Welcome to Micro-Trends. In this series, I'm zeroing in on the hyper-specific iterations of what's trending at large, and I've become somewhat of an expert at spotting them. (Okay, it's basically a pastime of mine at this point.) Once you discover this month's micro-trends, consider yourself an insider.
Here at Who What Wear, we focus a lot of our energy on the biggest trends of the season and while we'll never stop covering the heavy-hitters, there are several micro-trends worthy of honorary mentions. While these aren't causing major style moves yet, we firmly believe that it's only a matter of time until they graduate from micro to macro or, in other words, from niche to mainstream.
After hours of online shopping (all in the name of research!), I'm sharing the micro-trends on my radar at the moment. I've spotted these pieces on the feeds of the most influential women I know and stocked at several key retailers, which tells me that each of them is on the brink of becoming huge. From the color trend that's rivaling all your other neutrals to the new way insiders are styling their knee boots right now, keep reading to see and shop the five micro-trends of the moment.
1. Chocolate Brown
Don't be intimidated by chocolate brown—it's not as tricky to style as it seems. Think of this rich hue as a fresh alternative to the other neutrals you might reach for like black or beige.
Wear this over jeans and a tee and you're golden.
Give this wardrobe essential a seasonal update in rich chocolate brown.
This material looks thick enough to wear as a jacket, just like the model did.
I own this dress and can attest that it fits like a dream.
2. Spliced Fabrics
Why choose one color, print, or fabric when you can have both? If you're as indecisive as I am, then this micro-trend goes out to you. It's all about pieces that look like they've been spliced into two and re-sewn back together to create a color-blocking effect.
So much cooler than your plain blazer.
Style these with combat boots for a fresh spin on the utility trend.
If this cardi doesn't earn you loads of compliments, I give up.
3. Woven Leather
Ready for the next luxurious-looking trend you can snap up at any budget? Enter woven or braided leather. Popularized by Bottega Veneta's iconic intrecciato texture, this braided effect is no longer exclusive to the Italian house—we're seeing similar takes for as little as $150 in the case of this lovely & Other Stories bag below.
Bottega just keeps churning out hit after hit.
This affordable bag is $150, but it could easily pass as over $500.
The prettiest flats you'll buy this year.
4. Long Shorts With Knee Boots
Fact: Knee-high boots are the most important shoe trend of the season. With styling ideas to be found all over the place, there's no shortage of ways to wear them, yet fashion insiders have beeing styling them with knee-length Bermuda shorts so that only their knees are peeking out between their shorts and boots. It's a quirky styling idea to be sure, but one that feels quite innovative.
No one nails tailored separates quite like Tibi.
The brand that's pretty much defining the knee-boot trend right now.
Styled with knee boots, these work for fall, but they're also a solid warm-weather staple.
In a word: obsessed.
5. Back Details
Open-back and backless tops are the micro-trend we didn't see coming, yet designers from Peter Do to Reformation are taking a decidedly tasteful approach to baring skin via subtle cutouts and elegant draping—and we have to say, we're here for it. (We might just want to invest in a sticky bra first, though.)
I didn't think anyone could transform a plain blazer into a work of art, but Peter Do sure did.
As the name suggests, this is the ultimate date-night top.
All your other basic turtlenecks will be jealous.
Next up: Discover the 5 It pieces of the month.
