The Biggest Fashion Trends Of Spring 2021

What does fashion in 2021 look like? For all the changes we’ve seen over the past year, the trend machine continues to churn along, with styles from the near past (think early-2000s Paris Hilton) to the far past (think Marie Antoinette) alike popping back into style.

There seem to be two fashion schools of thought when it comes to predicting this year’s popular pieces: those who are embracing the comfort and casual nature of dressing during coronavirus, and those who are ready to break free from 2020’s loungewear and embrace a maximalist attitude to dressing once again.

No matter where you land on the style spectrum, there’s a popular trend for you. Take a look at 8 of the biggest ones.

1) Corset-Inspired Pieces

Bridgerton has taken over, and that includes fashion trends. If 2020 was the year of cottagecore, than in 2021 it’s all about royalcore; dressing in feminine garb inspired by Regency, Rococo, and Renaissance-era fashion.

2) Square Toe Shoes

It’s hip to be square these days, at least when it comes to your shoes. From boots to pumps to sandals, rounded and pointed toes have given way to a boxier look.

3) Cool Cut-Outs

Knitwear became the predominant fabric of our pandemic-striken world, but this year it’s getting an upgrade with plenty of cutouts and avant-garde shapes. These pieces look great on their own when you want to show off some skin, but they’re also neat when layered over thin tops, tights, and other layering essentials.

4) Loosen Up

In case you haven’t heard the news, skinny jeans are out (and even worse, they make you look old, at least according to Gen Z). That’s fine by me, because I’m looking for relaxed styles anyway, and not just with my jeans. Blazers, blouses, coats—oversize and loose fits feel like the perfect way to slowly ease back into normal-ish dressing after a year of loungewear.

5) Mini Is The New Maxi

As Y2K trends continue to come back around, it only makes sense that one of the most iconic pieces of new millennial style, the mini skirt, reigns once more. Sure, these pieces may border on looking like thick belts, but after seasons of midi and maxi skirts, why not show off some leg?

6) Tinted Square Frames

Fashionistas are always on the search for the next retro sunglasses style to bring back en vogue. Once upon a time it was wayfarers, then aviators, then cat-eyes. Now, tinted shades, and particularly tinted sunnies with yellow and orange lenses, are favored.

7) Bubble Quilting

From that one sofa that every influencer on Instagram can’t seem to get enough of to Bottega Veneta’s trendy Cassette shoulder bag, puffy quilting is all the rage right now. It adds intriguing texture to even simple silhouettes, making it a great way to put a fascinating twist on neutrals.

8) Checkerboard

Whether you binged The Queen’s Gambit recently or used to rock the classic Van slip-ons, you’ll be pleased to know that checkerboard prints are back. I personally love the print on colorful pants and menswear-inspired button-ups, but there are endless ways to rock this trend.