The Hottest Style Trends Reigning 2021
Your post-pandemic, pop-culture-inspired fashion handbook.
As we begin to venture beyond our homes in the post-COVID era, we find ourselves confronted with the jarring reality of normal life: keeping up with ever-changing style trends. With Netflix, Spotify, and internet escapism governing our quarantine lives, it’s unsurprising that 2021’s hottest fashion trends have been shaped by pop-culture. Luckily, we’ve got you covered: welcome to your guide on the chicest styles taking over 2021.
Elevated Loungewear
After a seemingly endless quarantine of rotating pajama sets and cozy hoodies, loungewear offers the smoothest, most comfortable transition into the deprecating outside world. Combining elements from the sophistication of formal attire and the comfort of athleisure, the elevated loungewear trend transcends the neutral tones of the loungewear aesthetic and dabbles in more vibrant, saturated colors. Comprising cozy fabrics such as cotton and silk, the loungewear style celebrates knitwear, cashmere jeans, minimalistic co-ord sets and textured bralettes: the elevated loungewear trend pairs these with structured blazers, luxurious handbags, or skinny stilettos for a more polished look.
Influenced by our lockdown Keeping Up With The Kardashians binges, this avant-garde trend attempts to emulate a chicer version of Kim’s Skims collection. So, don’t shed those fuzzy cardigans yet- in 2021, comfort in in vogue.
Cottagecore
From delicate prairie dresses to sun-drenched straw hats, the cottage core aesthetic is spilling over into 2021. Popularised by Taylor Swift’s pandemic release- Folklore- the trend is defined by rustic, summery, minimalistic clothing and lightweight fabrics like muslin and cotton. Gingham prints, summertime florals, and puff sleeves encapsulate the romanticized countryside lifestyle that the fashion subculture aims to emulate. Celebrities like model Kaia Gerber have flaunted the dreamy countryside style, while designers including Kate Spade New York have experimented with the sustainable craft elements revived by the movement, including crochet and knitwear.
An escapist style adopted during peak pandemic isolation, the cottagecore trend offered an idealistic, digitally-detoxed fantasy of quaint farm-life to quarantined, screen-fatigued eyes. Now, it represents the unpretentious, nature-loving summer we’re all stepping into as lockdown restrictions ease worldwide.
Regencycore
Following the royally successful Netflix release of Bridgerton in late 2020, Victorian-era fashion has been resurrected. The only thing that outshines the Duke of Hasting’s sultry performance is the show’s masterful 19th century costume design, inspiring a brand-new fashion movement. From feminine corset tops and maxi silhouettes to delicate, pearl-embellished accessories, regencycore portrays elegant sophistication. Fabrics such as silk and lace have made a comeback, while muted pastel colors define this contemporary regal aesthetic.
Regencycore has found its way into mainstream fashion, as designer Simon Rocha’s recent collaboration with H&M flaunts elements including billowy skirts and pearl embroidery. Rest assured, you will emerge from quarantine the season’s incomparable, like a diamond of the first water.
Y2K Nostalgia
Low-rise denim jeans, tiny cropped tees and bedazzled kitsch accessories are finding their way back from the past. Arguably a result of throwback Netflix binges in preparation of long-awaited, cult-classic reboots like Legally Blonde and Gossip Girl, the early 2000s aesthetic is back. This raucously fun, nostalgic trend celebrates handkerchief tops, tic-tac hair clips, clashing prints, retro sunglasses and platform heels, amongst others.
Pop sensation Dua Lipa has popularly flaunted the playful throwback style with beaded accessories and bold, clashing colors. Dig up your old platform heels and regain normality with a touch of audacious. What, like it’s hard?
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