Tag: styling

One thing I’ve really gathered from looking at countless runway shows online (thanks Vogue), is that the fashion world is desperate to return to business as usual. Brands have been pouring extra creative juice into this season’s looks to help return to a feeling of normalcy. Because of this, the FW21 trends were a little all over the place on the runways. It was actually kind of hard to pick out my favorite trends since there were so many.

While I don’t let trends dictate what’s in my closet, I do think it’s important to at least be aware of them. And if I decide to follow a trend, I always make sure it won’t look too dated after a few years and that it totally fits into my personal style.

Below are a few of my favorite trends for the upcoming FW21 season.

Chunky Knits

You can always count on knits for the colder months, but chunky knits are a favorite for this season. Most people have some kind of chunky knit in their closet, so this should be an easy trend to embrace. If you don’t have any chunky knits, you can be confident that you’ll be able to wear them season after season if you decide to splurge on some.

If you’re like me and have a fairly limited color palette for your closet, textures like chunky knits can add a little something to a neutral outfit. Pairing a chunky knit sweater with leather trousers is a winter staple look of mine.

Flared Denim + Trousers

Skinny cut trousers are out, and flared and bootcut trousers are in. Personally, I love the rock n roll vibe of a pair of leather flared trousers and the grunge vibe of distressed bootcut jeans. This trend is also a great way to keep wearing your vintage-inspired denim from last season.

Monochrome Tailoring

I’ve always loved good tailoring. This season, monochrome tailoring is going to be a big trend. If you’re looking for a classic that will last forever, stick with black. For something more fun for the holidays, consider a burgundy velvet or a gold metallic suit. For you own 2001 red carpet moment, consider a head-to-toe denim suit.

This spring is going to be a really weird one for fashion and we’ll have to see how many of these trends actually end up sticking. COVID has kept people locked inside their houses for over a year now. Since most high fashion runways shows happen a year in advance, SS21 trends were the first to be really affected by COVID.

I don’t think any of us really knew what to expect from SS21 trends. Would they all be super wild and bold, thanks to an entire planet all going stir crazy together? Would they all be super casual while we continue to hang out in our homes?

Well, they actually ended up kind of being a mixture of both comfort and style. Some trends definitely reflected a global restlessness, while others focused on the comfort that we’ve all grown accustomed to.

I’ve picked out a few SS21 trends that I really love and definitely fit in with my style. While I’m not usually super trend-focused when I get dressed, it’s helpful to at least be aware of them and know which ones you like.

Luxe Black Leather

Leather is usually trending in the fall, but this year it’s back for spring too. The black leather is meant to make your outfit feel more luxe, so make sure to pick a high quality leather (or vegan leather).

The trick to wearing black leather in the spring it to either opt for leather versions of spring staples like crop tops, shorts, and mini skirts. Or you can mix the leather with stereotypical spring items like florals, white lace, or nude suede.

I’ve included some real leather as well as vegan leather options for this trend.

Daytime Disco

Let’s face it, we’re all bored off our asses from COVID. This season, put away the oatmeal-colored knitwear and break out your sparkle. I’m a big fan of the 70s so I obviously have no problem embracing this trend. Look for pieces that have sequins, glitter, and metallics. Bonus points for 70s-inspired silhouettes.

For a more wearable version of this trend, stick to one flashy piece and mix it with neutrals to balance out the sparkle. A sequin cami under a black leather jacket or black is always a great option.

Vintage Blue Denim

It’s never really a bad time for blue denim, but this season is embracing more 70s-style and vintage-inspired denim. Looks for vintage washes and light distressing to make the look more authentic.

Sadly, Gen Z has spoken and skinny jeans are officially out. Look for slim, straight, and even bootcut jeans. Cropped jeans with a raw hem are also a good option for warmer weather.

Slip-On Footwear

COVID has definitely made us get used to comfort on a global scale. That love of comfort is continuing into this season in our footwear. Whether you prefer loafers, mules, classic flats, or sandals, there’s definitely some type of slip-on footwear for everyone.

Bustiers As Outerwear

As we slowly start moving into more of the 80s trends that we’ll probably see throughout the 2020s, it looks like underwear as outerwear will be that first trend.

Bustiers worn as tops are going to be the alternative to crop tops this spring. Feel too bare? Pair it with super high-waisted bottoms and a piece of light outwear.

Bold Black And White

Black and white are a classic neutral color combo, but this season we’re seeing the trend go more bold. Prepare to see a lot of black and white statement pieces being worn together, color blocking, and bold black and white prints.

The best part about this trend is that black and white are always neutrals, so even when this trend is over, all of these pieces will still be super versatile on their own.

I will fully admit that I wasn’t really into the minimalism that became popular from the late 00’s to the 10’s. This was also the time where tiny houses, capsule wardrobes, and monochromatic style (I’m blaming the Kardashians for this one) became really popular. Well, it looks like the neutral palette is back in 2020.

Fashion is usually a direct reflection of society, so it kind of makes sense that we’re back into beige and neutrals again. What pushed us into neutrals in the early 00’s was the 2008 recession. All of the sudden people were losing their houses and jobs. They weren’t going out or dressing up anymore. They were now in survival mode and needed to get the most bang for their buck in all aspects of their life, including their closet.

In 2020, we’re in the midst of a global pandemic, tons of people have lost their jobs, and the political climate is toxic (that’s definitely an understatement). Neutrals are the most versatile pieces in any wardrobe and you’ll get the most wear out of them, so it makes sense to stock up on them instead of trendy colors and prints. Plus, there’s something comforting and safe about wrapping yourself in a cozy beige cardigan or linen pants.

Still, I totally get how neutrals can seem boring. If you’re someone who wants to get the most out of your clothing but you also find yourself getting bored of a neutral color palette, I do have a few tricks (as someone who’s wardrobe is about 70% black).

Texture

Texture is your main friend when it comes to neutrals. When it comes to textures, the bigger the better. Think: super chunky knits, embossed patterns, and multiple textures in one piece. Mixing these textures will give your outfit some visual interest without ever needing to work in a color.

Try mixing a leather jacket with a chunky sweater, raw denim pants, and croc-embossed leather boots.

Shape

Like texture, shape and proportions also give neutral wardrobes visual interest. Play with voluminous tops, flowing bottoms, and mix short and long hemlines in the same outfit.

Try mixing an oversized sweater tucked into cropped pants with boots that hit above your ankle and a long trench coat.

Navy + Olive

If you’re still struggling with a neutral wardrobe, you’ll probably be stoked to hear that the fashion world considers two colors to actually be neutrals: navy blue and olive green. Ok, maybe that’s not a total game changer but blue and green are probably a nice change if you’re sick of various shades of brown and grey.

Photo: Maria