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Following the recent release of Boris Johnson’s roadmap out of lockdown, we’re getting excited about the return of normality. But to be honest, we’re getting even more excited about the fact that we can expand our fashion horizons for the first time in months.
That’s right, ladies — it’s time to (finally) break away from the loungewear.
After a non-existent Autumn/Winter season that consisted of puffer jackets, joggers and not much else, we’re pleased to confirm that the SS21 fashion forecast is nothing short of fulfilling.
From upcycled minimalist pieces to statement fabrics, the designers we know and love accounted for the pandemic and also predicted we needed to rediscover the joy of getting dressed. Want more details? Here are the 10 trends you need to know to plan your post-quarantine outfits. Stat.
1. Let’s Go to the Beach
First things first, if you’ve been dreaming of being able to go to the beach for so long, you can now get your fix in fashion form.
From bold colours (such as bright pink, pastels and rainbow hues) to loud-and-proud patterns (such as florals, tie-dye and seahorses), summer styling just got a whole lot more playful.
In terms of noteworthy pieces, the bralette is once again making the rounds in the simple rectangular shape seen at Dolce & Gabbana and Tom Ford. Alternatively, think literal motifs like Hawaiian-print shirts and starfish-emblazoned dresses a la Versace.
Either way, there’s no better time to escape purely through what you wear. (Pinterest-worthy beach bags and espadrilles optional.)
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2. Classic Monochrome
Timeless tones have been dominating the style-sphere for several seasons now. However, this Spring/Summer 2021, we’re throwing it back to a classic black and white scheme.
Whether you opt to don one of these colours head-to-toe like Gabriela Hearst or choose an outfit that combines the two like Chanel, it’s all about creating elegant, no-fuss ensembles.
Add statement jewellery to up the ante.
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3. Basics Reborn
Have you been loving living in your basics? Not to worry — you don’t have to abandon them anytime soon.
In fact, thanks to certain catwalks, easy-to-wear staples have been given an unusual twist for the Spring/Summer season. We’re talking about hoodies and rucksacks being paired with pleated skirts at Prada, and luxury leather bomber jackets being teamed with smart separates at MaxMara.
You could also play with proportions, taking inspiration from Burberry’s transformative take on the trench coat.
To put it plainly, your wardrobe will have never felt so comfy yet chic.
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4. The Stripe is Right
The SS21 fashion forecast promises big things for the humble stripe. In reality, this pretty pattern has just got much more diverse and adventurous.
From vivid and multicoloured at Dior to neutral and two-toned at Tibi, stripes came in thick and fast of different weights, cuts and intensities.
Choose a cute co-ord or distinctive piece so that they feel fresh for this season and serve as an instant mood-booster. We’re obsessed.
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5. Floss That Midriff
Following in the footsteps of bralettes comes a brand new trend this year: midriff flossing.
What’s midriff flossing, you ask? Well, it’s when your clothing has wraparound detailing that crisscrosses around your middle to resemble dental floss. (See what the fashion industry did there?)
This contemporary clothing could consist of a Michael Kors-inspired bralette, Acne Studios-inspired crop top or a Paco Rabanne-inspired maxi dress. In other words, the opportunities to floss are endless!
Just don’t forget your suncream when you’re heading outdoors or you might have some interesting tan lines this summer.
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6. Flesh it Out
As you can already probably tell from the beach and midriff flossing trends, the SS21 fashion forecast is all about showing some skin.
Perhaps this is because we haven’t been able to for so long given that A) the weather has been poor and B) we’ve spent what feels like an eternity staying at home.
Either way, flaunting some flesh was championed by designers such as Prada, who showcased tiny holes into second-skin knitwear teamed with ladylike skirts and sling-back kitten heels. Cut-outs and open-backs were also featured in excess at Fendi, Givenchy and Miu Miu, amongst others.
Then there was the light, sheer fabrics that flowed their way onto the runways of Acne and Jil Sander and were layered effortlessly to create stylishly sultry looks.
If you’re feeling a little shy with this trend, we totally hear you — just start with one key separate with understated cut-outs, holes or see-through aspects and go from there.
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7. Just Loose It
Balance out being trussed up in midriff ties and skin-tight tops with the wide-leg trousers that made the rounds on the SS21 runways.
From slouchy tailoring at Louis Vuitton to relaxed-fit denim at Victoria Beckham, these loose silhouettes were teamed with shrunken camis at DSquared2 and matching oversized blazers at The Row.
That said, this doesn’t mean that the skinny and cigarette cuts you know and love have to be sidelined forever. It just means that the comfier, shapeless and more casual alternative will temporarily take centre stage.
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8. Make it Maxi
Also proving that comfort and style aren’t mutually exclusive, the maxi dress reigns supreme in the SS21 fashion forecast.
Floor-sweeping, floaty and ultra-romantic, this is a trend that everybody can get on board with. Think full skirts, embellishment, layers of tulle and frivolous detailing following the leads of Alberta Ferreti, Valentino and Erdem.
Strip back your shoes and accessories to let your hero piece stand out and do the talking. And boy, does it have a lot to say.
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9. Power Shoulder
Speaking of the joyful femininity of the SS21 maxi dress, puffed sleeves are back in full force. Actually, they’re bigger and braver than ever.
Whether you prefer the huge ballooned-shoulder dresses at Loewe or more demure gathered-sleeve coats at Altuzarra, one thing’s for sure: the eighties power shoulder shows no signs of going out of style.
We’d usually advise you to stay away from drama but in this case, the more drama, the better!
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10. Sparkle and Shine
Lastly, sequins and sparkly numbers have somehow made it into the SS21 fashion forecast, even though they’re typically reserved for Autumn/Winter and the Christmas party season.
Having said that, the majority of us had to skip a conventional Christmas in 2020 due to the pandemic. Right? Therefore, get back into the festive spirit in preparation for the easing of lockdown and summer soirées with garishly glamorous frocks.
From gorgeous jumpsuits at Elie Saab to two-piece suits at Gucci, we’re dazzled by the array of all that glitters on the catwalks. If you don’t want to dress up, emulate the likes of Louis Vuitton and Paco Rabanne, who teamed their sequins with simple T-shirts.
Regardless, get ready to twinkle in the sunshine for a season full of socialising. We can’t wait!
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SS21 Fashion Forecast to Make Stylistas Smile
The SS21 fashion forecast is an eclectic mix of laid-back minimalism and creative maximalism. Fuse the two movements to create a wardrobe that’s entirely unique this season.
Ultimately, remember that SS21 is all about having fun with your clothing (and in general). After all, we’ve been through the runner the last year and have worked hard to keep ourselves and each other safe — so now’s our time to play!
Katie Davies is the Yorkshire-based freelance writer who founded Trendy Tourist. Since 2017, she has written for over 100 companies on a range of subjects, from fashion to marketing. When she’s not producing content, you can find her shopping, exploring a new place or sitting somewhere having a cup of builder’s tea.
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