NEW YORK, Aug 27 — If you don’t already own a bomber jacket then it might be time to invest, since, according to Google, it is emerging as one of the key fashion pieces of the year.

The search engine has just released its Fashion Trends 2016 report highlighting the current style fads in the US and the UK, and the bomber has come out on top, with searches surging across cities in both countries since late 2015. Originally part of the wider ‘military chic’ trend, the bomber is becoming more versatile as a fashion item, thanks in part to celebrities such as Kanye West and Kim Kardashian regularly incorporating them into their streetwear looks. Bombers are set to stick around for a while, but they’re getting girlier — in April, when searches grew 297 per cent year on year (YoY) in the UK and 612 per cent YoY in the US, shoppers were looking for satin, silk, pink, florals, and embroidery.

Off-the-shoulder tops are also majorly trending, according to the report. Seen on everyone from Kendall Jenner to Michelle Obama, the kooky style grew 261 per cent in the UK and 347 per cent in the US from December 2015 to May 2016. The off-the-shoulder cut is part of the festival-esque, free-spirited trend that also includes boho dresses and kimonos, also set to be big news for the rest of the year.

Other key pieces for the year include the practical romper, otherwise known as the playsuit. Largely popularised by celebrities such as Taylor Swift, searches for all-in-one styles have been increasing steadily in the US since 2014, in part due to their versatility and practical nature. A romper is an outfit in itself, and one that can be dressed up or down for various different occasions. Most importantly, it is about to become an even bigger trend. Bodysuits and bralettes are also set to see growth.

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Although the above trends were categorised as ‘seasonal risers’ or ‘rising stars’, Google also pinpointed two ‘sustained risers’ — or safe bet trends — for the rest of the year, in the form of biker pants and ripped jeans.

But all good things must come to an end, and it is bad news for drop crotch pants, acid wash jeans and transparent garments, all of which are in decline, according to the data. Babydoll dresses, asymmetrical skirts and (perhaps fortunately) waist trainers are also on the way out. To stay on trend this year you’ll need to relegate these items to the back of your closet, but don’t panic — they’re bound to come back around eventually. — AFP-Relaxnews