Fashion Trends to Watch Out For in 2021

By Amber Padam

2021 has been predicted to become akin to the roaring 20s of last century; think glitz, glamour, over the top extravagance but also, and more importantly, the confidence for full self-expression - 2021 is the year to wear, post, and basically do whatever YOU want!

Image by Amber Padam (@btecbratzdoll on Instagram)

Let’s start off with colors:

This is a spectrum that ranges from the muted, neutral tones of your WFH wardrobe to the bright hues of pinks, blues, and oranges. Neutrals (think your beiges, stone, sand, caramel shades), the streetwear and now lounge and WFH staple will continue to reign supreme as long as this pandemic lasts as well as the continuation of darker browns and sage green as seen on every Pinterest board. However, as we’re allowed out into the world again, expect to be greeted by fun, hot pinks, tangerines, and cobalts. This will coincide nicely with this year’s bright summer swimwear! Like I said, sage green will maintain its status as a defining color, but it is also anticipated that it’ll begin to merge into a darker lime shade of green, complimenting the summer brights perfectly.

The roaring 20s - one can dream!

When we finally get back to some form of normality, fashion will be extravagant; big puff sleeves are back and ball gowns are expected to make an appearance - definitely look out for these at Fashion Weeks as street style continues to resurface. I expect these will be worn with a chunky boot (some Docs or Balenciagas - picture Villanelle in Killing Eve S1 wearing the dreamiest Molly Goddard pink tulle with fabulous combat Balenciaga boots- this is the vibe that’s been predicted, noted by Vogue) or an embellished kitten heel (J’adior and Chanel two-tone slingbacks or a vibrant Manolo mule). As far-fetched as ball gowns seem for everyday wear, by the time this trend trickles down to the high street and e-tailers, I expect it’ll be in the form of puff-sleeve midi dresses (check H&M) which will look best paired a blouse and a Prada monolith-esque platform derby sole boot (similar styles of which are easily found on most high street retailers). Zara will be your best bet with this, as they have a penchant for voluminous balloon sleeves, particularly in organza and embellished with pearls.

Virtual Attire

Of course, at the moment at least, 2021 (like 2020) will be the year of working from home for most people. As I mentioned earlier, neutrals will maintain their status as being the official WFH colour palette, but since brands are now better prepared to match quarantine style, comfort whilst looking chic is being brought to the forefront of their designs. For an easy way to look stylish and put together for your endless Zoom meetings, a matching set is your best bet; sorry Karl Lagerfeld but tracksuits are the way forward now. If you’re particularly into the y2k aesthetic of the 90s and early 2000s, might I suggest getting your hands on a Juicy Couture set; think of the Paris and Kim vibes it’ll serve! They are now readily available at Urban Outfitters, but I personally prefer an authentic 2000s set which you can easily find on sites like eBay and Depop - sometimes, if you’re lucky - for an absolute steal! The most popular style of this defining era is the tight fitted velour hoodie and low rise flares combo which just screams 2000s baby (again think of the y2k icons who wore these and served). Fashion is also turning its attention to the WFH shoe, again with comfort being prioritised here. This “house” shoe manifests in the form of faux fur slippers (can’t recommend the UGG scuffette enough!) and sandals (I’m expecting Birkenstocks to sell out ASAP) or even a combination of both. Zara and Mango have been selling faux shearling clogs and sandals (basically furry Birkenstocks) and as cautious as you might be about those, they actually look quite stylish and, as to be expected, are a big hit with the notoriously fashionable Scandi girls. This return to hygge comfort and fashion with a warm, homely feel can be taken outside too. After puffer weather morphs into spring, loafers will be everywhere, and I repeat everywhere. Whether they’re heeled or flat, embellished or plain, mock croc or smooth grain leather, they will be one of THE shoes of 2021. Personally I have my eye on the most gorgeous vintage Mondi (one of Princess Diana’s favourite brands) croc effect heeled loafers with a gold chain accent.

Remember that although these are all novice trends, it doesn’t mean that you have to buy new! Most of the trends I have mentioned can be sourced secondhand or ethically, especially since trends are cyclical, meaning that they tend to come and go in and out of fashion. It is likely that there will be a surplus of pieces available for thrifting or sourcing from the Internet that will match this season’s popular pieces.

Shirts, especially a blue and white Oxford, will also be a popular wardrobe staple this year as layering is key. Throw on a shirt under a jumper with the collars and cuffs exposed, along with a pair of jeans and the job is done; simplicity and minimalism in everyday wear is a style in itself. Collar wise, the “Peter Pan” collar is taking its place in the limelight and there's no need to rush out and stock up on rounded collar shirts and blouses since stores such as cult-brand Ganni and Monki are selling collars separately for a fraction of the price. Simply wear under a jumper and you’re good to go!

Back to layering, it’s a trend with everything:

Wear two jumpers, two jackets, two logo waistbands, etc. However, nowhere is it more stylish than with jewellery. Rapidly growing brands such as Blobb, La Manso, and Alerria all demonstrate that no amount of rings is ever enough. The brighter the stacks, the better! Speaking of bright colours, those super cute plastic beaded necklaces à la Blackcurrant Pop remain a must-have and small brands on Depop, Etsy, and Instagram have you covered. Chuck on a few of these in all different colours and lengths with a string or two of pearls, add a stack of matching beaded and friendship bracelets as well as a multitude of colourful rings and you have fashion’s latest fever dream jewellery trend on lock. Dare to go further and mix with conch shell earrings, necklaces, and anklets for a beachier vibe. Dua Lipa’s Instagram remains a hub for inspiration (she’s a fan of the Polly Pocket rings from La Manso especially!). Escapism, particularly to the beach and tropical locations, is a rising trend - think beach prints, starfish, blues and yellows, and Versace’s latest runway. Expect straw bags to make a comeback (time to dig out those IKEA basket bags form 2018!) as well as tote bags which are pipped to be HUGE this year, a stark contrast from the 90s baguettes and pochettes and the micro bags of the last few years (Jacquemus Le Chiquito, you’ll be missed).

Femininity in Fashion

There’s also more of a focus on the female form this year, with the rise of “naked dresses”. Think slinky LBDs (so flattering and super sexy), light sheer fabrics, bodycon (just not to the extent of Kim’s Met Gala dress) and with cutouts. And of course, we can’t forget mini and micro skirts ( I.AM.GIA make cult versions!) which are the staples of this trend! Even the materials will focus on the female form; I’m talking renaissance print, mesh, netting and holes in general (sorry to fellow trypophobics!). Underwear on show will also be a major 2021 trend with super low-cut dresses and bras as tops, as well as the return of the thong - G-string straps on show above your low rise jeans or an exposed thong back dress as Dua Lipa wore on vacation. For those not as daring, mesh tops are a perfect alternative as they are making a definite comeback with patchwork (especially with exposed seams) and marble being the most popular styles at the moment.