It’s that time of year again! Summer is coming to an end and a new season of fashion is upon us.
The good news is, a lot of the Autumn/Winter 2021 trends carry through from Spring/Summer and even last Autumn/Winter. (It’s almost like the designers knew we hardly had the chance to wear them thanks to lockdowns and restrictions!)
That said, there are some nice bits of newness thrown in to make getting dressed again even more exciting in the months to come.
Let’s check out 10 AW21 trends that are predicted to be the hottest of the season.
1. Sparkle and Shine
First things first, the designers haven’t held back with all that glitters so that we can rediscover the joy of getting ready to go OUT out.
From sequins at Valentino to metallics at Isabel Marant, we have permission to embrace maximalism this Autumn/Winter — and it’s never felt more glamorous.
Julien Dossena nailed it when he was talking about his collection for Paco Rabanne: “It’s just about girls enjoying themselves, releasing that vibration of genuine pleasure.”
Bring on the party!
2. Colour Pop
Don’t cast off your summer brights just yet — the AW21 trends invite us to continue using colour therapy to lift our moods as the cold weather looms.
However, zesty key pieces have now transformed into head-to-toe looks in a saturated hue. Take inspiration from the likes of Versace, Moschino and Prada and focus on the brightest oranges, yellows, blues, pinks and greens possible.
There’s just one rule: keep your look monosyllabic or team with neutrals so that you can avoid a major colour clash.
3. All Knitted Everything
Knitwear for autumn isn’t exactly groundbreaking. That said, AW21 knitwear is like the usual autumn knitwear but a million times extra.
From ankle-skimming sweat dresses to multi-layered blankets, knitted handbags and everything in between, getting ultra-cosy with your Autumn/Winter looks has never been more acceptable.
I’m particularly obsessed with the neutral maxi knitted frocks and two-piece co-ords a la Chloé and Fendi. Now that’s what I call snugly style.
4. Puff It Up
The humble puffer coat was a firm favourite for AW20 and it shows no signs of going out of fashion for AW21.
In fact, padded cover-ups are just getting bigger and better. Every designer from Chanel to Louis Vuitton, Tom Ford to Balenciaga, had one in their autumn collection.
Whether you love an extravagant floor-filler or a simple short design, one thing’s for sure: it brings the drama to any Autumn/Winter outfit.
5. Noughties Nostalgia
You can blame TikTok for this one.
That’s right — I never thought we’d say it, but the noughties are creeping back into our wardrobes based on the AW21 trends.
Think rainbow hues, distressed denim and standout silhouettes, like La Quan Smith’s bustier tops and House of Sunny’s cut-out dresses.
You could even finish off this playful retro aesthetic with a diamanté necklace. Y2K forever, baby!
6. Alpine Adventure
If you’re an avid skier and you had to cancel one of your most recent trips because of the pandemic, not to worry. You can get proper vacation vibes from the ski-inspired looks gracing the catwalks.
Virginie Viard even went so far as to stage her Chanel show at Chez Castel, Paris’s Left Bank boîte, replicating an alluring après-ski scene. The models were donned in furry coats and boot covers, giving a whole new meaning to the phrase “teddy bear chic.”
The likes of Miu Miu and Louis Vuitton joined in on the fun with quilted jumpsuits, fairisle knits and layered knitwear, making fashionistas everywhere conclude that “alpine adventure” is set to be the new athleisure.
What do you reckon? Ready to dig out your snowsuit?
7. Bold Prints
Patterns aren’t a fresh notion for Autumn/Winter. Although, AW21 brings us garish variations that aren’t exactly modest or shy.
Statement leopard print coats reigned supreme at Etro and No.21. Similarly, tartan made its return as a winter staple with the punk check dominating Vivienne Westwood and Alessandra Rich.
Then there was winter florals that bloomed across outerwear by Acne Studios and Erdem.
The newcomer on the prints scene was none other than logo mania.
Some designers, such as Loewe and MaxMara, preferred to prioritise monogrammed separates from decades past. On the other hand, the likes of Balmain and Gucci showcased full outfits that screamed seventies-style luxe.
Whichever pattern gets your pulse racing, you can wear it with pride this season knowing that it will work for seasons to come.
8. A Mini Affair
The micro mini stole the show for a number of designers this Autumn/Winter.
This sixties shape came out in full force at Lanvin and Saint Laurent in the form of skirts and dresses that were skimming the thighs and dazzling the eyes.
Keep in mind you can always wear yours with tights and/or knee-high boots when the cold temperatures hit. Cute.
9. Relaxed Suiting
Suiting is another of the AW21 trends that started a few seasons back and has come back around.
And who can blame it? Many of us will no longer be working from home, so we need some polished tailored pieces that will command an office crowd. Right?
Flared trousers and oversized blazers are even making an appearance. Originally seen at Stella McCartney and Victoria Beckham, these bring a “just-thrown-on” element to the trend, epitomising effortless elegance at its finest.
10. Comfy Opulence
Lastly, are you missing the comfiness of the loungewear that you’ve spent the last 18 months in? If so, this one’s for you.
One of the most unique AW21 fashion trends of the season involves layering your best knits atop or below your going OUT out look. The idea is to take your daywear to night, and vice versa, without having to get changed.
This high-low dressing and complex layering combination was spotted at Molly Goddard, Tory Burch and Celine, to name but a few.
The number one rule with this one is that there are no rules! Don’t be afraid to experiment with proportions, fabrics and accessories and get creative. There are no limits to what you can achieve!
Finding the AW21 Trends You Love
The Autumn Winter 2021 season is looking rosy with a merry mix of old and new fashion.
The best thing about it is that you don’t have to fill any bin bags for the charity shop just yet. You can use what you already have in your wardrobe to seamlessly transition into autumn (and stay stylish).
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