The Spring/Summer 2021 collections were conceived during the first lockdown of 2020 and this led me to ponder how designers would approach the SS21 season as they would have no idea how people would be dressing in 2021 – I don’t think anybody could’ve foreseen the impact Covid-19 would have on the world, and for such a prolonged period too. How we dress has a huge impact on how we feel and so it’s not surprising, given the current climate, that designers have focussed on mood lifting colours, playful prints and practical pieces (with the exception of underwear as outerwear!). This blog post is dedicated to some of my favourite trends for Spring 2021. I’ve extensively researched all the trends and created a comprehensive list of the ones that you need to know about right now. There are clickable links below the images which will take you through to shop, should you wish.
WIDE LEG & RELAXED DENIM
The demand for denim increased rapidly during 2020 with Matchesfashion seeing a 50% growth in jeans sales in 2020. Denim was used across all categories, including dresses, jumpsuits and trenches. However, the big change we saw was a move from a slimmer silhouette to a more relaxed, slouchy fit. It’s time to say goodbye to your old friend the skinny jean and embrace a more relaxed silhouette as denim has a distinct 70s edge this season. The importance of denim this season was cemented when Victoria Beckham added denim to her main collection for the first time. This daytime classic doesn’t’t need to be restricted to weekend wear – Paco Rabanne channeled a distinctly more glam feel by pairing denim with delicate lace crop tops and daring leopard-print jackets.
FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: TOPSHOP BAGGY JEANS, ZARA CULOTTE JEANS, WHISTLES BARREL LEG JEANS
PINK
The stand-out colour for SS21 is pink. Think bubblegum pink, bright fuchsia, watermelon and hot pink. As pink is my favourite colour, this is one trend I cannot wait to get on board with!
FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: H&M TEXTURED DRESS, ARKET TRENCH COAT, STORIES CABLE KNIT CARDI
CHUNKY LOAFERS
2020 saw the rise of the chunky or track boot. This sole has now been applied to a spring staple shoe, the loafer. If you only invest in one trending shoe in 2021, it’s crucial that you make it the chunky loafer.
FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: H&M CHUNKY SOLED LOAFERS, DR. MARTEN TASSEL LOAFERS, STORIES CHAIN LEATHER LOAFERS
COLLARED KNITWEAR
Forget sweater vests, the collared knit is where it’s at for 2021. This trend was started off by New York brand Khaite, who made a knit with such a fabulous pointy collar that it was soon snapped up by the fashion set and spotted all over the streets. At £565 the Khaite knit is definitely an investment piece, so here’s my round up of collared knits that will be a tad more purse friendly.
FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: M&S MERINO & CASHMERE CARDIGAN, ARKET COLLARED JUMPER, STORIES STATEMEMT COLLAR CARDIGAN
PLAYFUL PRINTS
There was no doubt that the rainbow became the official motif for 2020 as a symbol of hope and optimism, and so it’s not surprising that this was a reference for designers for 2021. Spring/Summer 21 also shows us that tie-dye isn’t just a lockdown hobby, as designer Gabriella Hearst incorporated it into her collection. Also expect to see chequerboard prints and hearts featuring heavily this season. Two thousand twenty-one is the time to be bold and mix some joyful colours together.
FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: HUSH HEART PRINT DRESS, STARDUST TRIBAL FLAMENCO DRESS, TOPSHOP IDOL PRINT DRESS, H&M CHECK DRESS
SECOND SKIN TOPS
Second skin tops went viral this year when Adele and Beyonce both wore Marine Serre’s cult moon-print fitted top. These body-skimming jersey and knitted tops were seen at the likes of Miu Miu and Jil Sander, and were either worn tucked into high-waistlines or used as a base layering piece. Perfect for layering right now for the cooler months, then wear them alone when the temperatures increase. These will replace all your basic tees.
FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: COS, WHISTLES ESSENTIAL POLO NECK, GANNI
OPEN BACKS
Not one for the faint hearted, or for those with a more ample bosom, the open back was a strong trend on the SS21 catwalks. We saw open backs on dresses, knitwear and tops alike.
FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: STORIES OPEN BACK SWEATER, BA&SH MIROIR DRESS, REFORMATION OSTERIA JUMPER
PUFFED SLEEVES… AGAIN!
Exaggerated, puff sleeves are a silhouette that has dominated in recent years, and this trend is set to continue and become even more prominent in 2021. However, the SS21 collections dialled down the girlishness and brought a tougher attitude to this popular sleeve silhouette. From dresses with huge ballooned shoulders at Loewe, to trench coats with gathered sleeves at Altuzarra, get ready for even more shoulder action in 2021.
FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: ABSENCE OF COLOUR STRIPED DRESS, STORIES PUFFED SLEEVE SWEATER, ZARA PUFFED SLEEVE DRESS
BRAS ON SHOW OR UNDERWEAR AS OUTERWEAR
Who can forget that two piece that Katie Holmes wore with the knitted bra? This may not sound like a trend that is set to become mainstream, but sales of bras have increased three-fold and they appeared in 10% of catwalk shows, compared to 3% in previous years. The easiest way to wear this trend is with the straps and the top of a bra visible under a dress, as seen at Victoria Beckham. For those who are more experimental, try layering a statement bra over a shirt or shirt dress as seen at Simone Rocha. Feeling brave? You could even opt for a cropped top instead of a bra. In the absence of abs likes Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, I will be sticking with Victoria Beckham’s take on this trend.
I’d love to hear which of these trends you’ll be dipping into, and which you’ll be giving a wide berth.
A final note… during these unusual times I only want to put out content that keeps everyone inspired, connected and offers a little light relief and distraction during these strange times. I want to ensure that I am delivering content that you want to read so please get in touch by at hello@clarewatkins.com to let me know what you’d like more of, or just to chat – thanks to those of you that got in touch previously letting me know what they love and what they’d like to see more of.
If you’re interested in finding out how my styling services could work for you, then please don’t hesitate to get in touch, my diary is open for Autumn and it’s filling fast.
Take care and stay well,
Clare xox
