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2018 was dubbed the year fashion went viral in Lyst’s ‘Year in Fashion’ report. This major international fashion directory tracked over 100 million searches on their site, analysing spikes in fashion demand from "80 million shoppers across five million fashion products from 12,000 online stores."
READ MORE: These are the 5 trends you'll be wearing in 2019 courtesy of international fashion authorities
WGSN Insider highlights the greatest trend hits from the report - "ugly sneakers trampled the rest of the product field, led by the Balenciaga Triple S, Fila Disruptor and Nike M2K Tekno. Belt bags were second with searches up 80%."
"Puffers were the most searched coat style on Lyst," WGSN adds that "tiny sunglasses took sixth place" to none of our surprise".
When Kourtney Kardashian jabbed at Kim that her newfound affinity for bike shorts makes her look like a Tour de France participant, we thought the trend would soon lose its popularity. We thought wrong because according to Lyst, "sales of bike shorts increased 78% year on year," as expected with fads and fashions introduced to the world by the Kardashians.
The report confirmed this, stating in not so many words that in 2018 we reached "peak Kardashian".
READ MORE: 7 trends you thought the Kardashians invented (but that existed ages ago!)
So hate it or love it, bike shorts are here to stay.
1. Bike shorts: Stash it
I mean, bike shorts even made it into Chanel's Spring '19 collection despite not being considered a "classy" trend.
This trend is so sought after that, according to InStyle, the likes of Zara and H&M will soon be introducing new and improved versions with higher waistbands, zip details and are longer to cater for taller people.
In the meantime, you can shop this 2-pack of black cycle shorts from Superbalist, R279
2. Dad sneakers: Stash it
Dad fashion was one of the top "trends that mattered" on Lyst's report, along with meme fashion and '90s/2000s fashion. This can largely be attributed to ugly, yet trés comfortable sneakers.
Is it therefore ludicrous that dad sneakers took the number one spot in the global bestsellers category?
I think not.
And although Nike VaporMax sneakers were the eighth most searched shoes, their dad M2K Tekno placed higher (fourth) on most searched shoes, while the Fila Disruptor and the Balenciaga Triple S placed second and first respectively, cementing the fact that we're keeping our ugly kicks in 2019.
Another local favourite is the Puma Thunder Electric. Available at Shelflife, R2299
3. Sensible sandals: Stash it
Once again, comfort trumped aesthetics with the sensible sandal's victory as one of the global bestsellers of 2018. And these shoes slid swiftly into 2019. As previously predicted on our 2019 trend list, Birks and Tevas are finally here to stay.
And I personally, would like to thank Tracee Ellis Ross for giving these sandals their street cred back.
4. Puffer jacket: Stash it
It's probably way too hot to be even think about puffer jackets right now, but you'll be relieved to find out that the puffer you paid big bucks for last season was, in fact, an investment.
Falling under the meme fashion category, this winter warmer was the most searched coat style on Lyst.
5. Fanny pack: stash it
Top two and... it is two.
Another global bestseller to keep or go buy now is the uber convenient belt bag, fanny pack or bum bag (whatever you prefer to call it). Thanks to Gucci and Topshop, these flew off the shelves last year.
And we're ever so grateful for more affordable alternatives. Shop this one on sale at Zara for R359
And now for the trends the W24 team thinks you should ditch in 2019:
Trash it
1. "All grey checked items." Phelo Mbude
2. "Neon, especially green." Marilynn Manuel
3. "Fluffy slides need to go." Noluthando Mdayi
4. "Clear perspex heels á la Kim K." Afika Jadezweni
What do you think should definitely stay in 2018? Tell us on Twitter or Facebook.
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