This fashion month was one of firsts—livestreams took the place of invite-only viewings, some spring-summer collections replaced fall-winter pieces, and a number of brands decided to push up or push back the timing of their shows. But despite all the chaos, cohesion came through in the form of this season’s biggest 2021 fashion trends. From black and white to cyberpunk, kaleidoscope, and mixed prints, this was a bold season of anything-but-boring looks. Read on for a breakdown of each trend and how to wear them now.
Netting
As a carry-over trend from spring-summer, netting came out in full force. While at times taking the form of tighter netting—think, fishnets—it also appeared in cutout pieces—think, crochet. When worn on top or underneath as a layering item, these pieces add a peekaboo effect to your overall look. If you aren’t ready for a head-to-toe net look, get these netting 2021 fashion trends in a bite size with accessories like socks and pumps.
- Random Identities White & Black Fishnet Socks, $30
- Gianvito Rossi 105 Leather-Trimmed Fishnet Pumps, $745
- Agnona Ribbed-Knit Fishnet Dress, £1,038
- Rick Owens Open-Knit Jumper, £930
- Brunello Cucinelli, Round Neck Open-Knit Jumper, £1,680
Black and White
Appearing in pretty much every shape and pattern, the black and white motif ran strong as a 2021 fashion trend. Dresses, capes, jewelry, and handbags all featured interpretations of this made-for-Moira Rose theme. Although minimal in colorway, there is nothing minimalist about the way it showed up on the runway. Bold color-blocking, checkering, and layering made this one of the most striking trends for fall-winter.
- Black Comme Des Garçons Distressed Tailored Shorts, £850
- Emilia Wickstead Cruz Striped Satin Dress, $3,535
- Rowen Rose Belted Open-Back Printed Silk Crepe de Chine Midi Dress, $2,120
- Balmain Off-the-Shoulder Two-Tone Crepe Mini Dress, $2,295
The Wide-Leg Pant
The wide-leg pant trend is one that we always welcome back with open arms. Whether it is an extra long or slightly cropped pair, this is a pant shape that can be counted on for comfort and class. This season, wide-leg pants are ready to be worn at formal affairs or around the house. In the case of the former, look for a twill trouser. If the latter, we highly recommend a charmeuse pair that can double as a pajama.
- Brock Collection Theia Belted Cotton-Twill Wide-Leg Pants, $940
- Bottega Veneta Cotton-Canvas Wide-Leg Pants, $1,350
- Jacquemus Wide-Leg Trousers, £556
- Jonathan Simkhai Arlet Charmeuse Wide-Leg Pants, $495
Cyberpunk
It is no surprise that this trend ran wild in some of the biggest shows of the season. A subcategory of the larger punk genre, cyberpunk incorporates science fiction, high technology, and social disruption references. Get on board with this trend now with high-rise combat boots, metallic pieces, round glasses, and futuristic sneakers meant for The Matrix.
- Balenciaga Strike 20mm Lace-Up Boots, £650
- Rick Owens + Moncler Cyclopic Logo-Appliquéd Quilted Metallic Shell Down Coat, $1,965
- Yohji Yamamoto Futuristic Aviator Sunglasses, £452
- Balenciaga Tyrex Logo-Print Metallic Rubber, Mesh, and Faux Leather Sneakers, $995
Pinks of Every Shade
If you can only introduce one new color into your wardrobe, let it be pink. Present at almost all the major shows, it is the color to pay attention to this season. Despite it initially coming off as a strong color reserved only for a select few, there is room for all in this season's offering. Find the shade that tickles you pink with all of the options currently available.
- Dolce & Gabbana Silk-Shantung Tapered Pants, $945
- Rebecca Vallance Amina Puff-Sleeve Peplum Top, £378
- Khaite Taylor Over-The-Knee Boots, $1,180
- Balenciaga Smocked Jersey Dress, $1,790
Kaleidoscope Prints
Perhaps the antidote to last year’s melancholy, bright mirrored patterns showed up with all the positive vibes for the fall-winter runways. This optically stimulating trend is attention-grabbing to say the least. But, it can feel buttoned up when perfectly symmetrical or lean psychedelic when slightly uneven. Try it on in baby steps with an accessory or go bold with a bodysuit, zip-up top, or cocktail dress.
- A.W.A.K.E. Mode Lucy Padded Metallic PVC Tote, $470
- by Parra Serpent Pattern Reversible Track Top, $190
- La Doublej Kaleidoscope-Print Bodysuit, £270
- Chiara Boni La Petite Robe Off-the-Shoulder Printed Cutout Cocktail Dress, $890
Supersized Bags
For a long time it was all about the small, mini, or micro bag. Now, although there are still plenty of those teeny tiny versions alive and well on the runway, designers seem to have changed their tune on the preferred shape of the modern handbag. Unlike its predecessor, this new “it” bag offers plenty of room for whatever needs carrying for the day or long weekend.
- 10 Corso Como largs striped tote bag, £106
- Off-White Large Nylon Commercial Tote Bag, available for pre-order
- Saint Laurent Noé Rive Gauche Tote, $1,250
- CHLOÉ + Corita Kent Large Leather-Trimmed Printed Canvas Tote, $1,090
- Valentino Garavani Atelier Bow Leather Tote, $3,250
Head-to-Toe Denim
For many of us, this is a trend that brings to surface the very lucid memory of Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake at the American Music Awards in 2001 (yes, 20 years ago). An iconic look that made the world think differently about the Canadian tuxedo, a full head-to-toe denim outfit is once again on trend.
- RETROFÊTE Tori Belted Distressed Denim Jumpsuit, $545
- Balmain Denim Jumpsuit, $2,750
- Gucci Blue Denim Stone Wash Jacket, $1,800
- Gucci Blue Washed Denim Shorts, $950
Mixed Prints
This is not a trend meant for the fashion faint of heart. Whether a result of little editing, an aversion to commitment, a sustainable choice, or a desire to try and fit it all in, an amalgamation of prints made their presence known on the fall-winter runways this season. While it can be easy to clash with so much going on—and by all means, clash on—silky, flowy fabrics soften the effect and add a level of sophistication if that is your preference.
- Rixo Tamara Mixed-Print Cotton Midi Dress, $385
- Sacai Mixed Print Skirt, £1,215
- Pierre-Louis Mascia Mixed-Print Silk Shirt, £514
- Versace Mixed Print Silk Shirt, $1,175
Fall Florals
While we all know that the floral trend for spring is nothing new, florals for fall are always exciting to see. Appearing in many shapes and sizes, these fall floral prints ran the gamut from large and abstract to small and precise. Fortunately for us all, there are plenty of floral pieces that fit the bill and are ready to be bought up now.
- Saint Laurent Hawaii Shirt, $790
- Oscar de la Renta Floral-Embroidered Tulle Mini Dress, $8,990
- Rixo Poppy Floral-Print Crepe Midi Dress, $345
- Givenchy Black And White Floral Velvet Track Jacket, $1,660
Capes
There is no better way to feel like a superhero than with a cape. Perhaps a piece that you might have neglected to add to your wardrobe up until now, now is definitely the time for you to give one a try. Effortless and elegant, it’s an item that will look great no matter the length or the occasion.
- Valentino Tie-Detailed Cape-Effect Silk Midi Dress, $5,500
- Burberry Check Jacquard Cape, £950
- Gabriella Hearst Tess Cape, $3,990
- Deveaux Molly Wool-Blend Turtleneck Cape, $1,195
Fringe
Perhaps as a response to the lack of movement last year, designers came back this season with this made-to-move trend. Fringe in every form showed up around the world in some of the most important shows of the season. Try a piece that incorporates just a touch of fringe in the detailing or opt for a piece that makes it the main event. The choice is yours.
- Nili Lotan Carter Fringed Leather Jacket, $2,395
- Hellessy Beau Fringe-Embellished Jeans, £624
- Palm Angels Fringed T-Shirt Dress, $790
- Bottega Veneta The Fringe Pouch Leather Bag, $2,800
Vests
The vest is an item that has been more recently associated with Silicon Valley than runways, but it is back this season ready to reclaim its place in the high-fashion ranks. Also showing up in just about every form, designers got creative with puffers, zip ups, sleeveless outerwear, and sweater vests. Whether you want to feel preppy or protected, the vest will be a go-to item this year.
- Gabriela Hearst Zelos Wool and Silk-Blend Twill Vest, $850
- 8 Moncler x Palm Angels Exen Gilet Vest, $2,005
- Mame Kurogouchi Geometric Print Knit Vest, £435
- Vince Collared Wool-Cashmere Vest, $395
Statement Earrings
If you are going to invest in an accessory this year, go for a pair of statement earrings. This Zoom-proof item is one that many designers went big on. From bold geometric shapes to long and dangly sets, you can’t have enough pairs to wear right now.
- Casa Castro White Jadeite Butterfly Earrings, $12,138
- Alexander McQueen Gold-tone, Faux Pearl, and Crystal Earring, $620
- Simone Rocha x Browns 50 Crystal Flower Drop Earrings, £275
- Versace Oversized Gold-Tone Hoop Earrings, $725
Sweater Dresses
Even though many of us are ready to get back into the world, our closets might not be prepared to bounce back to tight and tailored pieces. Thankfully, sweater dresses are here to save us all. Easy to throw on and go, this ultra comfortable style is available to buy into right now.
- The Row Crispiano Stretch-Jersey Maxi Dress, $850
- Moschino Teddy Bear Wool Mini Dress, £465
- Danielle Guizio Rib Knit Button-Up Midi Dress, $468
- Staud Shoko Colorblock Ribbed-Knit Midi Sweater Dress, $165
