In September, 2021's ready-to-wear collections debuted almost completely digitally [1], marking what was likely the most unusual Fashion Week yet. Still, that won't stop a number of spring 2021 fashion trends [2] from budding and soon booming. While for the last few months, the general consensus where fashion is concerned has been "anything comfortable [3] goes," the upcoming shopping trends marry that idea with trends evocative of a prepandemic spring and summer. Why not turn up the fun?
"I know we are all looking forward to warmer weather and our next trip abroad, and I think that resort wear is going to be a top-selling category for spring," Arielle Siboni [4], women's ready-to-wear director at Bloomingdale's [5], told POPSUGAR. Sure, even if travelling doesn't quite return to normal next year, the season's trends are enough to successfully reel in the feels of escapism. Think poppy hues, lightweight fabrics, and holiday-style dresses galore.
Ahead, experts tell us the six biggest trends to scope out for spring 2021. They're bound to become bestsellers at your go-to retailers when the warm weather hits, so you'll want to jump on them fast.
- Bestselling Spring 2021 Trend: Crochet
- Bestselling Spring 2021 Trend: Cutouts
- Bestselling Spring 2021 Trend: Oversize Button-Downs
- Bestselling Spring 2021 Trend: Slippers
- Bestselling Spring 2021 Trend: Pastels
- Bestselling spring 2021 Trend: Matching Sets
Crochet
If "resort style" could materialize into one single design element, it would probably be crochet. Designers embraced the trend for spring 2020, and Siboni told POPSUGAR that the trend is expected to carry into next spring with full force. "Crochet feels fresh and new, and I am excited about introducing it into my wardrobe in tops, dresses, and skirts," Sibioni said. "There has been an emphasis on craft over the past few seasons, and crochet is the latest celebration of this." Of course, crocheted items are often great as cover-up pieces, especially those that fit oversize and come with a looser knit. The look is the perfect way to feel like you're on holiday even when you're not.
Stone Knitted Halter Top
Stone Knitted Halter Top [6] ($300)
All Saints Kendy Dress
All Saints Kendy Dress [7] ($198)
Design History Striped Crochet Sweater Tank Top
Design History Striped Crochet Sweater Tank Top [8] ($66, originally $88)
Zelie For She Summer Picnic Duster
Zelie For She Summer Picnic Duster [9] ($98)
Cutouts
Remember Cult Gaia's viral cutout dress [10]? Get ready to see more of that, according to the spring 2021 runways and lookbooks from Maisie Wilen, LaQuan Smith, Markarian, and more. "Next season it's all about summer getaway trends," Tiffany Hsu [11], fashion buying director at MyTheresa [12], told POPSUGAR. "Modern dresses or jumpsuits with cutout details are having a moment." One to experiment with colour on her own fashion-filled Instagram page, Hsu suggested pairing the trend with mules in bright colours or skinny-strapped flat sandals — a recipe for the dreamy summer we've been waiting for.
Eloquii Cutout-Detail Sweater Dress
Eloquii Cutout-Detail Sweater Dress [13] ($100)
For Love and Lemons Poison Ruched Cutout Maxi Dress
For Love and Lemons Poison Ruched Cutout Maxi Dress [14] ($186, originally $246)
Iisla and Bird Exclusive Cutout Ruched Beach Jumpsuit
Iisla and Bird Exclusive Cutout Ruched Beach Jumpsuit [15] ($36, originally $51)
Sir Ambroise Cutout Linen Midi Dress
Sir Ambroise Cutout Linen Midi Dress [16] ($339)
Oversize Button-Downs
Nothing is quite so comfy, relaxed, and chic as an oversize button-down, which may explain why it has become such a wardrobe staple as of late. "[They're] super versatile and [were] seen all over the spring runways," Rebecca Brewer [17], senior buyer at FWRD [18], told POPSUGAR. "Throw [one] over a swimsuit as a cover-up, wear it as a dress with some cute boots, or pair with denim shorts."
Local European Nuria Oversize Blouse
Local European Nuria Oversize Blouse [19] ($73, originally $93)
ASOS Cotton Minidress
ASOS Cotton Minidress [20] ($32)
Fe Noel Paraclete Button-Up Top
Fe Noel Paraclete Button-Up Top [21] ($328)
Zara Poplin Oversize Shirt
Zara Poplin Oversize Shirt [22] ($36)
Slippers
Heels? We don't know her. (OK, maybe just a little). But spring 2021 is all about sheer comfortability — that includes taking your slippers where you please. "House slippers are not just for indoors anymore," Brewer said. From shearling slides to velvet, she noted that the chic shoes pair well with both sweats and summer dresses. Of course, you'll want to go with a pair complete with a durable, outdoor-friendly sole. And if you don't want to look too lounge-y, leather and suede options may be for you.
Schutz Evelin Mule
Schutz Evelin Mule [23] ($88)
Guess Sannah Furry Sandal Slippers
Guess Sannah Furry Sandal Slippers [24] ($49)
Olivia Morris At-Home Daphne Bow Slippers
Olivia Morris At-Home Daphne Bow Slippers [25] ($345)
Gucci Princetown Slide
Gucci Princetown Slide [26] ($790)
Pastels
Stephanie Roberson [27], general merchandising manager at Shopbop [28], told us to expect an influx of mood-boosting hues in the coming season. "I've been seeing a lot of punched-up pastels in clothing and accessories, which is a great way to take your look to the next level," she said of the trend that's already swept the fashion scene in Copenhagen, Denmark. "Think a dress in sugary pink, sea blue sandals, or even bringing in garden party prints," Roberson said. Those with a real knack for mixing colours can take on the trend from head to toe in either colorblock or monochrome fashion, while more subtle but equally as effective approaches include a pastel blazer or socks for a pop of colour.
Lane Bryant Crochet-Neck Peasant Blouse
Lane Bryant Crochet-Neck Peasant Blouse [29] ($50)
Zara Thin Strappy Sandals
Zara Thin Strappy Sandals [30] ($50)
H&M Oversize Blazer
H&M Oversize Blazer [31] ($26, originally $50)
Matching Sets
If next spring is all about perfecting the art of low effort, yet fashionable, dressing, then uniformed options are bound to fly off the (virtual) racks next season. "Matching sets have been a consistent trend throughout the seasons," Roberson said. "So, especially for spring, this is a great way to pull together an easy, yet chic outfit." From the coziest options, such as a matching knit trouser set, to more dressed-up iterations, like a miniskirt set from I.Am.Gia, this trend offers an easy way to look put together without the time and stress of styling separates.
I.Am.Gia Carmel Set
I.Am.Gia Carmel Crop [32] ($40) and I.Am.Gia Carmel Pant [33] ($75)
Good American Set
Good American Off Site Knit Top [34] ($87) and Good American Off Site Knit Skirt [35] ($97)
Jacquemus Le Bandeau and Le Short
Jacquemus Le Bandeau Valensole [36] ($140) and Jacquemus Le Short Arancia [37] ($210)
Zara Soft Feel Set
Zara Soft Feel Shoulder Pad Top [38] ($20) and Zara Soft Feel Pants [39] ($36)
