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Sweater Sets or Cardigan Sweaters - Really Anything Knit

Again, comfort AND style are the benefit of this trend - trading t-shirts and sweats for comfort and classy. You can dress it up with an update to the classic sweater ensemble (see the cute embroidered Spring sweater set - right) or down with a bralette Katie Holmes style  and a cute oversized boyfriend cardigan. Sweater dresses are still popular and the sweater vest trend from the 70’s is making a comeback.  

Corsets, Bra Tops and Bralettes

This is probably not a trend that I will personally follow, however paired with a cute cardigan sweater or oversized blazer - I do love the look. Again, fashioned from the trend setter Katie Holmes look, Zara now carries the famous bralette/cardigan set and it’s both trendy and classy. The hit series Bridgerton is likely responsible for the popular corset look - and it has been seen worn both over and under - so has made undergarments not necessarily underthings any longer.

Relaxed  & Wide-Legged Trousers

This trend takes me back to my childhood - wide-legged pants were all the rage. The wider the better! We called them elephant pants. If you wore hip-huggers that were also elephant pants, you were a trend setter in the 70’s!

While sweatpants were the default fashion trend of 2020, like the luxe loungewear, we are ready to dress it up...just a bit. Whether it is a boyfriend jean, a girlfriend jean, a high-waisted mom jean, dad pants, chinos, pleated or an Annie Hall inspired trouser or what fashion has aptly named puddle pants (because they puddle on the ground) - everything in pants is relaxed, wide legged and baggy…paired with loafers, chunky platform shoes or boots or track shoes.  Dress them up with a trendy blazer or sweater or dress them down with a hoodie!

Whichever you choose you can’t go wrong with this 2021 trend.  

Credit: whowhatwear, stylecaster, fashiongum

Leather - Faux Leather

Leather is always in fashion. However, this year the trend is that if it can be made, it can be made from faux leather. From pleated skirts and joggers, to corsets, mini skirts, dresses, button down shirts to puffer jackets, moto jackets and trench coats.   I’m definitely loving some of these looks!

Oversized Jackets & Blazers

One trend we noticed right away when our buyers were purchasing for Fall/Winter 2021 was the shacket. Whoever came up with the name for this oversized utility-like flannel shirt to make it cooler was a genius.

A shacket is a cross between a shirt and a jacket; a shirt-jacket... A shacket is generally cut like a button-down shirt; being light enough to not look too wintery, but heavy enough that there is no need for a coat.

You can dress it down for a day or night out with friends, you can cinch it with a belt, which is a great look or dress it up for work. Although this isn’t a brand new trend, it’s become the new look thanks to stars like Katie Holmes and Rhianna.  

The oversized blazer is also a hot trend. Again, cinch it with a belt, roll up the sleeves to give it a more casual look or pair it with a crisp white oversized button down for the office. Blazers can be an inexpensive addition to your wardrobe and they are one of my favorite trends this year. You can easily thrift a men’s blazer for as little as $10 and make it look amazing! Again, dress it up or down - and if I could pull off wearing a hoodie under a blazer - I think I would. Definitely a trendy look for the college student.

Credit: Charlie Paige, whowhatwear, jeans and a teacup

Puff Shoulders & Unique Sleeves

Being a wide-shouldered gal, puff shoulders are not my favorite trend and it is not one that I will be adding to my closet anytime soon. However, I don’t think this is a trend that is going away and there are  some that I love…A few are just way over the top, but those that I have chosen below I think are very wearable and would fit most lifestyles. This jean jacket is super cute with the puff shoulders and just a nice change from the same ol' same ol' and look at how beautiful this lace sleeved ribbed top is for Spring - so fresh!

Cut-Outs

Again, the cut-out is probably not a 2021 trend I will add to my wardrobe. It does remind me of a more varied version of the cold shoulder style of the past - which I did have in my closet. I admit, it looks very chic, especially on those who are very comfortable with their body, but for those of us who might not want to expose too much, I’ll stick to the shoulders..

Oversized Button Down Shirts - Boyfriend Shirts

Boyfriend shirts have been popular for a very long time, but what is exciting about the 2021 oversized button down is that when you pair it with some of the other trends in this post, it becomes ultra feminine. Don a bralette or corset underneath, a blazer or shacket over - belting both or not, a boyfriend shirt in one of the season’s trendy colors is a feminine twist on a tried and true classic.

Credit: whowhatwear

Trench Coats

I’ve owned my trench coat for about 20 years and they say that styles come back around every 20-30 years, so I am SO glad I kept it!! It’ll save me a little money this year. Mine is a bit boring compared to some of the beauties I’ve seen - again from faux leather to the season’s popular pastels. If I were to buy a new one, I think I’d go for the classic of all classics - the khaki or camel colored trench.

Credit: Brooksbrothers.com, beginningboutique.com, showpo.com

Academia Aesthetic

I find this trend fascinating. Who knew there were so many rules to this style - so much so that they have created an official comprehensive guide. Hmmm. Apparently, according to the L'Officiel guide, anyone who identifies with academia reveres simple, sophisticated dressing. Anything you’d see on an Oxbridge, Ivy League, or Hogwarts student is a staple: black turtlenecks, wool/tweed/plaid coats, smart trousers, and ties are necessities in any academia look. A worn satchel is always better than a designer handbag, especially if it’s filled with thick, dog-earred novels. The dark academia aesthetic adds a gothic twist with a neutral color palette (greys, browns, and blacks), gloomy photos, and existential poetry. Think Ralph Lauren.

Either way - it speaks to me and it reminds me of Meg Ryan in When Harry Met Sally or Diane Keaton in Annie Hall.  I’ve always loved this look!!

Credit:  L’Officiel USA

Tie Dye

The term “tie-dye” first appeared in the United States during the 1960's. Hippies, who were protesting the Vietnam War and promoting peace and love, began wearing clothing with vibrant colors and psychedelic designs. It was used as protest art and then became a pop fashion trend in the 70’s. Due to its throwback to our childhood, it is again a 2021 trend as it brings us comfort in these crazy times. However, today's trend has gone beyond t-shirts to include just about anything - mostly casual, but surprisingly it is a great look dressed up or down!

Credit: Charlie Paige, Ever Pretty

 Sorbet Colors - Pastels

Pastels go hand in hand with Spring and Summer, but this year they also represent hope for a brighter future. These colors are everywhere from apparel, to handbags and shoes to home trends.
• Mint Green
• Butter Yellow
• Sky blue
• Lilac
• Rose

 Neon Colors

Ok - not a fan.  However, I’ve seen SO many stars dressed from head to toe in tennis ball green, that it must be way cooler than me. I remember wearing these colors in high school - ugh. Not a fond memory.

I guess if I was going to cave and add this trend to my wardrobe, I’d add a cute (very small) wallet or wristlet.

• Illuminating yellow
• Tennis ball neon green
• Bubblicious bubble gum pink
• Tangerine

Lug-Soled Boots and Shoes

A lug sole is made of rubber and includes deep indentations or grooves to provide added grip. This year everything from knee high boots, sandals, ballet shoes to Oxfords, Mary Janes and loafers has this sole. They give you an extra lift and BONUS -  they offer stability and traction.  

There are many other 2021 trends that bear mentioning like stripes, bright florals (the brighter the better), something they call dental floss (clothing that has strings that wrap around the body), head scarves, folder shaped purses, market tote handbags, bright handbags in the season’s trendy colors, black and white monochromatic - and so much more!!

It’s totally up to you to decide which of these 2021 trends will go in your closet, fit your lifestyle and your pocketbook. You may wish to just add a small handbag or some chunky shoes.  Whatever you decide - happy shopping!!