This year’s Spring 2021 runway shows had two central themes; ‘sensibility’ and ‘escapism’. Both of these mindsets deeply reflect the lifestyle shift this pandemic has brought us. The spring styles were in many cases, more wearable and more relevant than any collection before.
Here’s a closer look at some of the top emerging and returning trends, and some tips on how you can work them into your own style.
*This guide focuses on the NY collections but includes a few looks from other cities as well.
1. Sashed and belted waists
This key trend carried over from the Fall 2020 collections. Bold sashes were used to cinch flowing dresses and thick leather belts drew the focal point of outfits inward. This season’s belts sat at the natural waist for a look that was flattering on many different body types. On the runway, wider sashes dressed up simpler looks.
Why it works: Belts can emphasize shape while drawing attention to the waist.
How to wear: Cinch an oversized tunic for a flared effect, taking it from casual to chic.
2. Sleeve drama
2020 has had its share of drama and Spring 21’s sleeves are telling that story. For some designers, these statement sleeves are the answer to this new shift in lifestyles. These ‘Zoom-worthy’ tops emphasise the sleeves and shoulders, creating eye-catching looks that stand out on video chats and at socially distanced meetings alike. Some of this season’s favourite sleeve silhouettes include the Gigot sleeve and the Balloon sleeve.
Why it works: These theatrical shapes speak for themselves and are the perfect complement to your favourite pair of jeans.
How to wear: Pair a bold sleeved top with a basic pant or jeans for an instant style upgrade. Dress them up with a statement necklace.
3. Flared skirts and dresses
On the runway, belted waists blossomed into full flared skirted looks, giving us the break from the structure we’ve been craving. Straight hemlines and handkerchief hems dominated the scene.
Why it works: This feminine silhouette is flattering for most body types. The narrow waist and wide hem have a slimming effect.
How to wear: A cropped or tucked in blouse looks great with a flared skirt. Add a belt to an oversized dress or coat to give it a flared shape.
4. Ruffles and tiers
Tiers of ruffles add weightless dimension to the spring looks. All-over ruffles cover looks from the neck down to the hems.
Why it works: Ruffles are masters of illusion. Stiff fabric and layers can create the appearance of more where there’s less, while soft and sheer ruffles can smooth and mask what’s underneath.
How to wear: An all-over ruffled skirt or dress looks best with minimal accessories and a cute shoe. Balance a heavily ruffled skirt with a basic top.
5. Wide leg pants
Pants are more relaxed this season too. There is an emphasis on comfort in the spring collections. The wide leg trend makes a strong statement about the mood of the times. Legs range from wide to very wide and almost skirt-like.
Why it works: Wide leg pants are high fashion comfort. The extra fabric gives off an air of luxury that can even make a sweatsuit look runway ready.
How to wear: Match your top to your bottom in a one-coloured outfit.
6. Woven shirting
The basic button-down is seeing a major refresh. It’s showing with Spring’s new sleeves, and new lengths and patterns. The classic silhouette is transformed into dresses and tunics for Spring 2021.
Why it works: Woven tops add structure to a look and can be dressed up or down depending on the rest of the outfit.
How to wear: Mix and match an oversized button-down shirt with jeans or trousers for a day to night look. Play with a belt over the shirt’s waist or tuck in.
7. Shorts
Shorts have a strong presence in the Spring 2021 collections. The season’s favourite short is fitted through the hip and wider at the leg opening. The lengths vary between hems hitting at mid-thigh, to hems extending to the top of the knee.
Why it works: Shorts can elongate the leg, making the wearer appear taller.
How to wear: Pair an open shirt dress with shorts to add another level to your look.
8. Lace
Daring all over-sheer looks and pieced embroidered styles add a delicateness to Spring 2021. The season’s lace is tonal, matching the rest of the garments rather than contrasting the styles.
Why it works: Lace adds instant femininity and texture to any outfit.
How to wear: Pair a lace top with your favourite denim bottom to add an element of softness to the look.
9. Exposed midriff
Cut-outs and cropped tops add attitude to clean basic looks, bringing new meaning to the phrase ‘less is more’.
Why it works: Cutouts are simple, cute and bring instant beach vibes to an outfit.
How to wear: Pair a simple cut out top with a flared maxi skirt for a fresh look.
10. Prints
Vertical stripes, leopard print, and florals are three of the season’s strongest print trends. These prints are applied as all-over-prints, rather than pieced in. Vertical stripes are varied sizes and colour combinations. Leopard print favours natural tones. Florals range from medium to large and only have a few colours each.
Why it works: These minimal prints work well with the strong colour story of the season.
How to wear: Choose a simple separates outfit or a basic dress in an all-over print. Let the print be the focus of your look.
11. Pop colours
The Spring 2021 runway collections have two contrasting prevalent themes, normalcy and escapism. These are both expressed by two complimenting colour directions.
The escapism narrative is both vibrant and hopeful. The accent colours are: Nobility blue, lemon yellow, blush orange, pale lavender, iced mint, carnation pink, citrus green, and powder blue.
Why it works: This season’s pallet has a rainbow of colours and there’s something for everyone.
How to wear: Choose one bright solid colour for an all-over look. Pair with the same coloured or neutral coloured shoe.
12. Neutrals
In this time of global uncertainty, a neutral pallet of beige, blacks and whites is symbolic of a blank canvas, and of a world open to new beginnings. These neutrals also serve to balance out some of the stronger colours in the collections.
Why it works: Neutrals go well with everything (they’re neutral after all).
How to wear: Opt for an all-over one colour style or try combining a few neutrals together into one look.
That wraps up 12 of the top trends for Spring 2021. Try mixing and matching them into your personal style! Did you have a favourite trend from the list? If so, tell us in the comments below!
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Written by Deanna Kei
Feature image illustrated by Francesca Mariama
Fashion illustrations by Deanna Kei
