Fashion trends to keep an eye on in 2021
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- January 4, 2021
Now that 2020 has finally drawn to a close, it’s time for us to look ahead to the exciting possibilities that 2021 will bring forth. In terms of the fashion industry, this means earmarking new trends that are gradually emerging.
These budding fashion trends are formed from the Spring/Summer 2021 (SS21) collections, in addition to an extension of the trends that reigned in 2020. From dressing for comfort and ease to sustainability in fashion, these are the top fashion trends to keep an eye on in 2021.
Office leisure
Working from home has undeniably changed the workwear game. Comfort dressing is key, and fashion has now made a collective move towards relaxed silhouettes.
This includes the rise of wide-leg pants, which has been embraced by many for its lightweight silhouette and versatility. It’s comfortable enough to lounge around in it at home, but still stylish and dressy for meetings or to run errands.
Up top, things are more playful and relaxed than ever. Bralet tops have been having a moment in fashion, in part due to their ease and adaptability. The casual fashion article is soft and simple for at-home workwear, and yet can be instantly dressed up for meetings with a cardigan or blazer thrown over.
Sustainability
From the growing popularity surrounding vintage shopping to an ever-expanding list of brands who have joined the movement, sustainability is definitely on the tip of everyone’s tongue.
2021 will see an even greater shift towards shopping for upcycled and vintage threads. Besides the burgeoning rise of vintage thrift stores, luxury brands have also waded in on the substantiality conversation. SS21 saw brands like Balenciaga, Prada, Marine Serre, and more debuting upcycled pieces on the runways.
Patchwork patterns
With more brands hopping onto the sustainability bandwagon, patchwork has thus emerged on the runways as a fashionable answer to using deadstock. Besides drawing an emphasis on upcycling and sustainability, these patchwork pieces are also incredibly playful and fun.
Each piece is also unique due to the combination of fabrics. This reworking of old garments was seen on the runways of Rokh, Eckhaus Latta and Christopher Kane. Italian fashion house Dolce & Gabbana even dedicated their SS21 show with a plethora of patchwork pieces that were made up of archived deadstock fabrics from previous seasons.
Statement tops
Statement tops will continue to be all the rage in 2021 as part of the classy-top-scruffy-bottoms Zoom dressing trend.
Puffed sleeves have (and will continue to) become a closet mainstay. These billowy statement-makers, spotted on the runways of Loewe and Isabel Marant, add a touch of romanticism and girlishness to any outfit. Other statement tops making a buzz include tops with bold shoulders, cropped shirts with details, and sweater vests.
Fun flares
The elevated loungewear trend continues with the return of this 1970s trouser shape – flares. This fun, fluid bell-bottom has been sweeping the runways for SS21, which is no doubt a reflection of its upcoming popularity.
Lightweight and free-spirited, flares are popular for their flattering silhouettes. They also gain brownie points for being able to be styled for both casual and business settings. For a playful, whimsical look, opt for a flare that’s sheer or bedazzled in sequins. Heading for a business presentation? Choose a solid-coloured flare with a ribbed finish for something more sophisticated yet interesting.
