Summer Fashion Trends for 2021: It's Not Too Late to Stock Up on These Essentials

You’d be forgiven for thinking that the spring/summer 2021 collections – and the resulting slew of spring/summer 2021 trends – were a letdown. It was undoubtedly a season unlike any other, because to the ongoing pandemic.

Summer Fashion Trends for 2021: It’s Not Too Late to Stock Up on These Essentials

New York and London chose mostly digital shows, with the occasional designer presenting Covid-secure presentations for small groups of press and buyers; Milan and Paris had scaled-back showings with rigorous social distancing measures in place from some of their largest companies. Others, on the other hand, chose to try something new. Presenting off-schedule, showing via video and virtual reality, or sending a replacement for a catwalk experience out to journalists and buyers in a box were all examples of “different.” All of them were successful to varied degrees.

What are the most important spring/summer 2021 trends? The new working-from-home habit has a noticeable impact on the work of designers. What else might account for the craze for bralettes and midriff flossing? (Warning: both tendencies necessitate a strict home training regimen and/or high levels of self-assurance.) Away from the underwear-as-outerwear craze, comfort reigned supreme: wide-leg pants allowed for big steps, airy, sheer maxi dresses promised effortless splendour, and ladylike ensembles with a hint of athleticism felt perfectly modern (think prim pleated skirts with hoodies, as seen at Prada, tea dresses with cagoules, as seen at Celine, and pencil skirts with bomber jackets, as seen at Max Mara).

Then there was a resurgence of resourcefulness: several designers chose upcycling via deadstock textiles and clever patchworks to hold a mirror up to 2020 society, challenging its consumerist values. There was also black and white for individuals who preferred a more simple approach to fashion. If you’re one of the millions of people looking for a sure mood-lifter? Designers were determined to dress shut down consumers in designs that would make a living room disco feel active. You’ve had enough of video conferencing and voice memos. You want to go out in those frilly woven Bottega Veneta dresses, swinging those scrumptious Chanel chain-strung mini bags, and prancing down the street in those magnificent Miu Miu beaded mules. You’ll reach a point where you can don a grandiose gown with cape details without feeling like an extra in a Zoom-based am-dram show. But for the time being, To keep you entertained, there are joyful stripes, creative cut-outs, and sensual corseting. It’s time to dress up in the spring/summer fashion trends of 2021. You’ve got time on your hands.