Anyone who expected the Spring/Summer 2021 season to be a showing of humdrum collections couldn't have been any more surprised. Even with the COVID-19 pandemic still rearing its ugly head, designers across all 4 cities came out to inspire fashion trends that reflected an optimistic shift in mood. SS21 was all about bringing joy back into fashion or getting comfortable with the stay-at-home narrative.
Wondering which look you’ll rock come summer? What are Spring/Summer 2021’s biggest trends? With so many designs showcased in the SS21 collections, pinpointing practical yet chic items to line your closet is a taxing affair.
Read on for some seasonal essential inspired by standout pieces from fashion designer houses.
Baggy Pants
We’ve all grown accustomed to the comfort of ‘looser clothes’ since the pandemic. SS21 designers took this and cranked it up a notch with wide-leg pants that ooze elegance with every stride. And as several designer fashion houses proved in their SS21 collection, oversized pants are versatile when it comes to pairings.
Consider drawing inspiration from standout pieces in SS21 shows—including The Row’s cool monochrome blazer + cool baggy pants pairing or Balenciaga’s baggy denim jeans.
Photo: The Row
Photo: Balenciaga
Monochrome
Monochrome colours are a must-have trend in every closet come summer 2021. Black and white styles offer the perfect backdrop to showcase accessories—not to mention their superpower of always working.
The most voguish interpretation of the neutral pastel colours by designer fashion houses include the chequerboard patchwork mini-dress paired with a belt by Dolce & Gabbana or the elegant eveningwear dress by Ports 1961.
Photo: Dolce & Gabbana
Photo: Ports 1961
Bright Pinks
While some designers embraced a classic monochrome scheme, others were more liberal and joyous with their paintbox hues. Runways were lined with a sea of bright and bold colours; with pink taking centre stage.
From hot pinks, bubble-gum pink, fuchsias, to watermelons—the punchy shade was all the rage. Some of the most memorable looks included the flowing maxi dress by Roksanda and the bralette + baggy trousers combo by Chanel.
Photo: Rick Owen
Photo: Chanel
Relaxed Workwear
If you’re a part of the growing phenomenon of attending Zoom meetings dressed in pyjama bottoms and a chic top, fashion houses have a solution that is right up your alley – i.e., relaxed workwear. Whether this is the new era of office fashion or not, we can all appreciate the idea of merging runway-worthy style and comfort.
A good example of the relaxed workwear trend is the functional and dapper wide-leg suit showcased in Fendi’s SS21 collection.
Photo: Fendi
Big Puff Sleeves
The romantic voluminous sleeve is back! From huge ballooned shoulders to subtle puffs, designer fashion houses showed an affinity for some shoulder action.
We can’t help but mention the eye-catching ‘big puff sleeves’ collection by Loewe, which featured a monochrome maxi dress with a white ballooned shoulder and a black silhouette. And if you’re into a pop of colour, Isabel Marant’s billowy silhouette might be your cup of tea.
Photo: Loewe
Photo: Isabel Marant