Honestly, I have been in a bit of a style rut since the start of the pandemic. And I’m sure I’m not the only one. Not only was I thrown off by perpetually being at home and opting for cozy dressing, pile on depression, general worldly unrest, and the fear of a second lockdown, and I pretty much gave up on getting properly dressed around July 2020. However, lately I have been itching to rediscover my closet and play with fashion again. And revisiting the runways for Fall 2021 has helped tremendously in reigniting inspiration in both dressing and content. Today we’re going over 10 of my favorite fall 2021 fashion trends.
Fall Fashion Looked A Little Different…
Like most of us, designers also had to navigate and work in unusual circumstances. They, too, were forced to work in a vacuum, and cater to an audience whose lives have been forever changed, not to mention their (likely) stance on fashion and dressing. The way they showed their work changed too — ultimately showing collection virtually or in intimate settings. But limitations didn’t limit creativity. Fall 2021 fashion collections demonstrated the times by embracing the new outdoor life (apres-ski,) stable little black dresses, new-wave Studio 54 styles, and ensuring comfort is still key with elevated knits.
My Favorite Fall 2021 Fashion Trends
A Studio 54 Moment
We’re going to talk about knitwear in a second, but right now, it’s all about the glitz and glamor. We have been at home in our loungewear for so long, it’s time we go all out. Forget the minimalism and let your sense of optimism show. And according to designers like Paco Rabanne, Valentino, Loewe, and Dries Van Noten, that means sequins and opulence. And it isn’t just limited to little club dresses. They are adding a statement to everything from long trousers to jackets to full volume dresses.
Elevated Knits
Comfort enthusiasts, have no fear. The comfy knits of pandemic past aren’t going anywhere. They’re just getting a little elevated. Going beyond a cozy sweater and a pair of sweatpants to lounge around the house in are matching knit sets in polished finishes and sleek styling. I’m personally drawn to the matching bottom/collared top, ribbed knit midi dresses, matching cardigan/crop top sets. The head to toe knit look not only is a great way to pull of monochromatic dressing, but it’s also been proven to look classy and comfortable at the same time and appropriate for evenings in and out. Shows like Altuzarra, Proenza Schouler, and Gabriela Hearst proved cozy doesn’t equate to lacking polish. And that I love. This is one of the Fall 2021 Fashion trends I will be living in this season.
Prep School Vibes
That dark academia, prep school vibe that comes into play every fall definitely is rearing its head again for Fall 2021. We, of course, saw the typical proponents: skirts, sweaters, blazers, etc. But there are some sub-trends that fall within this that I’m particularly loving.
Skirt Suits a la Cher Horowitz
I love a good pantsuit, don’t get me wrong. But I am obsessed with plaid miniskirt suits right now. Like Cher’s infamous yellow ‘fit remains iconic, so do the suits served from designers like Self-Portrait and Alessandra Rich. They’re pretty and professional, and I am window shopping as we speak.
Tonal Tailoring
Suiting and tailored looks is constant among fall fashions, but something seemed special about the suiting we saw on the runways for Fall 2021. This season, it’s all about tonal tailoring. Designers like The Row, Petar Petrov, Prada, Tory Burch, and Max Mara showed how easy it is by pairing classic, matching suit separates to create an incredibly elevated, layered look. Finish off with a tonal turtleneck and loafers for a literal take on the trend.
Midi Skirts
This was a style I wasn’t surprised to see all over the runways. Historically, in fashion, hemlines are indicative of a society’s economics. High hemlines indicate economic flourish, while longer hemlines convey economic downturn. The year 2020 was a precarious and unprecedented time, and would fall into the latter category with mass unemployment and disposable income was more scarce. So here to demonstrate that is the influx of midi skirts seen on runways. And the possibilities are seemingly endless. They showed as box-pleats at Christian Dior, A-line at The Row, flowy and fabulous at Partow — but they had something in common: reaching midway between the ankle and knee.
Saturated Shades
Neutrals have dominated fashion for the past few seasons, but as the optimism increases for the reopening of the world, it starts to be reflected in fashion. The general unrest the past year and a half has shown us has left up needing lively inspirations, and for Fall 2021, that comes in the form of punchy saturated shades. Something I really like about the introduction of saturated, vibrant color this season, though, is the fact it’s moving away from the primary color wheel and focusing, instead, on secondary and complementary colors. Colors like burnt oranges, mustards, chartreuses, lavenders, fuchsias, and crimsons take center stage.
PRO TIP: Wear one shade head-to-toe for maximum impact.
Cropped Jackets
We mentioned tailored suiting, and we’ll touch base on Gen Z’s influence in a moment, but the silhouette turning heads this season is a little midruff baring. Unlike the cropped T’s that have made a huge resurgence thanks to Gen Z, these cropped jackets and tops are a little more sophisticated — kind of like the cropped T’s older sister. Styling is the key to this trend, in my opinion. Matching sets, especially suiting are the move here. It’s a little unexpected but still offers a classic and sophisticated feel. Chanel showed the trend can be polished and sophisticated with a fuchsia pantsuit. And Peter Do and Emilia Wickstead showed the trend can bounce between menswear and ultra lady-like.
Visible Logos
Clear, visible logos were once all the rage. And designers seemed to collectively agree it’s time for a logo rebrand this season. Instead of loud logos on clothing and accessories of all kind, the approach this go around was a little more subtle. Now, logos are disguised as patterns and prints.
Gen Z Says It All
Gen Z has been reviving looks from the late ’90s and early 2000s for seasons now, and I have low key been loving it. And apparently I’m not the only one, designers must be loving it, too, because the ’00s fashions all over Tik Tok have mirgrated to the runways for Fall 2021. Designers like Anna Sui, Kim Shui, and Blumarine have revitalized pieces like low-rise jeans, crop tops, and furry collars, as well as funky patterns and prints, nodding to Gen Z’s interpretation of those styles.
Carry It All Bags
The past few seasons have given us teeny, lipgloss only mini bags. But that is no longer priority. More is most certainly more, and practicality is key. After all, we’re out and about again. We need our stuff! Larger than life totes, to hold everything we need, we everywhere on the runways.
Biggest Boot Trend: Sleek, No-Slouch, & Knee-High
Shoe trends are some of my favorite, and I’m a sucker for a good pair of boots. This season is all about sleek and slouchy knee-highs that show a little skin. So don’t put away your short skirts and dresses quite yet!
And these are the fall 2021 fashion trends I plan on incorporating into my daily dressing this season. I can’t wait to break out the knee-high boots with little skirts and dresses, creating my best Cher Horowitz & Blair Waldorf approved preppy looks, and living in an elevated knitwear look. What fall 2021 fashion trends are you loving? Or which are you passing on?
PS: Check out my Fall 2021 Fashion Trends Pinterest board here for my favorite trends & styling inspirations straight from the runway.
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