Don't You Dare Throw Out These 17 Items — You'll Need Them For 2018
Chances are, you already own a handful of the 17 fashion items we listed below. And if you don't, it's about time you read up on the trends, take a glance at the 2018 runways, and ask yourself why you're still missing out. If it's because some of these looks seem too challenging to pull off — like over-the-knee boots or checked print — we have styling advice. And if you were just about to chuck some of these clothes, hold the damn phone. Basket bags, sequins, puffer coats . . . these styles are not about to retire. Read up on what's staying in before you go HAM cleaning your closet out.
Checked Pants
Wear With: Mismatched checks of a different size, but make sure your separates are the same in tone.
Our Pick: Zara High Waist Checked Trousers
These Zara High Waist Checked Trousers can definitely be coordinated with some of the tartan blazers or coats you already have.
Over-the-Knee Boots
Wear With: An asymmetrical skirt so you can be bold about your look and show them just how high your boots travel.
Our Pick: Mango Over-the-Knee Heel Boots
If you're new to the thigh-high boot trend, start with these Mango Over-the-Knee Heel Boots ($90), which are simple in shade and material.
Trench Coat
Wear With: A long checked skirt and plenty of layers so you can bundle up your clothes and cinch at the waist. For more styling ideas with a trench coat, click here.
Our Pick: Asos Trench Coat in Vinyl
This Asos Trench Coat in Vinyl ($127) speaks to the PVC trend too, so you're killing two birds with one stone.
Puffers
Wear With: Feminine florals and a thick turtleneck sweater to "toughen" up the flirty vibes of your look. The puffer has replaced the bomber, and it's generally warmer too, so we're not complaining.
Our Pick: Asos Ultimate Puffer Jacket
We love the powdery pink shade of the Asos Ultimate Puffer Jacket ($87), which will fit a wide range of sizes and shapes.
Track Pants
Wear With: Heels or booties. Track pants aren't going anywhere in 2018, but you can refresh your old pairs in new ways. Instead of sporting them with feminine off-the-shoulder blouses and sneakers, try rocking a padded down vest and backless mules or something with a stiletto heel.
Our Pick: Tory Sport Banner Tear Away Track Pants
You can unbutton the Tory Sport Banner Tear Away Track Pants ($178) to affect the shape of your outfit or show off your shoes.
Statement Earrings
Wear With: A top that leaves your shoulders bare so you can really draw attention to long chains or chunky hoops.
Our Pick: Adornmonde Rodolphe Gold Crystal Star Earrings
You'll get a tremendous amount of wear out of the Adornmonde Rodolphe Gold Crystal Star Earrings ($90), which are both delicate and eye-catching at the same time. These go with everything from a white tee to a tough moto jacket.
Oversize Shopper Totes
Wear With: Neutral basics to allow the shape of your bag to take center stage — that's what it's all about.
Our Pick: Elizabeth and James Market Grommet Small Leather Tote
Elizabeth and James Market Grommet Small Leather Tote ($382, originally $545)
Hoodies
Wear With: Your power suit and loafers. Instead of going all out in athleisure like we did in 2017, it's time to polish off your old college sweatshirt with smartly tailored coordinates and a designer bag.
Our Pick: Champion Fleece Logo Hoodie
Rep your favorite sports brand with the Champion Fleece Logo Hoodie - 100% Exclusive ($50).
Kitten Heels
Wear With: Wide-leg pants and a duster coat that comes to a slightly different length. You'll want to play with proportions and really draw attention to your shoes with tiny little heels. Whether it's an '80s-inspired bootie you're after, a leather mule, or a slingback, the footwear silhouette's sticking around.
Our Pick: The Row Suede and Satin Bow Mules
The relaxed contrast bow on The Row Suede and Satin Bow Mules ($795) is what really makes them unique.
Flannel
Wear With: Perform the half-tuck with a slouchy flannel, and let a coordinating belt peek out. You can also layer one flannel over another, or use a checked iteration to contrast another buzzy pattern. For even more ideas, click here.
Our Pick: Mango Oversize Check Shirt
This Mango Oversize Check Shirt ($50) comes in classic tones and has just enough give to layer with.
Chunky Sneakers
Wear With: Ribbed socks and slacks. Call them "Dad sneakers" if you will, these trainers have chunky soles and thick platforms that offer all the more support and make quite a statement at the same time.
Our Pick: Zara Sneakers With Contrasting Felt
The oxblood shade of these Zara Sneakers With Contrasting Felt ($56) makes them versatile. We think they'd look smashing with some gold jewelry involved.
Denim Skirt
Wear With: Black tights, a polished tee, and contrast '80s booties. Bonus points if you take it back to the '80s with exaggerated shoulder pads.
Our Pick: R 13 Women's Distressed Asymmetric Denim Skirt
This R 13 Women's Distressed Asymmetric Denim Skirt ($365) speaks to the deconstructed denim trend, and it's just distressed enough so that adding on to your outfit won't look messy.
Graphic Tee
Wear With: A powder blue suit or under a checked co-ord set. You can also try one with an oversize fit styled with a pair of over-the-knee boots. See: lampshading. Complete the combination with a thick, structured jacket.
Our Pick: Levi's Graphic Logo Print T-Shirt
When it comes to graphic tees you'll want to keep forever, we say go for something classic like this Levi's Graphic Logo Print T-Shirt ($49).
Sequins
Wear With: Your most casual pieces during the day, whether that be a loose striped shirt or a sweater, or even your sneakers — sequins by day might be more, or equally as popular, as sequins by night.
Our Pick: J.Crew Collection Tie Shoulder Sequin Dress
While you might look at the J.Crew Collection Tie Shoulder Sequin Dress ($298) and think "New Year's Eve," there are so many ways the glitzy number can be styled for a daytime party, or even the office.
Jumpsuit
Wear With: A pair of heels. We say go for a slouchy utility jumpsuit that might as well come off as somebody's uniform, then style it up. Roll the sleeves, the hem of your pants, or even cinch at the waist. Complete with a statement clutch and stilettos to talk about.
Our Pick: Frame Cropped High-Rise Cotton Twill Jumpsuit
The Frame Cropped High-Rise Cotton Twill Jumpsuit ($550) is just fitted enough, and can be styled a variety of ways.
Basket Bag
Wear With: Some 2018 statement denim and a chunky turtleneck. The basket bag trend might be a surprising one, but that doesn't mean it's running out of steam. The most wow-worthy way to wear one is with your Winter gear. Pulling that off is half the battle.
Our Pick: Muun Lou Straw Basket Tote
The Muun Lou Straw Basket Tote ($245) has a little something extra with a wiry bow and a picnic scarf as adornments.
Denim Jacket
Wear With: A statement skirt or dress and some standout heels or booties. Either pull one off the shoulder, or button asymmetrically to achieve the "deconstructed" look.
Our Pick: Asos Denim Girlfriend Jacket in Midwash Blue
The Asos Denim Girlfriend Jacket in Midwash Blue ($64) is slouchy and long enough to style to your liking. Roll up the sleeves, get inventive with the buttons, or let it hang loose.