Trends You’ll See in 2021

By Isabelle Redfield

We’re certainly advocates of a wardrobe foundation consisting of buildable basics (a good pair of straight-leg jeans, a well-tailored pant, a black turtleneck)— but the trends of the day will always call to us. Whether the looks you see in 2021 seem to reject or embrace your personal style, it never hurts to keep your eyes peeled on the streets to elevate your next outfit or rework/revamp some pieces in your wardrobe.

Chocolate Brown

Arguably the “IT’ color for the foreseeable future, chocolate brown works with your closet, not against it. Easy to dress up or down, you’ll only be seeing more of it and its shades. Faux leather coats, pants, flats, chunky sweaters, and foxy furs— chocolate brown isn’t going anywhere. In a darker shade, pretty much anyone can pull off the color. Pair with neutrals like black, white, jean, or more chocolate…

Ditch the Designer

We’ve seen a shift away from fancy interlocked G’s and loud labels. Unmarked carry-all totes from STAND studio and well-priced leathers from labels like STAUD, Frame, and Poppy Lissiman reign supreme. From the streets of Milan to the concrete floors of Zara, Bottega Veneta inspired cloud bags and interlocking leather wins the cool factor contest over louder, more recognizable designer bags.

Odd and Bright Accessories

Perhaps you’ve seen Gigi Hadid, Dua Lipa, and Miley Cyrus rocking some playfully serious resin gems on their hands. Fun accessories are back to play again in 2021, with Italian ring maker La Manso leading the charge. Browse the jewels on Moda Operandi and more niche names like Blobb and Bea Bongiasca for all the fun.

Patchwork, Plaid, and Checks

Quirky brands and classic labels alike are embracing checks and balances in all sorts of ways. Plaid “shackets” (shirt-jackets) are all over Shopbop, and checkered pants are all over Instagram— perhaps we have The Queens Gambit to thank.

Collars

Creative layering is a great way to utilize pieces in your wardrobe more effectively. Big collars peeking out over chunky sweaters are all the rage. Don’t be afraid to wear that white blouse you typically think of as workwear as an everyday, functional layering piece.

Yellow Bags

In case you didn’t know… now you do.

Shoulder Pads

Channeling some major 70s energy, shoulder pads are back on the runway and in the streets. Padded button-up shirts and large blazers give this sleek look a flair of 2021 modernity.