Shifting from an offline, physical format to an online, fully digital format did not hamper the creativity of the fashion creators. If anything, it gave them the much needed boost to rebel against the new normal to emerge victorious and inject hope that the world may stop, but fashion should not.
The lockdown was a great time for designers and high fashion brands to halt and refocus on what the future actually calls for. In an effort to regain normalcy and usher in a new era full of possibilities, the runways were a direct testament to the current mood surrounding our world.
From statement shoulders to accentuated waists, to lounge-approved hoodies and relaxed trousers, from sexy backs to short crops, the temperature is soaring (and not only in the literal sense) this summer!
Out with the old and in with the new as we list down the top fashion trends for the silhouettes and details set to rule the upcoming Spring/Summer 2021 season.
CROP TOP CENTRAL
As the months get fierier, the lengths get shorter and shorter.
A no brainer for summer season, the crop top is here to stay. A perfect transition piece, crop tops have come to be deemed as a wardrobe staple that can instantly elevate outfits and lend that much needed glam.
Be it blouson styles, racer backs, corseted or crocheted tops, the crop top silhouette is one of the top silhouette trends for the upcoming season. Paired with a skirt, or a wide leg trouser or shorts – this silhouette is one of the most transitional styles to have in your assortment.
RELAXED TROUSERS
One thing the pandemic hasn’t been strict with is the abs and the upcoming season’s trouser shape of choice comes to the rescue well in time!
Wide legged, baggy and slouchy – is the best way to describe the trend.
Paper bag waists, boyfriend jeans, wide legs all point towards one common characteristic and that is a comfortable relaxed silhouette. This comes as no surprise since consumers have been searching for fuss-free clothing this past year. Turns out that fashion brands have been listening.
THE BOLD SHOULDER
Shoulders are having a defining moment – in the literal sense of the word!
Bold, defined and fierce shoulders are a standout silhouette for the Spring/Summer 2021 season as designers and high fashion brands alike churn out a gamut of styles showcasing the trend.
They say fashion is cyclical, and once again, padded shoulders make a comeback. Dating all the way back to the 1890s, women used to pad their shoulders in order to create a broader silhouette, and then in the 1930s during the Great Depression to appear as confident as the men in the workforce.
But as fashion progresses, so do styles and bold shoulders which today are less about a throwback and more about the women of today. The silhouette has evolved to become sharper, and extends from being simply broad, into puffed up, more pointed, sometimes cape-inspired styles.
FISHNET DETAILS
Adding a bit of drama never goes out of fashion and the fishnet trend is here to satisfy the exact same craving.
Peekaboo details reigned supreme at the recently concluded Spring/Summer 2021 runways as designers and fashion brands opted to elevate basics with fishnet detailing.
From an interesting vest like addition at Dries Van Noten, to broader cage like renditions such as those spotted at Hermes, to subtle detailing on the sleeves as spotted at Kristina Fidelskaya, the approaching season has a lot in store for those who seek.
BACKLESS BASICS
This season is bringing sexy back!
Peekaboo details receive a nod yet again as designers and high fashion labels focus on the back.
Backless cut-out detailing, slices and splices, knotted details, halter necks and barely there ties lend the much needed oomph to otherwise drab outfits.
From crop tops to wraparound blouses to satin midi dresses and even maxis, this trend is all the rage for the approaching Spring/Summer 2021 season.
HOODIE SEASON
Some would debate that hoodies have gained power because of the pandemic, but there is no debating the fact that streetwear and athleisure were already hot segments that were on their way up.
True, that the pandemic might have given a push to the already inevitable, in a way that fashion has now gone on to adapt this casual silhouette into more refined segments as well.
Case in point being, the hoodie has transitioned from casual style into eveningwear dressing
(à la Givenchy and No 21), as well as workwear-inspired clothing (as seen at Max Mara and Private Policy). As consumers continue to place their bucks on comfort first clothing, there is no current timeline to this trend-only a range of possibilities.
BIG, BALLOON SLEEVES
More is less as both creator (designers and brands) and market (the consumer) can’t get enough of this trend.
Balloon sleeves have been reigning supreme since the last few seasons and the only thing changing here is the season itself.
Stronger than ever, the trend has found an active market in the womenswear segment, providing the much needed feminine touch to garments.
CINCH IT UP
Here’s the latest update to the baggy trend that has been gaining momentum since the past few seasons. It is all about adding form and giving a bit of shape to the silhouette.
Designers and brands place emphasis on achieving an hourglass figure by the help of simple dressing principles. Waist cinching is the new norm whether it is via buckles, knots, bows or metallic hardware – the runways were awash with options for the upcoming season.
