie look helps women of all shapes and sizes play with proportions. If your sweatshirt is super slouchy, you can tuck it into a slim skirt, and you can even throw it over a lacy high-neck blouse for feminine flair. Find a neutral design that suits your own signature look, then wear it with everything from palazzo pants to skinny jeans and long pleated maxis.
13 Waist Bags
The waist bag is a variation of the classic fanny pack. There are plenty of designs that come equipped with two pouches, and they can always be used to break up a printed piece and cinch your waist like a functional, above-average belt.
14 Paper-Bag Pants
If you wear paper-bag pants the right way — with a body-hugging top that allows you to put the slimmest part of your body on display — this silhouette is universally flattering. A long, baggy trouser is also comfortable. Belt them up top to really cinch in your waist, and find a design in a bold shade or with added details such as pleating to really stand out.
