The 12 Biggest Spring/Summer 2021 Trends - British Vogue

You could be forgiven for thinking that the spring/summer 2021 collections – and the subsequent raft of spring/summer 2021 trends – were something of a damp squib. Certainly, thanks to the ongoing pandemic, it was a season like no other.

Of the four fashion capitals, New York and London opted for predominantly digital showcases, with the odd designer hosting Covid-secure presentations for small numbers of press and buyers; while Milan and Paris held scaled-back showings with strict social distancing measures in place from some of its biggest brands. Others still opted to try something different. “Different” manifested variously as: showing off-schedule, showing via film and in virtual reality, or sending a replacement for a catwalk experience out to press and buyers in a box. All enjoyed varying degrees of success.

As for the biggest spring/summer 2021 trends? The new working-from-home routine certainly had an effect on what designers turned out. How else to explain the mood for bralettes and midriff flossing? (Beware: both trends require either a fairly militant home workout regime, and/or buoyant levels of self-confidence.) Away from the underwear-as-outerwear impulse came comfort: wide-leg trousers made for bold strides; floaty, sheer maxi dresses promised easy glamour; and ladylike ensembles pimped with a touch of sportswear felt suitably modern (think prim pleated skirts with hoodies, as seen at Prada, tea dresses with cagoules, as seen at Celine, and pencil skirts with bomber jackets, as seen at Max Mara).

Then, there was a renewed sense of resourcefulness: plenty of designers opted for upcycling by way of deadstock fabrics and crafty patchworks to hold a mirror up to 2020 society, questioning its consumerist ways. And for those seeking a more straightforward approach to fashion, there was black and white. Most often, together.

If you are one of millions seeking a guaranteed mood-booster? There will always be sequins – and designers were determined to outfit locked down customers in looks that will make a living room disco feel lively. Yes, you’re over video conferencing and voice notes. You want to go outside in those frivolous woven Bottega Veneta dresses, swinging those delectable chain-strung micro pouches from the Chanel catwalk and trotting down the street in those fabulous Miu Miu beaded mules. The time will come when you can wear a dramatic gown with cape-detailing and not feel like an extra in a Zoom-based, am-dram production. But for now, there are jolly stripes, clever cut-outs and sexy corseting to keep you amused. Time to play dress up with the spring/summer 2021 trends. You’ve got the time.

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