If you’re like us, you binge scroll through street style snaps like you’re catching up on the first season of Netflix’s The OA. And while we were taking in the Fall 2017 season, we couldn’t help but notice that showgoers were favoring a rather surprising fabric: vinyl. Yup, that’s right — vinyl along with shiny patent leather seemed to regain prominence despite the duo’s often dubious reputation.
Vinyl jackets were all the rage outside the Fall 2017 shows; Images: Imaxtree
Vinyl has a pretty sordid history in the fashion world. While there has been no shortage of designers who have embraced the material in their collections (Raf Simons even coated his coats in the clear variety for his Calvin Klein Fall 2017 debut and Tom Ford just punctuated his Fall 2017 offering with patent jackets and skirts), the shiny fabric is often viewed as kitschy and better suited to a Kardashian or Lady Gaga video. Not usually deemed acceptable in the daytime or for work, there was always something slightly torrid about it, even trashy and it was never really considered sought-after by street stylists.
Whether skintight or a bit on the slouchy side, high-shine pants were popular picks; Images: Imaxtree, Vanni Bassetti/Getty Images, Vanni Bassetti/Getty Images, Imaxtree
That all changed this fashion month with a flurry of editors, buyers and bloggers rocking vinyl and patent leather pieces to brave the chill while checking out the shows. While we spotted some sporadic versions last season (like on Chiara Ferragni who combined a fuzzy hat with her shiny miniskirt below center), the fabric really took over this season. Paris was by far the glossy movement’s capital city with numerous attendees taking to the streets in polished picks. We’re talking everything from jackets (especially trenches) to skintight and baggy pants to shoes and bags. Most wisely stuck with just one vinyl addition as opposed to going the top-to-bottom route, but a few brave souls opted to play the odds and double up.
Skirts also got in on the vinyl action this season and last; Images: Imaxtree, Edward Berthelot/Getty Images, Imaxtree
After checking out all the evidence above, you may be ready to hop on board the vinyl express. But before you punch your ticket, you’ll need a bit of a roadmap to guide you through the surprisingly wide variety of options out there. While black is definitely the dominant hue, you can get your flashy fix in shades of red, blue, green and even pink. And prices can vary pretty wildly as everyone from Topshop to Miu Miu released lustrous pieces for you to indulge in. Check out the best items below and get ready to get your shine on.
