We are only halfway through 2017 and the respective lawn and heat waves have pushed us into somewhat of a fashion slump. With the onslaught of lawn in the three-piece variety, the ability to think "out of the box" with fashion is generally deterred. When coupled with rising temperatures, we understand if the injection of trends into your wardrobe is the last thing on your mind. We at Instep, however, have been watching the small shifts and resurgences in trends - on the red carpets, the society scene and fashion’s favorite people-watching app: Instagram.

2016 was all about pleated skirts, 90’s chokers, off-shoulders and other pieces that were easy to add to wardrobes and instantly "update" yourself. 2017 so far, is also shaping up to be very good news for your wardrobe because some trends from last year are still in fashion because you know, if it ain’t broke…

The ugly shoe trend

Referred to as, "ugly shoes," these are the shoes that are conventionally considered un-lady like or too comfortable to be considered fashionable. However, fashion is becoming smarter; even numero uno proponent of high heels - Victoria Beckham – has given up on stilettos. Practical sandals are definitely having a moment with Chanel even having created Birkenstock-esque sandals with velcro. They may be the most divisive summer shoes but they are poised to be everywhere as the likes of Gucci, Prada and Stella McCartney are all championing them. We’ve seen local versions of the chunky two straps at Shoe Planet as well as Charles and Keith.

Monochromatic makeup

As the name implies, the method to the madness is to keep your eyes, lips, and cheeks within one shade range generally complementing your outfit. Normally in brown, pink, beige or red it can be achieved easily by picking a shade that looks good on your skin tone. If your outfits are classic shades like pink or red, coordinating your makeup will be easier. This is the technique you want to try this year.

Paper bag pants

The uber flattering paper bag pants have been seen in ample international street style photos and have slowly made their way into to the realms of Pakistani fashion as well. Designers like Sania Maskatiya and Sapphire played with volume and redefined the waist line at PFDC Sunsilk Fashion Week with different versions of these pants. When these collections finally come to stores, we predict that paper bag trousers with ruffled waists are the pieces every fashion girl will be queuing up for. Not only are they super comfy, they also have a nice androgynous touch, gifting them with the effortlessness every fashionista would die for.

Slogan t-shirts

A lot was said on the recent runways – quite literally – when it came to the many social, economic and political outpourings of emotion via slogans. People have since been spotted wearing their feelings where people can see them. From VB’s "fashion stole my smile", Kendall’s "lol ur not zayn malik" to the countless "we should all be feminist" shirts, the statement tee is all the rage. While the Dior originals cost a whopping king’s ransom, local high-street retailer One is also customizing shirts for people.

Messing with mesh

Fishnet tights are probably one of those accessories you’ve often considered wearing, only to think – "I could never pull that off". However there are a few ways you can approach the daunting fishnet; one route is to look at them as an add-on or an accessory, let your tights peek out from under the holes and tears in your jeans or show a few inches of fishnet just above your pants’ waistband. One could even wear mesh in strategically placed cutouts ala Lea Michele at the Billboard awards.