5 Of The Most Influential Fashion Trends for Spring/Summer 2021

With a final farewell to 2020, the fashion industry welcomed SS21 with open arms. This season, an overwhelming sense of admiration was felt for designers, simply because these collections were created within lockdown and presented amidst a pandemic. Many of the shows took place remotely and were broadcasted via live stream videos.

A lack of travel and events has left us largely confined to loungewear. Despite this, the runways were awash with vibrant shapes, colours and textures. Little was left to the imagination as fashion favourites explored euphoric influences. The overarching SS21 sentiment was hope and excitement for a brighter, better future. Many of the pieces provided a form of escapism, if you will, channelling summer getaways, decadent parties and dream-like lands. Read on to discover the most coveted spring 2021 fashion trends to try now.

Image Source: Vogue, Jacquemus

1. Wrap It Up

An unlikely contender, but by no means one we are bashing: straps were seen across the board, from midriff wraps to chest ties. Designers used these to show off skin in a more tasteful way than gaping holes in fabric. With a nod to the current 90s hysteria, Jacquemus, Vejas and ACNE Studios incorporated cords and layered straps into their tops and dresses. If the thought of brandishing your middle makes you cringe, fear not, the trend transcended into twisted straps and at Paco Rabanne ornamental golden capes with oversized ties glistened, leaving models looking as if they had been gift wrapped.

Image Source: Etro, Dolce & Gabbana

Long gone are the days of playing it safe: if 2020 has taught us anything, it’s to be more experimental with our wardrobe. While some may wince at the idea of pairing opposing colours and prints, this season designers proved flower power isn’t something to be afraid of. From Dolce & Gabbana’s eccentric take on patchwork to Etro’s vibrant floral maxi dresses and Valentino’s neon expressions, daring hues and stand out petals took president. 

Artistically painted florals made waves at Duro Olowu, while Bottega Veneta etched contrasting daisy motifs into lace gowns - both of which were undeniable highlights. Step outside your comfort zone with Sika’a’s Christine Paisley Floral Print Gown, a stand out piece promising to elevate your wardrobe to new heights. Luxury African inspired prints are paired with a relaxed, full-length flowing shape that mirrors Dolce & Gabbana’s silhouette for a more modern, eye-catching take on the traditional pattern. 

Following a nearly year-long stint indoors, it may come as no surprise that skinny trousers are well and truly out. In their place sit oversized silhouettes uniting comfort and style. Chloe and Louis Vuitton's examples of this are synonymous with the workwear wardrobe one lusts after come summer. The slouched jeans at A.P.C were a much needed reminder that denim needn’t be so disagreeable. Aside from comfort, the beauty of the baggy legged fit is a subtle slimming effect that enhances all shapes and sizes. Try the trend at home with Sika’a’s Amahle Silk Palazzo Trousers. Worn on the hips and secured with a waist clinching tie, they are wonderfully complementary to the figure. Team them with a capsule white tee for an upgrade on everyday attire, or pair with a silk shirt for superior workwear. 

Image Source: Roksanda, Vogue

Given the doom and gloom of 2020, it’s unsurprising to see designers warming to punchy palettes. Take a leaf out of Roksanda and Valentino’s books and opt for a single, stand out shade, or deep dive into many pools of colour with cultural designs courtesy of Osman Yousefzada and Gabriela Hearst. 

Last year, we witnessed a revival of the humble tie-dye trend - something that does not appear to be going anywhere soon. Rearing its flamboyant head on the SS21 runway, designers toyed with different dying techniques to create beautiful prints. No one does raucous patterns quite like Missoni and this season they delivered. Influences from various cultures are evident, especially Africa and Japan. Given that African fashion designers took centre stage in 2019, it’s inspiring to see their ascendancy once again. 

Image Source: Altuzarra, Brandon Maxwell Studio

5. The Power Skirt

This season, we’re waving goodbye to hitched hemlines and risqué minis. Long skirts took centre stage at an array of shows, from Raf Simons swirling silk iterations to Gabriela Hearst’s noteworthy take on the transformative 70s striped skirt, confirming it as one of Spring’s biggest trends. Pleated peach skirts with choppy hems billowed through Altuzarra’s - an undeniable summer staple and one which can be worn with a simple cami or cashmere cardigan as presented. 

Sika’a’s Enitan Maxi Skirt marries abstract African designs with a timeless pleated, high wasted shape providing a chic alternative to the pencil silhouette. Decidedly less exciting but equally audacious, if contrasting colours are not your forte, take a leaf out of Brandon Maxwell’s book and invest in a statement coloured skirt to carry you through the seasons.