5 Fashion Trends We're Predicting Will Dominate Our 2021 Wardrobes

From dramatic sleeves to oversized shirting - by Grace Back

After months of working from home this year, our fashion choices have (understandably) taken a back seat. In the absence of places to be and people to see, we looked to comfortable loungewear to replace our workwear, while our slingbacks were sidelined to make way for cosy slippers. But, 2021 presents itself as a time to experiment and have fun with fashion again.

As we start to wrap up a year filled with repetitive sweats, take solace in the fact that the new year comes with new beginnings—especially on the sartorial front. Below, we predict five key trends that are set to dominate 2021.

Whimsical Dressing

Eccentric fashion was put on the backburner during 2020, replaced by loungewear and oftentimes, pyjamas. But if the playfulness of Dries Van Noten or the joy of Halpern's shows earlier this year proves anything for the seasons ahead—we're in for whimsical, expressive and over-the-top style come the new year. Think colourful dresses, bold prints and stand-out textures.

Wide-Legged Denim

Denim with a loose fit and '70s edge will reign supreme in 2021. Featured in shows like Balenciaga and Chloé, as well as our desires to replace those favourite pair of sweats with something a little dressier, denim with flares and wide-legs will look to make a grand entrance next year.

Luxe Sport

Labelled by Pinterest as 'ath-flow', our casualwear in the new year will be filled with comfortable but luxe pieces that are "professional enough for the office, stretchy enough for the yoga mat and comfy enough for the sofa." Basically, prepare for your loungewear to get a 2021 twist in the form of modern silhouettes and dressier fabrics.

Puffed Proportions

It's unsurprising that in 2021 we'll want to go big and bold with our fashion choices, with the puffed sleeve trend not going anywhere anytime soon. From the signature puffed dresses of Copenhagen-based label Cecilie Bahnsen to the high-street offerings at Zara and &OtherStories, the voluminous and daring trend looks to make our new year wardrobes more dramatic than ever before.

Oversized Shirting

If we've learnt anything over the last several months, it's that comfort is key, and big, billowing shirts (that you stole from your boyfriend) are set to become a chic office staple. The classic button-up in oversized proportions provides an easy, polished layer to your usual daily getups—just add some chunky gold accessories to finish it off.