When it comes to dressing, accessories are unsung heroes. Their colossal power to make or break an outfit earns them the top spot on our wish lists, season after season. In fact, eight out of ten products in Lyst‘s fourth-quarter index of 2019 of the ‘world’s hottest products’ were accessories. While Gucci‘s ‘GG’ Logo belt maintained its position at the top for the ninth time in less than three years, Amina Muaddi‘s ‘Gilda’ sandals skipped into the spotlight at second place.
In a social media-dominated era, traditional fashion trends have ceased to exist. Endorsement by luxury powerhouses no longer guarantees a trend. Instead, we now have viral products. How, why, or when a product goes viral, however, remains unpredictable (remember when Katie Holmes managed to make a certain co-ord set go viral?).
What we do know is that a nod from fashion’s coolest girls is essential to a product’s popularity. With celebrities and influencers flaunting a chic bag or statement shoe every day, keeping up with the industry’s latest obsessions can be daunting. To make things easier, we combed through Instagram to compile a list of the most viral Fall/Winter 2020 accessories.
From oversized statement earrings to bulky dad sandals, scroll down to discover and shop the “It” girl-approved accessories of the season.
90s Shoulder Bags
Nineties and early noughties bags have been trending for a couple of seasons. With fresh iterations from Prada, Dior, and Fendi dominating the runways, it’s safe to say that the trend is here to stay. Cult brands like By Far and Staud have further cemented the retro style as one of the season’s reigning trends.
Chunky Chains
Fall/Winter 2020 accessories traded minimalism for maximalism. One accessory in particular caught our eye – chunky chain links. The intertwined metal detailing overtook the jewelry spectrum, with “It” girls dropping their precious stones in favor of chain link necklaces, bracelets, and anklets.
Dad Sandals
Chanel can make absolutely anything look cool – it’s proven. The latest example? The viral Chanel dad sandals. Yes, dad sandals. Celebrities and influencers stomping the streets in dad sandals have instantly elevated their status from uncool to the season’s must-have shoe. Available in a wide variety of colors, the viral shoe style promises the utmost comfort.
Bucket Hats
While we can’t say whether it was to hide bold quarantine dye jobs or a home haircut gone wrong, we know that bucket hats have recently catapulted to popularity. Spotted on the Fall/Winter 2020 runways at Off White, Kenzo, and Maison Margiela, the 90s style has gained massive popularity among “It” girls.
Chunky Flip Flops
As we navigate a post-pandemic world, comfort has taken center stage in our lives. It comes as no surprise that fashion’s chicest girls are trading their towering heels for the more subtle styles, like the humble flip flop. With events and parties still on hold, and most of us still working from home, chunky flip flops are an ideal footwear choice. The trend’s popularity can be traced back to the viral ‘Ginza’ flip flops by The Row.
Dramatic Earrings
Exaggerated statement earrings ruled the runways at the Fall/Winter 2020 shows. Brands like Gucci, Simone Rocha, Erdem, and Prabal Gurung were at the forefront of this trend, with earring designs ranging from chunky pearls, rhinestones, feathers, and even mammoth crystals.
Not Your Usual Heels
Since Demna Gvasalia‘s sock boots first made an appearance on the Vetements Spring/Summer 2016 runway, traditional shoe elevations have been replaced by increasingly sculpted and unusually shaped heels. With cult brands like Jacquemus, Amina Muaddi, and Cult Gaia spinning out uber-creative footwear each season, it didn’t take long for not-so-typical heels to crowd the streets. With celebrities and influencers alike making a case for uniquely designed heel shapes, the style continues to rule the Fall/Winter 2020 accessories.
Bandanas
Just when you thought that we had exhausted all the trends from the 90s, another one emerged. Bandanas are trending yet again. Judging from our IG feeds, the hair accessory has become a beachwear essential, with models like Bella Hadid and Kendall Jenner making a strong case for teaming swimwear with bandanas.
Chain Sunglasses
When supermodels like Gigi Hadid and luxury houses like Gucci and Chanel get behind a style, it’s destined for popularity. The latest example being chained sunglasses. The best part, though? From bold chain links to minimal pearls, the sunglass chain’s versatility guarantees you find one that suits your style.
