The Items That Dominated Our Instagram Feeds in 2018

Of the 12 fashion items you’re about to see, I personally only bought into seven this year. Not bad, I guess, seeing as not every trend is for everyone—right? Although, if we’re going off of Instagram, it really did seem like these pieces were literally everywhere and, in fact, on everyone (else). From the Réalisation skirt heard ’round the world to the resurgence of hair clips that was too easy not to try to By Far’s debut bag collection, which seemed like the biggest launch of the last six months, to the many It items and trends that came and went in 2018, certain ones just really stuck, making their mark on both the fashion world and the internet at large. Just keep scrolling to see what else made the list—and of course shop all 12 while you’re at it.

Saks Potts Coats

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(Image credit: @emilisindlev)

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(Image credit: @adenorah)

Who could resist these beauties?

PVC Bags

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(Image credit: @nnennaechem)

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(Image credit: @courtneeruthie)

In all shapes and sizes.

Bike Shorts

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(Image credit: @double3xposure)

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(Image credit: @thefashionguitar)

And not really for exercise purposes.

Metal Belts

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(Image credit: @darjabarannik)

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(Image credit: @juliamateian)

One of my personal favorite trends to come back this year.

Dad Sneakers

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(Image credit: @claire_most)

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(Image credit: @alyssainthecity)

The (comfortable) gift that keeps on giving.

Rixo Dresses

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(Image credit: @sorayabakhtiar)

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(Image credit: @sabinasocol)

We can spot their playful prints from a mile away.

Crystal Earrings

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(Image credit: @styleheroine)

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(Image credit: @bettinalooney)

I think we have Alessandra Rich to largely thank for that.

Belt Bags

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(Image credit: @handinfire)

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(Image credit: @sophiaroe)

I procured at least two this year but might even be forgetting one.

Réalisation Skirts

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(Image credit: @nycbambi)

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(Image credit: @kateogata)

Especially in leopard!

Hair Clips

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(Image credit: @moderosaofficial)

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(Image credit: @maria_bernad)

Everyone got back into kindergarten hair accessories this year—even Gucci.

By Far Bags

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(Image credit: @camillecharriere)

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(Image credit: @beigerenegade)

The brand's handbag debut made quite the splash.

Super-Skinny Sunglasses

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(Image credit: @natashandlovu)

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(Image credit: @patriciamanfield)

It was a big year for small eyewear.

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Editor-at-Large

Since starting as an intern back in 2013, Nicole Akhtarzad Eshaghpour has held several roles here at Who What Wear, and she is currently Editor-at-Large. Upon joining, she was a senior about to graduate from business school at USC. Fast-forward to 2025, and she's moved to NYC from her hometown of Beverly Hills and spends her workdays a little differently from when she was just starting out. Currently, she focuses on a weekly mélange of shopping content and her Trust Me—Buy This newsletter. As far as her personal style goes, she's largely drawn to neutral, classic pieces but will always make an exception for something colorful or bejeweled as long as it's deemed worthy enough. After all, the only thing she loves more than a party is dressing up for one. On her downtime, she can usually be found at home eating something delicious and trying to force her husband to watch Summer House.