The 2021 fashion trends to shop now

By Jenny Brownlees

Though it may seem like a far-off dream right now, we will be entering the world once again and, well, we need to dress for the occasion. Ok, no-one is talking ball gowns or sequins for the supermarket (though after this year, we wouldn’t blame them). But if you’re wondering what will be heating up in the style stakes or what constitutes a step-up from loungewear but is still as comfortable, we’ve got you covered…

The Great British Outdoors

The first lockdown’s designated exercise hour may have rubbed off on our favourite designers, as many seem to be inspired by nature and the outdoors in their spring/summer collections. At Celine, models wore wellies and khaki bucket hats to accompany their stylish getups. Similarly at Miu Miu, Rokh and Sunnei, outfits showed hints of The Great Outdoors. You can channel this trend now with check trousers from Monki, ASOS’ chic tailored waistcoats, a pastel take on the fisherman hat and an oversized lighter blazer. Winter’s knitted, sleeveless vests will still be big in 2021, but will be given a fine-knit update. Embrace light jackets in heritage prints to replace classic trenches as the weather warms. You could stick to the English Country style colours of beige, green and browns, or update a checked look in sorbet pastels hues. However, you choose to nod to this trend if you look like you wouldn’t be out of place at a golf club, on a fishing trip or on a brisk country walk, you’re on the right path.

Trending Texture

Molly Goddard, Nanushka, Preen and Valentino all championed rich texture on the runway this season. Whether you opt for crinkles, cord, ruched, plisse or pleats, know that each will bring a luxe look to your springtime outfit.

Cut It Out

Ok, so we realise you may not be going out-out to make the most of the cut-out silhouettes seen at Chloe, Brandon Maxwell, Proenza Schouler and Victoria Beckham, but you can still work the trend with cut-out shoulders, asymmetric necklines and cut-out details this spring and summer. And when that first party invite lands, know you’ll be wearing a LBCD (that’s Little Black Cut-Out Dress.)

Cool ‘n Comfort

As we (hopefully) move out of lockdown and into the new normal, we may want to leave loungewear behind, or at least give it a little rest. But what’s the next step from head-to-toe jersey? Enter: Casualcore. No-one could fathom a transition from tracksuits into a tight dress, a belted item or skin-hugging piece and, luckily, we won’t have to. Loose-fitting, comfort-focussed pieces are a must-have for 2021. There were loose shirts at Valentino, with billowing dresses and slouchy, relaxed fits seen at Schiaparelli, The Row, Balenciaga and many more. Meanwhile at Chloe, Balenciaga and Victoria Beckham, looser wide-legged jeans ruled. Going into spring, say yes to any piece in cool cotton or linen, with oversized or exaggerated proportions that allows you to move freely and sit comfortably.

Girls Just Wanna Have Fun

Despite the world situ – meaning many designers presented their Spring/Summer 21 shows to empty audiences – the clothing still had an optimistic and joyful point of view, which was a hopeful sight to see. God knows we all need some cheer right now, and the fun-factor shone through on the catwalk at the likes of Versace, Ashish and Raf Simons. Clothes shouldn’t be too serious – they’re a mood-boosting celebration of self-expression, after all. So as an antidote to the state of play RN, embrace funky prints, statement pieces, OTT patterns and neon brights this spring. Don’t fear the kitsch and kooky, embrace it. Don Ganni’s iconic smile-motif tee or Reformation’s newspaper-jeans and feel instantly lifted.