Fashion

What’s Going to be Big in 2021 Fashion According to the Runways

From funky prints to chunky knits, these are the trends to look forward to in 2021.
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Congratulations! You've made it to the last day of 2020. Today, it feels a bit like the world is finally crossing the finish line of a marathon race that should've ended months ago.

As we look back on a jam-packed year, we wonder what the next 365 days will hold. In terms of the sartorial, 2020 saw an explosion of microscopically tiny bags, cottagecore-esque frocks, visible thongs, 2000s nostalgia, and last but most certainly not least: face masks. While 2021's fashion portfolio is empty as of now, the runways have already given us a sneak peek of what we can expect to see this spring. Here, L'OFFICIEL rounds up the runway trends poised to take the world by storm in 2021. 

Psychedelic '70s Prints

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Clockwise from top left: Raf Simons Spring/Summer 2021, Bottega Veneta Spring/Summer 2021, Prada Spring/Summer 2021, Charlotte Knowles Spring/Summer 2021.

Fashion already went through a phase of '70s revival with suede, fringe, and flared jeans were all over the runways. In 2021, the new version of the '70s seems to embrace the boldest parts of the era's touchpoints: groovy prints and colorful flower child motifs. 

Chunky Knitwear

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Clockwise from top left: Bottega Veneta Spring/Summer 2021, Valentino Spring/Summer 2021, Anna Sui Spring/Summer 2021, Celine Spring/Summer 2021.

Playing on the comfort and coziness many craved in 2020, knits will reign in the coming year. From day dresses to grandpa cardigans, it's all knit everything. Extra points if you put those quarantine skills to use and knit a garment yourself.

Large Handbags and Totes

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Clockwise from top left: Balenciaga Fall/Winter 2021, Balmain Spring/Summer 2021, Givenchy Spring/Summer 2021, Coach Spring/Summer 2021.

Say goodbye to the mini bags of 2020. Next year's bag of choice is larger and slouchier. From a Givenchy tote to a Balenciaga duffel, you'll want a versatile handbag with plenty of room.

Tops with Something to Say

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Clockwise from left: Chloé Spring/Summer 2021, Louis Vuitton Spring/Summer 2021, Raf Simons Spring/Summer 2021, Gucci Spring/Summer 2021.

From slogan T-shirts to sweaters covered in miscellaneous phrases, 2021 fashion considers the written word as a pattern in itself. Take a page from Gucci and style the quippy look in a sporty chic blend by pairing a graphic tee with a track jacket and midi skirt.

See-Through Prints

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Clockwise from top left: Versace Spring/Summer 2021, Valentino Spring/Summer 2021, Acne Studios Spring/Summer 2021, Chanel Spring/Summer 2021, Fendi Spring/Summer 2021.

Mesh and see-through fabrics with unique prints a la vintage Jean Paul Gaultier took the Spring/Summer 2021 runways by storm. Perfect for layering or showing a bit of skin, a mesh turtleneck or flowy dress is a must-have look for the new year. 

Details That Dangle

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Clockwise from left: Michael Kors Collection Spring/Summer 2021, Bottega Veneta Spring/Summer 2021, Alberta Ferretti Spring/Summer 2021, Dion Lee Spring/Summer 2021.

Fringe and flared add-ons make moving around–something we're hoping to do a lot more of in 2021—more fun.

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