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When people describe seasons as having “something for everyone” in terms of trend variety, a lot of the times they’re lying. Usually, it’s all about pastels and florals, or solely focused on grungy, punk aesthetics. It’s rare for there to be a balance of femme and masc trends in one year, but the 2021 runway fashion trends don’t lie, and this time around there really is something for everyone. TBH, we all deserve it.
What do I mean, exactly? Well, a lot of next year’s trends appear to oppose one another, whereas in the past, trends have tended to work together—for example, it’s unlikely for florals to trend at the same time as edgy spikes, and more likely for them to trend when skirts are having a moment, or ladylike handbags. That said, in 2021 opposites will attract.
Streamlined monochromatic neutrals will be all the rage, but so will head-to-toe prints that make a major statement. Soft, frilly pieces with tons of ruffles will be trending, but so will sharp, defined silhouettes and the return of the shoulder pad. Lastly, 2020’s suiting trend will continue to thrive, but so will a more bohemian aesthetic, encouraging dreamy prairie vibes that are far less harsh.
With so many opposing trends to consider, it can be hard to know how to shop, but in fact, having all these options is a good thing. You have the chance to experiment with hard and soft, edgy and sweet, and see which look you gravitate towards more. Or, you might end up combining them for a personalized flair that’s all your own. Who says you can’t wear ruffles with shoulder pads? A boho dress with a suiting blazer? How you style these trends will tell the tale.
With that, read on for a look at the top 2021 fashion trends fresh off the runways, and shop them for yourself, too.
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Streamlined Neutrals
Courtesy of Cinq à Sept, Vivienne Hu and Ulla Johnson.
In 2020, we discovered that we enjoyed neutrals like tan, cream and camel as much as neons and tie-dye. Designers like Cinq á Sept, Vivienne Hu, Ulla Johnson, Adeam and Julia Jentzsch all showcased head-to-toe looks in monochrome neutrals, proving solids can certainly still make a statement.
Courtesy of Line & Dot.
The key to nailing a monochromatic neutral look is not ruining it with a jacket that contrasts, so stock up on a few good outwear picks! This Line & Dot Linda Fringe Coat perfectly lends itself to any neutral ensemble.
Ruffles + Frills
Courtesy of Ulla Johnson and Cinq à Sept.
If you’re into femme details, you’ll adore the ruffles spotted on runways like Ulla Johnson and Cinq á Sept. What can we say, after months trapped inside in sweats, it’s no wonder we want to dress up in fancy frills and look our best, whether that’s a tiered skirt or floaty sleeves.
Courtesy of ASTR The Label.
The gorgeous Romance Me Long Sleeve Maxi Dress by ASTR The Label has a ruffled tiered skirt and flocked dot fabric, perfect for styling year round. Wear with knee-high boots in fall and neutral sandals come spring.
Suited Up
Courtesy of Christian Siriano, Badgley Mischka and Cinq à Sept.
That said, designers like Christian Siriano, Fendi, Badgley Mischa and Cinq á Sept (they really do it all!) make a case for more tailored apparel in 2021, showcasing tons of elevated suiting styles. Forget a boring blazer and slacks—think bold patterns, fresh materials and exciting new suit silhouettes to give an old staple new life.
Courtesy of Eloquii.
If you’ve yet to find your dream blazer, now’s the time. Don’t be afraid to try a few and get a feel for what fit suits you best! If you’re plus and looking for a chic option, this Eloquii Striped Tie Waist Jacket is a standout.
Prairie Dreams
Courtesy of ARIAS, Anna Sui and Veronica Beard.
After seeing the looks presented by ARIAS, Anna Sui, Veronica Beard and Nicole Miller, I was ready to find the nearest field to frolic in. Boho girl vibes were all the rage, from tiered midi dresses to crochet details to blousy tops and sleeves, plus a neutral color palette and prairie aesthetic with some serious Little Women meets Sex & The City energy. Cottagecore, but make it (high) fashion.
Courtesy of Free People.
To channel your inner boho babe, go full prairie-chic with the Free People Sheer Romance Mini Dress, a baby-doll style shirtdress with lace accents and a ditsy floral print.
Strong Shoulders
Courtesy of Claudia Li, Cinq à Sept and Alice + Olivia.
Shoulder pads really are back—we can’t say we saw this coming. Designers like Claudi Li, Cinq á Sept and Alice + Olivia created silhouettes with defined shoulders for their Spring/Summer 2021 collections, including sequined jackets, voluminous blazers and tees with padded necklines.
Courtesy of Endless Rose.
The easiest way to ease into this trend is with a padded tee a la Alice + Olivia’s. This Endless Rose Padded Shoulder T-Shirt comes in eight different colors, but the sage green is definitely our fave.
All-Over Prints
Courtesy of Ulla Johnson, Libertine and Alice + Olivia.
Last but not least, if you rolled your eyes at that streamlined neutrals bit, you’re more likely to enjoy 2021’s all-over print trend. Ulla Johnson, Libertine and Alice + Olivia all styled models head-to-toe in the same print, for a cohesive look that grabs attention. Bonus points if, like the A+O look above, you can find a matching mask to finish your ‘fit.
Courtesy of Camilla.
If you’ve never played up patterns before, the time for feeling shy has passed—be bold! Go for something that makes a statement, like this Camilla Long Dress with Tie Front. Camilla makes multiple pieces from each of their signature patterns, so you can throw on a few at once for that head-to-toe printed look.
