2021 is the year of fashion. As the pandemic begins to come to an end, people are beginning to trade their loungewear for evening wear. That means it’s time to check in on your closet and see what outfits you can pull out — and what outfits you still need to buy — to wow your friends and family.
Fashion in 2021 will be a mix of vintage accents and new styles; you’ll find yourself wearing already-owned outfits you haven’t worn in years while shelling out money on (affordable!) new outfit trends. Whether you need a new look for a cruise to Mexico or some stylish business casual to start at your new job, here are some fashion trends that you don’t want to miss this year.
1. Belts
Belts have always been known for their utility. They hold up your pants to avoid an embarrassing moment in public, and they’re there when you need to loosen your pants after a big meal. But what if belts were meant for both utility and fashion? 2021 has introduced the statement belt, which includes chunkier, mid-section belts with bold colors, intricate patterns, and lots of shimmer and shine. They’re perfect for adding a little fashion flair to a blazer, sweater, or dress.
2. Bralettes
Bralettes are great because really, what woman wants to wear a bra? Bralettes are underwire-free and comfortable, and they won’t dig into your waist and smoosh in your breasts. The best part? Bralettes are also a 2021 fashion trend. Now, instead of bralettes being hidden under baggy shirts, people are wearing bralettes loudly and proudly: under open blazers and cardigans, and sometimes even plain with a pair of high-waisted bottoms. You could go for a lacy look or just a solid black, and either way, you’ll look fashion-forward and modern.
3. Bright Colors
Brightly-colored outfits might remind you of the 70s or 80s, but they’re back in 2021! Instead of people wearing bold accessories and adding a pop of color to their outfits with purses, shoes, or headbands, people are going all out with neon pinks, greens, purples, and yellows all over. The color block trend creates adorable outfits with blocks of colors you never thought would work, and you’re guaranteed to look stylish in a color block dress, sweater, or bathing suit.
4. Matching Sets
If you haven’t seen influencers on Instagram wearing matching sets, then you haven’t been paying attention. Matching sets are great for work from home and social settings; whether you’re looking for loungewear, a tank top and skirt, or a crop top and pants, they’re definitely the way to go. Matching sets look especially good with clunky white boots (another great fashion trend), layered necklaces, and accented purses. If you don’t want to break the bank and buy a matching set, you can likely make one out of monochromatic pieces you already have hanging in your closet.
5. Puffy Sleeves
Do you want to feel like an absolute princess? Try out the puffy sleeve trend. Puffy sleeves used to be reserved for conservative teacher outfits and royal balls, but in 2021, puffy sleeves are for everyone. Whether as part of a dress or a shirt, the look of a puffy sleeve makes any outfit feel fancy. It’s a perfect idea for an out-to-dinner look or a professional video call.
6. Maxi Dresses
Maxi dresses have always been the best year-round dress-up outfits out there, and this is still true in 2021. Whether preparing for a warm summer night on the beach or apple picking in chilly fall, maxi dresses will keep you feeling warm, cool, and stylish all at the same time. In fact, they might even be magic. Right now, the most popular maxi dress is the “blanket dress”; you’ll feel like you’re under a blanket all day, and you’re almost guaranteed to like it.
2021 should be the year you take your style to the next level. If you go for these trends, you’ll rarely say, “I have nothing to wear” again.