2020 was the year of the PJs and loungewear, as pretty much all of us were stuck inside our homes due to Covid. It wasn’t about making a fashion statement or following trends, so much as trying to survive in a global pandemic whilst still being somewhat functioning human beings. If we were to ask what the big women’s fashion trends of 2020 were, most of us would probably be stumped. Which doesn’t mean we didn’t miss fashion, its ups, downs and trends. So of course, we have big hopes for 2021. Vaccines, a possible end to lockdown, and a return to some kind of normality means we cannot wait to actually wear “real” clothes again.
If you feel slightly out of touch with the big trends of this new-ish year, fear not. From Spring colours to statement sleeves, here are the five women’s fashion trends you need to know in 2021. And for extra good news, you can get rid of the skinny jeans you haven’t worn once in the past year.
Pastels
Forget harsh colours and loud patterns, pastels are in. Soft and delicate, the colours of your favourite spring flowers are a big trend for 2021. Alberta Ferretti, Fendi, BOSS, Chloé, Prada… sherbet hues have been everywhere on the catwalk this season.
Statement shoulders
It all started with an ’80s throwback, but the big, bold shoulder has now evolved to become something else entirely. From Margiela to Balmain, via Isabel Marant and Loewe, shoulders are taking centre stage. Whether it’s a puffy sleeve, a mutton sleeve or peaks, make sure to give your shoulders some love.
Crop tops
Crop tops have been around for a while and are still going strong this year. Go for the bra version (as seen at Dolce & Gabbana and Tom Ford), the bralette style (Jacquemus, Versace, Dior) or combine it with the big sleeves trend like at Isabel Marant.
Oversized trousers
The skinny jeans are out! It’s quite a relief, as 2020 saw us all get used to PJs and extra comfy loungewear. Take the trend out on the streets in 2021 with wide leg trousers, seen at Chanel, Balenciaga, Louis Vuitton and pretty much everywhere else. The trend even runs to jeans (Chloé, Céline…) and tracksuits (Miu Miu, Balenciaga…), so there are no excuses to go back to the skinny.
Show some skin
See through, sheer, nets and cutouts: any excuse to show some skin. Lanvin, Jil Sander, Hermès, Rick Owens… nets were everywhere and so were cut outs. Prada, Isabel Marant, Acne, Versace, Kenzo… whether on the waist, at the hips or thighs, unexpected flashes of skins are in. In the same vein, sheer was seen at Dior, Balmain, Fendi and Kenzo. Layer it up, or for a more risqué look, simply add a blazer on top as seen at Fendi. After so much time cooped-up inside, it’s finally time to go out and feel glamorous again.
Sarah Kante
