The Big Trends of 2014

As we reach the end of the holiday season and look towards a new year and new trends, it seems appropriate to take a look back at the biggest trends of 2014.  A lot can happen in a fashion year but here are some of Semple’s favourites:

Sportswear

This trend had been around for a while but in 2014 it really came into its own. Rucksacks and luxe joggers were seen stomping down the catwalk and right off into the high streets.  But it is the sportswear shoe of choice that the fashion world has really taken to its heart this year; the Trainer.  The humble sports shoe has broken free of the confines of the gym and can now be paired with anything from wide leg masculine trousers to girlie dresses.  Don’t expect this trend to fade away anytime soon.

Image: blog.motelrocks.com

Flatties

Speaking of foot friendly shoes, 2014 was also the year that fashionistas said goodbye ankle-breaking heels and hello to flat party shoes. Alexa Chung has been working this look for a while but finally we caught on to the fact that wearing flat shoes to a party was not only the new chic choice but also meant that you could dance all night. High heels will always have a special place in our hearts but for now Flatties are the only shoes to party in.

Image: fashion.telegraph.co.uk

Cosy Girl

With British winters getting harsher who didn’t welcome the Cosy Girl trend with open arms? Finally a valid fashion excuse to wrap ourselves up in piles of knitwear, ridiculously comfy loungewear and hide under a blanket, overdosing on friends re-runs until the warm weather comes again!

Image: classiq.me

Oversized coats

The perfect accompaniment to the Cosy Girl trend – the oversized coat; ideal for throwing on over all those layers. Whatever your preferred coat style, from duster to duffle or biker to cocoon, in 2014 it was go big or go home as far as coats were concerned.

Image: mybeautifuldressing.com

Tartan

Since Scotland decided that we were in fact ‘Better Together’ it seems we have rediscovered a fondness for the iconic Scottish print. This is one in a long line of trends to remerge from the nineties and one that, as a girl who is half Scottish herself, I have embraced wholeheartedly.

Image: idealmagazine.co.uk

Normcore

If you haven’t heard of normcore, don’t panic because you are probably doing it already. It is the anti-trend of 2014; the answer to the fashion problem “how do you shock the unshockable”? Normcore is a form of fashionable rebellion that emerged this year, the antithesis of the craziness of fashion week. Yes there were still the try-hards keen to give Lady Gaga  a run for her money but those truly in the fashion-know pared it back this year and ‘normal’ dressing was the only way to go.

Image: axparis.com

What was your favourite trend of 2014? Why not let us know! We are looking forward to seeing what the fashion world has in store for 2015. Have a very happy Semple New Year everyone!

By Samantha Vandersteen