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Though last year’s fashion scene was rather quiet with the cancellation of multiple fashion shows, the shift to Digital Fashion Month in the form of live streamed runway shows and beautifully-curated cinematic video presentations were far from disappointing. In fact, many of them brought upon a refreshing look into fashion’s latest trends.
As we continue to adjust to a new normal, the art of dressing up has become rather scarce. Nowadays, when we do step out of the house, dressing up is no longer just about looking good, it’s about feeling like one’s best self too! Following prolonged periods of living in oh-so-comfy sweatpants, it’s no surprise that leaving the comfort of our PJs can be tough to deal with. In comes comfort wear which is clearly having its moment for being versatile and chic enough to ease you back into life beyond the home. However, it doesn’t mean that the runways were short of covetable trends that simply spark joy. Here’s our round-up of the eight fashion trends we’ll be putting on rotation for the rest of 2021:
Ath-Flow
Bring the A-game to your post-lockdown look by jumping on the ‘Ath-Flow’ bandwagon. Dubbed as such by Pinterest, this trend is a high-fashion take on sporty dressing that blurs the line between work, rest and play. It’s business appropriate, socially acceptable and lounge-friendly, which plays well into our new-norm lifestyle. This year, the Ath-Flow aesthetic looks to incorporate functional qualities to achieve the ultimate work-to-play wardrobe. Not to be missed are sporty staples such as the windbreaker as seen at Burberry, Miu Miu and Salvatore Ferragamo. Take cues from Balenciaga’s genderless, upsized-everything looks featuring oversized trousers and emblazoned hoodies as well as Prada’s matching hoodie and full skirts in archive prints. Also, check out Louis Vuitton and Michael Kors who leaned more towards business-casual with extremely relaxed trousers and slouchy blazers.
Bubblegum Pink
Perhaps to spread optimism and happiness in these trying times, a sea of bold, vibrant colours has been dominating the runways, and one that stole the spotlight in particular is none other than bubblegum pink. At Valentino SS21, a voluminous button-down top and floaty, one-shoulder gown in bubblegum pink created lots of buzz among fashion lovers. Elsewhere, menswear is no short of this supposedly feminine colour, defying gender stereotypes and bringing on a renewed wave of gender-neutral fashion. Tom Ford offered up a monochromatic pink look of ultra-luxe silky separates, while Versace skilfully incorporated bubblegum pink in colour-clashing ensembles that are sure to turn heads. This year, donning colours isn’t about that pop of colour against a neutral fit, but going all out with all-over brights. Take advantage of the colour-blocking trend and match this bubblicious colour with punchy orange (as seen at Ralph & Russo SS21) and lime green (as seen at Molly Goddard SS21).
Nautical Notes
Influenced by the navy uniform and sailor style, this micro trend is making waves in men’s fashion this season. Nautical fashion is all about that clean, fresh and natural appearance, reminiscent of sea breeze and sunshine (TBH, it sounds just like the kind of escape that we desperately need!). Casablanca’s Spring 2021 presentation was the epitome of breathtaking, with sailor sweaters and Breton tops. When it comes to styling, it’s best to keep it simple and opt for one or two nautical patterns coupled with basic, neutral separates. Take inspiration from Gucci who showed an anchor-printed intarsia knit sweater, which was paired with solid-toned tailored bottoms.
Not-So-Classic Shirting
Over the years, boyfriend shirts have become a quintessential staple in a woman’s wardrobe. However, gone are the days where such shirts are constructed in plain, straight cuts. For SS21, this mannish button-up is reimagined in feminine silhouettes and detailings. For one, Jacquemus SS21 was filled with shirting that played with midriff-baring cuts, giving the classic, straight cut button-up a contemporary spin. Other offerings to look at include Chapurin’s white number, featuring ruffles and billowy sleeves as well as Otocyon’s delicate sheer number. Styled with a minimalistic bottom – either trousers or skirts, such statement shirts will be the perfect piece de resistance of your overall ensemble! Alternatively, opt for layered styling like Simone Rocha’s bra top-over-shirt look for an added appeal.
Power Shoulders
Reminiscent of the ’80s, bold shoulders are the one trend we specifically can’t wait to rock! In line with the present-day digital lifestyle, it’s perfect for spicing up your above-the-keyboard dressing before hopping onto virtual meetings. Seeing as remote working continues to be the situation in the near future, it’s no wonder that this trend is showing no signs of slowing down. While exaggerated shoulder details have been around in recent seasons, this season witnesses designers toning down on the girliness of this silhouette and injecting a sense of empowered femininity through relatively structured construction. At Balmain SS21, we see pagoda-shouldered suiting in fluoro pink and green, while Maison Margiela SS21 fashioned the cut-out puffed shoulder outerwear. Elsewhere, Isabel Marant Spring 2021 RTW displayed some serious shoulder action, from subtle shoulder pads to mutton sleeves. Style it with just about anything cos statement shoulders can instantly elevate even the most basic look!
Subdued Sparkle
Across numerous runway collections, sequins, metallic and glitter are elements that can hardly be missed. This mood-boosting embellishment is a great way to infuse a dose of everyday decadence and amp up your WFH or virtual party look. It can also be the striking apparel you need to celebrate life post-pandemic! Formerly reserved for night-time glamour, 2021’s approach to this trend has toned down the glam factor and transitioned it into ‘daytime disco’. Draw inspiration from Isabel Marant’s SS21 collection which was packed with dialled-down disco vibes as seen on sequinned bodices and gleaming purple and silver pastel pieces. Meanwhile, Louis Vuitton featured a sleek lapel-less suit in silver sequins which was dressed down with sneakers. In fact, fashion powerhouses such as Alexander McQueen, Dior and Balmain didn’t shy away from adding a touch of sparkle in its menswear collection – although it’s nothing OTT.
Upgraded Utility
Many are embracing the utilitarian mood this season, not only for its chic factor but also for its sought-after practicality. The utility craze of recent seasons is given the high-functional upgrade this time around. While cargo pants have been trending for many seasons now, on the Spring 2021 runways, the pattern on repeat in the wider utilitarian trend is the appearance of safari jackets and larger-than-life pockets. Dior Men nailed the trend just right with a remarkable crocodile utility jacket that comes complete with four extra-large pockets that boast immaculate craftsmanship. Elsewhere, Ermenegildo Zegna’s utility-style black shirt with huge flap pockets, paired with streamlined high-waisted trousers is another ensemble that tops the list of SS21’s take on the utility trend.
1970s Redux
1970s fashion is having a style resurgence in menswear (thanks to Harry Styles) and we are here for it! The revival of 1970s silhouettes reinterpreted into modern-day dressing is slowly but surely gaining momentum in men’s fashion and designers were quick to pick up on this trend – channelling hints of ’70s elements into their latest collections. Designers are tapping into this throwback trend and going far and beyond the past season’s flared jeans and corduroys. Think caramel leather bombers at Tod’s, printed neck scarves at Hermès and flared corduroys and jeans at Gucci which remain a favourite. The nostalgia of 1970s fashion is irresistible and it looks like it’s here to stay.
Text: Katherine Thivya
Photography: @bloggers_boyfriend, @shloka, @gucci, @dicekayek, @balmain, @fusunlindner, @zegnaofficial & @tods on Instagram
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