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I’m a Fashion Editor & I Predict These Will Be the 7 Biggest Trends of 2021

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If you told me in January 2020 that I, a fashion editor, would spend the majority of this year wearing leggings and/or sweatpants while clocking into work from my couch (or my bed, depending on the day), I would’ve laughed in your face. Alas, here I am, rocking cozy pants with an elastic waistband—topped off with an oversized sweatshirt, no less.

So, does it feel weird to be predicting fashion trends when the most exciting event on my current calendar is a festive holiday dinner...cooked by me...at home...with only a bottle of champagne to keep me company? Of course. But I’m nothing if not an optimist and I have high hopes for 2021. My visions for the future don’t exactly include wearing buttoned-up suits and metallic frocks the second the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s, but I do think we’ll start getting even more creative with the cozy garb we wrap ourselves in as we trudge through life in these uncertain times.

So, without further ado, here are the seven trends I predict to take off in 2021—from the cheerful shade of blue we’ll all embrace to the throwback handbag style that’s already gaining traction.

This Nostalgic Coat Is Shaping Up to Be One of Winter's Top Trends


prada hobo bag
Prada/Instagram

1. ‘90s Hobo Bags

Don’t you wish you held onto all the Coach bags from your younger days? Yeah, same because this leather hobo shape looks mighty familiar. However, this up-to-date style features clean lines and leather of a certain patina—which your high school purse certainly did not. Plus, it’s the easiest hands-free piece to toss over puffy winter coats and slimmer cardis (when spring rolls back around).

Get the look: ASOS Design bag ($29); Nordstrom bag ($169; $102); Staud bag ($350); Frances Valentine bag ($398); Prada bag ($1,990)

nap ribbed set1
Nap Loungewear/Instagram

2. ribbed Knitwear Sets

If there was a power suit version of the WFH uniform, it’d be a ribbed knitwear set. Slightly more polished than sweats and a hoodie, these designer-approved styles are all about the details. From statement buttons to flared pants, this knit duo is the easiest way to look polished and feel comfy from your home office.

Get the look: UpWest sweater ($48) and pants ($68); SNDYS hoodie ($60) and pants ($69); Free People pullover ($78) and joggers ($68); LETT cardigan and shorts ($58); Nap set ($338)

aritzia super puff vest

3. puffer Vests

Here’s another trend that’s made for life at home. It leaves your arms free for typing, can be layered over a nice cashmere knit or basic hoodie (your choice) and it’s great as a layering piece when you have to step outside to walk the dog. Just like the recent resurgence of The North Face’s most nostalgic puffer coat, this style has already been coopted by the cool girls of Instagram…so it’s only time before you see it popping up on a socially distant walk near you.

Get the look: Land’s End vest ($110; $55); BB Dakota vest ($79); TNA The Super Puff vest ($198); The North Face vest ($199); Unreal Fur vest ($299); Moncler vest ($640)

sky blue trend
Shopbop/Instagram

4. sky Blue Everything

According to Etsy, sky blue is the trendiest color of 2021. “After such a tumultuous year, shoppers are looking forward to bluer skies ahead,” the site explains. And shoppers are already getting in on this cheerful color; there’s been a 39 percent spike in searches on Etsy for anything in the shade of light blue. I love it in the form of a knit sweater, an easy beanie or sandals—even if you only wear them to trudge over to the living room.

Get the look: Aldo x Rocky Barnes sandals ($75; $54); Everlane sweater ($98); Vince top ($255; $117); Saks Fifth Avenue beanie ($125); Sanctuary jacket ($168)

lele sadoughi headband
Lele Sadoughi/Instagram

5. above The Keyboard Accessories

Apologies in advance to our ring collection, but our fave accessories for the year ahead will continue to be our chunky necklaces, statement hairpins, bold headbands and shoulder-dusting earrings. Yup, basically anything that takes centerstage on Zoom calls, Google Hangouts and Facetime chats

Get the look: Madewell hairpins ($17); Amber Sceats hoops ($62); Alison Lou earrings ($125); Lele Sadoughi x Revolve headband ($198; $139); Short and Suite necklace ($165); Cornelia Webb necklace ($350; $227)

open back trend
Net-A-Porter/Instagram

6. peek-a-boo Details

Sexy dressing, who? Yeah, after months and months of hiding our bodies under soft-to-the-touch layers, it feels right to want to show a little (but not too much) skin. Think: a turtleneck that shows a peep of decotellage or a modest-seeming dress with a totally open back. From bodysuits to knit frocks, this will be a playful way to add a sultry touch to your winter wardrobe.

Get the look: 1.State turtleneck ($79); 525 top ($108); The Range bodysuit ($155; $93); Line by K dress ($235); Cult Gaia dress ($380)

wide leg trousers trend
King & Tuckfield/Instagram

7. wide Leg Trousers

When it comes to wearing actual pants, it looks like we’re all in agreement that we’re just going to ease back into those structured waistbands. Enter: Wide leg trousers. With a generous cut and a naturally casual touch, they have the polish of work or formal wear and the feel of athlesiure. Our tip? Wear them in winter with a cropped cardigan and swap it out for a vintage tee come warmer temps.

Get the look: Madewell pants ($85); Karen Millen pants ($222; $133); King & Tuckfield pants ($420; $252); Trave pants ($308) Les Coyotes de Paris pants ($375)



dena silver headshot

Fashion Editor

From 2019-2021 Dena Silver held the role of Fashion Editor covering product recommendations, trends, and what you should be shopping this season.