Four months into 2021 and a whole new set of major trends have arrived—and our team of Who What Wear editors have a lot to say about them. Yep, we can't stop talking about the S/S 21 collections and the pieces we want to wear immediately (if we haven't worn them already), but also, the ones we happily left behind in 2020. So, which ones made our list?
It turns out there's a lot we're eyeing—from the standout pattern that's everywhere to the ultimate cool basic for layering to the one color you'll find in every fashion person's closet. Ahead, see what our editors have to say about fashion in 2021 and the pieces we're saying goodbye to. I promise you'll be inspired to wear our picks right away.
Wearing: Second-skin tops
There's nothing I love more than a great, versatile basic that's anything but basic. That's why second-skin tops are one of the standout trends I'm behind for the season ahead. Spotted on the S/S 21 runways at designers like Miu Miu, Givenchy, and Marine Serre, this is the piece every fashion person will be experimenting with within the coming months—I guarantee it. Whether paired with sweatpants or worn underneath knits and trousers as we saw at Prada, its versatility is endless.
Skipping: Sweater-vests
If I'm being honest, the sweater-vest trend that's been everywhere never really grabbed me, so I'll be happy to bow out on that one.
Pictured: Prada S/S 21
Styling tip to borrow: While I've seen second-skin tops worn on their own with pants or jeans, I love the idea of wearing them as an undershirt layered beneath a knit or a coat as seen on the Prada runway.
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Wearing: Utility vests
"The trend that has me most intrigued for this year is utility vests. The knit pullover vest is having a big moment currently, and I think this will be the evolution. I was wearing quilted, warmer versions over the winter, and then switched to lighter iterations for spring."
Skipping: Tie-dye
"The trend I'm leaving behind in 2020 is tie-dye. It had such a moment bringing people a little joy in quarantine, especially in the form of sweats, and I'm ready mentally to move on!"
Pictured: Ottolinger S/S 21
Styling tip to borrow: Incorporate a piece of outerwear or a sweatshirt underneath the vest, sticking to another shade to add dimension to the look.
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Wearing: Bubblegum pink
"I love a pop of color now and then, and I'm excited that bold, bubblegum pink that's making its way into our wardrobes for spring. It makes a powerful statement and looks chic when paired with neutrals such as grey and camel."
Skipping: Chain-embellished shoes
"The trend I'm leaving behind in 2020 is chain-embellished shoes. Sure, they're pretty but I'm erring on the side of all things practical when it comes to my shoe choices right now. (Who knows? Maybe I'll change my mind towards summer.)"
Pictured: Chanel S/S 21
Styling tip to borrow: Play up the fun bubblegum pink hue by wearing it with black, as we saw on the runways at Chanel and Valentino.
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Wearing: Tiny tie details
"We've already seen lace-up pieces trending everywhere, but I'm particularly excited to embrace more pieces with tiny tie detailing in 2021. I feel like everyone has been making bows happen, but really, tie detailing is where it's going to be at next year. It's a subtle detail that can come in so many various iterations, making it the perfect trend to cop for anyone."
Skipping: Bows
"Bows are the trend I'm skipping."
Pictured: Christopher Esber S/S 21
Styling tip to borrow: Instead of knotting them in a bow, try out looped ties.
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Wearing: Loose trousers
"There were tons of loose, baggy trousers on the spring runways and I especially loved how they were styled at Fendi. The trend just has such a chill, devil-may-care vibe that I could certainly use more of in my life."
Skipping: bike shorts
"As for the trend that I'm ready to move on from? Bike shorts. Yes, I'll still wear them around the house, but I'm not really loving them anymore as a deliberate fashion statement. For me, it's a trend that became too oversaturated."
Pictured: Fendi S/S 21
Styling tip to borrow: Wear a low-slung style with a knit top and a blazer for a look Hailey Beiber would 100% approve of.
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Wearing: Microscopic miniskirts
"Hemlines creeped ever higher on the spring 2021 runways, most notably at Miu Miu where the microscopic miniskirts paired with short-sleeve knits transported me back to the '60s. It's a trend that I'm definitely aiming to try this spring once the weather permits bare legs again. I can already envision wearing one with knee-high boots and a shrunken knit."
Skipping: Prairie collars
"A trend I'm leaving behind is extra-large prairie collars. While they do work for some, they've always struck me as a bit too costumey to be all that practical."
Pictured: Miu Miu S/S 21
Styling tip to borrow: Pair a second-skin top with a micro miniskirt to tap into two of the biggest S/S 21 trends all at once.
Wearing: long necklaces
"I loved seeing longer necklaces on the S/S 21 runways and definitely can't wait to incorporate the jewelry trend into my wardrobe. Since I cover my neck, it's actually quite tricky to wear necklaces so I'm happy to find longer-lengthed ones on the market that I can actually show off! This structural piece from Bevza really caught my eye."
Skipping: tiny bags
"The trend I'll be leaving in 2020 is tiny bags. I think they were fun and appealing at first but this year has taught me to lean more towards functional items, which bags that can barely fit my phone don't seem to be. I'd rather go for a baguette bag if I want something on the smaller side."
Pictured: Bevza S/S 21
Styling tip to borrow: Make long necklaces the focal point of the look by sticking to a neutral outfit.
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Wearing: Checkerboard prints
"Checkerboard print is a trend that continues to build, and I'm excited that it's sticking around for S/S 21. It's a lot more exciting than stripes or polka dots. I love the graphic three-piece set (plus the shoes!) at Dolce & Gabbana."
Skipping: one-shoulder pieces
"While I don't hate the one-shoulder silhouette on some people, I just never really got into it. I want two sleeves or no sleeves. It's a look I wore in high school that I don't need to replicate."
Pictured: Dolce & Gabbana S/S 21
Styling tip to borrow: When it comes to prints, more is more. Layer them up.
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Wearing: Built-in G-strings
"A trend I am weirdly excited about is the built-in G-string look. While I won't be rocking the trend as boldly as shown on the runways, I feel like with the right second-skin top or a plain tucked-in T-shirt, the unique trend can actually be quite approachable."
Skipping: Tight over-the-knee boots
"One trend I'm leaving behind in 2020 is tight over-the-knee boots. While they were a big trend for fall, I don't see a place for them this year considering everyone's newly adopted more comfortable lifestyle… Says the girl who just backed G-strings."
Pictured: LaQuan Smith S/S 21
Styling tip to borrow: Leave your skin under the cutout bare or add patterned tights or a top beneath.
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Wearing: Knit polos
"Knit polos have trending and the look has entered the spotlight in an even greater way in 2021. I'm excited to try a few different silhouettes as an easy way to bring that modern sophistication to a vibe."
Skipping: Fitted suiting
"The trend I'm leaving behind in 2020 would be those fitted tailoring pieces. The more relaxed items are great, but I personally don't have the need for super-fitted blazers and such right now."
Pictured: Baum und Pferdgarten S/S 21
Styling tip to borrow: Try out a tonal look with shades from the same color family.
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Next, shop 25 cool fashion finds I'm obsessing over right now.
This post was published at an earlier date and has been updated.
