10 Trends That Look Sensational on Insta and Are Practical IRL, Too

Ask just about anyone of your friends where they go to for fashion inspiration, and we'd venture to guess the answer will almost always be Instagram. Unlike 10 years ago when magazine spreads were the destination of choice, the social media platform has unequivocally become the easiest way to discover new brands, outfit ideas, and the ilk in no time flat. Fashion trends, specifically, are ripe for the picking on Insta, but sometimes there are certain looks that don't seem to translate to real-life so well (I'm talking directly to you, extremely low-slung jeans).

Thankfully, there remain plenty of Instagram fashion trends that look sensational not only on the confines of your iPhone but also in real life where it matters most. Ahead, see 10 of our favorites and shop the pieces to up your personal style game on social media and IRL.

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The Trend: Head-to-Toe Leather
(Image credit: @ada_oguntodu)

Head-to-toe leather was spotted all over the fall/winter 2019 runways and has trickled into the Instagram circuit since. As illustrated above, the extra texture looks elevated and interesting. 

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The Trend: Macro Bags
(Image credit: @alyssainthecity)

Skip the inconveniences of the micro-bag trends and reach for a purse with plenty of room instead.

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The Trend: Sequin Skirt
(Image credit: @bettinalooney)

With the holiday season in full swing, there's never been a better time to embrace the sequinned skirt trend that's beloved on social media.

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The Trend: Polo Sweater
(Image credit: @champagnemani)

The sweater iteration of polo shirts is, as expected, polished and stylish.

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The Trend: Combat Boots
(Image credit: @chrissyford)

Thanks to runways like Dior that paired floral gowns with grunge boots, combat footwear is everyone on Instagram right now. 

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The Trend: "Sexy" Cardigan
(Image credit: @maria_bernad)

"Sexy" cardigans are picking up steam on Instagram, which is great for winter's colder months when lightweight blouses simply aren't an option.

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The Trend: Puff Sleeves
(Image credit: @lauralajiness)

Just in time for the release of Little Women.

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The Trend: Patterned Tights
(Image credit: @chloechill)

For when your basic black tights become a snoozefest.

And now, the plethora of trends I bought solely because of Instagram.

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Nicole Kliest
Freelance Contributor

Nicole Kliest is a freelance writer and editor based in New York City who focuses on fashion, travel, food, wine, and pretty much anything else that's amusing to write about. After graduating from Pepperdine University with a bachelor's in journalism and creative writing, she started her career back in 2010 as Who What Wear's photo editor and throughout the last decade has contributed to publications including Fashionista, Harper's Bazaar, Elle, The Zoe Report, PopSugar, Fodor's Travel, and several others. She also copywrites and has worked with clients such as Frame, Sea, 3x1, Intelligentsia, and others to develop brand voices through storytelling and creative marketing. She's very passionate about the ways we can improve our sustainability efforts in the fashion industry as well as cultivating content that's diverse and inclusive of all people. When she's not checking out the latest restaurant opening in her West Village neighborhood or riding her bicycle along the West Side Highway, she can be found scheming her next trip somewhere around the world. (Up next is Vienna.)