I've Just Discovered 6 Secret Microtrends, and I'm Buying Them All

Microtrends are often offshoots of defining looks from the runways. After a few months of percolating and being adopted early by fashion enthusiasts, the key (albeit it less obvious) emerging buys are visible to the eagle-eyed among us.

What's more is that they are often easier to weave into our daily looks without resulting in side-eyes from passersby in the street. Take animal print, for example. It's undoubtedly one of fall's frontrunners (showcased at Dolce & Gabbana, Givenchy, and Halpern in the most delightfully extravagant ways), but you may find that, in reality, wearing it head to toe isn't the simplest option. Instead, we'll likely turn to hero pieces like a coat, skirt, or a sweater.

Another example of a microtrend that came to life this past summer via street style and social media was Réalisation's leopard-print skirt. Why did it become so popular? Because it's a game-changing item we can style with T-shirts and our go-to shoes.

In addition to reflecting the top trends, you'll also find that microtrends are often more affordable (win) and more likely to garner a nod from those in the know (double win). Keep scrolling to discover and shop the microtrends dominating fall and winter this year.

PUFF-SLEEVE DRESSES

Style Notes: Type the words "puff sleeve" into the search engine of any shopping site, and lots of options will pop up. We're especially here for the minidresses.

Related: The Iconic High-Street Dress Brand That Comes Fashion-Editor Approved

RECTANGULAR-BUCKLE WAIST BELTS

Style Notes: That's right—waist belts are officially back, but they're infinitely cooler than the elasticated numbers we wore back in the day. We're thankful that butterfly clasps have been replaced with much sleeker rectangular buckles.

Related: The 4 Easy Autumn Trends That Will Instantly Update Your Wardrobe

ZEBRA-PRINT KNITS

Style Notes: Leopard and snake motifs are all the rage right now, but zebra print is quietly rising through the ranks too. We recommend integrating it into your wardrobe with a monochrome pullover.

STATEMENT PEARL EARRINGS

Style Notes: Nothing can overhaul your look quite like a pair of statement earrings. This season, instead of colored gems and hammered metal, the baubles to flaunt are pearls.

Related: Winter 2018 Fashion Trends: The Only Looks You Need to Know

YELLOW TROUSERS

Style Notes: Standout strides always make a comeback for fall, this time in a sunny hue. Wearing a pair of wide-leg yellow trousers is the fashion equivalent of taking an Emergen-C.

Related: All the New Season Shoe Trends We Want to Tell You About

MOCK-CROC SHOES

Style Notes: Commonplace on handbags it may be, but mock croc is fast becoming the It material of shoes, too. It's effortlessly elegant. Use a pair to add polish to ripped jeans, miniskirts, and floral frocks.

Opening Image: The Style Stalker

This post originally appeared on Who What Wear UK.

Maxine Eggenberger
Deputy Editor

Maxine Eggenberger is Who What Wear UK’s deputy editor and has over twelve years of experience in fashion journalism. She been creating engaging and elevated style content for Who What Wear UK since 2018, covering runway reports, emerging trends, long-form features, self-styled shopping stories, and columns, including her edit of the best new-in buys. She ensures the highest editorial standards are met across the site, works closely with influencer talent on content initiatives, represents the brand at industry events, and regularly contributes to social media. Previously, Maxine appeared on TV in her own fashion segment and has interviewed countless celebrities—everyone from Victoria Beckham to Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o. 


Prior to Who What Wear UK, Maxine’s career began when, after completing her first-ever internship, she was offered a position on the Look magazine fashion desk. She accepted, leaving university a year early in the process. She went on to become the title's fashion news and commercial content editor, with a stint as InStyle.co.uk’s fashion writer along the way. She later served as Look’s acting Editor in Chief before embarking on a successful freelance career, working with Grazia, The Pool, and Marie Claire amongst others. Maxine works remotely from her countryside home near Edinburgh.