Fashion People Told Me the 2021 Trends They’re Wearing First

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The best way to find out what fashion will look like in the future? Going straight to the source and asking the fashion set which pieces have landed on their shopping lists. That’s why I reached out to some of the best-dressed buyers, editors, stylists, and influencers, who I always look to for their covetable shopping buys. Curious to see what they have their eyes on right now, I asked them to spill the 2021 trends they will be wearing first.

Taking inspiration from the S/S 21 collections, they’re sharing the standout trends they’re already planning on adding into their wardrobes. From luxe takes on loungewear at Proenza Schouler to eye-catching statement pieces at Loewe to the barely-there trend that was everywhere from Attico to Jacquemus—plus the mindful movement towards sustainability—the pieces they’re excited about have me thinking about the bright future of fashion in 2021. Here, shop their picks—I promise you’ll find some fresh inspiration for your closet.

The trend: elevated loungewear

“I have become a complete advocate for comfort dressing and can’t wait to inject some new knitwear and sweatsuits into my collection. I love this idea of approaching my wardrobe with a more relaxed and practical sensibility. Proenza Schouler, Totême, and Balenciaga really owned this trend for me, but I’ll also be trying some new pieces from newcomer Lisa Yang.” —Libby Jane Page

Pictured: Proenza Schouer S/S 21

Shop the trend:

The Line by K Nidia Ribbed-Knit Cardigan ($170)

Shop the matching Daisy Ribbed-Knit Flared Pants ($180)

Mango Button Knit Dress ($80)

Zara Long Knit Vest Limited Edition ($50)

The trend: sweater vests

“I am very in love with sweater vests for spring 2021. I’ve already slowly started acquiring more recently but I think in spring I’ll be going full speed ahead on sweater vests. I saw it at Coach, Louis Vuitton, and Sea! And have been eyeing ones currently online at Pura Utz and Deima Knitwear. I was drawn to this trend because it feels like a forgotten transitional piece and brands are coming out with more whimsical versions that don’t feel so preppy. As for styling, I’ll be wearing these with an oversized tee underneath, doubling up on sweaters with a chunky sweater underneath, or wearing it on its own with a fluffy poplin skirt. The layering options are endless which is what makes it so fun!” —Michelle Li

Pictured: Louis Vuitton S/S 21

Shop the trend:

Frankie Shop Wool-Blend Turtleneck Sweater ($155)

Mango Knitted Vest With Print ($50)

Iets Frans… Argyle Sweater Vest ($49)

The trend: bold shoulders

“I’m most excited about the bold shoulder silhouettes of the season. I’ve always loved a strong shoulder and it’s a mainstay in my wardrobe, so this is a trend with absolute longevity that still makes one hell of a statement. I’ll usually balance the shape with a cinched waist or slim trousers—it’s all about getting the proportions right for your body. Loewe’s billowing sleeves are top of my wishlist!” —Anna Vitiello

Shop the trend:

Rotate Birger Christensen Irina Jacquard Dress ($440)

Faithfull the Brand Venetia Shirred Cotton-Poplin Top ($139)

H&M Fine-Knit Sweater ($13)

The trend: dare to bare

“Next season is all about summer getaway trends. Dare to bare is the motto, whereby modern dresses with cut out details are having a moment. Personally, I am looking forward to go-to destinations where I can wear the bare minimum. Mules in bright colors or skinny strappy flat sandals can be perfectly combined to this trend.

I am also loving a great ensemble-combination: Jackets with dresses or matching cropped tops with shorts will bring the extra fun we finally need in our lives next summer. Miniskirts or shorts with high heels or luxe flip-flops will be my personal go-to style for the upcoming season. Ultimately, you should invest in a white crisp shirt for summer. It is versatile and works with everything. We have been seeing a lot of novelty white shirts—cropped versions from Jacquemus, or with oversized shoulders from the Attico—all perfect items to elevate your S/S 21 wardrobe. It can be dressed down with denim shorts, or dressed up with a sexy leather mini skirt.” —Tiffany Hsu

Pictured: Jacquemus S/S 21

Shop the trend:

Jacquemus Cropped Hemp-Blend Shirt ($505)

Zara Satin Effect Mini Skirt ($40)

The Attico Venus Satin Pumps ($745)

“I am loving a pop of a full-color look with a bright lipstick. I saw an incredible example of this on the Hermès runway this season. A full blue look with red lips. Simply stunning. I’ll be wearing at home with my family for holiday drinks with a simple flat Mary Jane or mesh shoe.” —TyLynn Nguyen

Pictured: Hermès S/S 21

Shop the trend:

Theory Belted Linen-Blend Mini Dress ($425)

Maria Luca Anklet Ballet Flats ($279)

Hermès Rouge Hermès – Matte Lipstick ($67)

The trend: sustainability

“Sustainability was on the tip of everyone’s tongue at the S/S 21 collections. More luxury brands touted upcycled materials or responsible production than ever before from Balenciaga and Prada to Ferragamo and Maison Margiela. I would love to get my hands on one of Marine Serre’s utilitarian biodegradable nylon pieces that I plan to wear with beloved things I already own because keeping clothes in their lifecycle as long as possible is of course the most sustainable strategy of all.” —Rachael Wang

Pictured: Marine Serre S/S 21

Shop the trend:

Laura Lombardi Luna Chain Necklace ($265)

Levis Vintage 550™ Relaxed Fit Men’s Jeans ($118)

Bagatiba Mini Gold Hollow Hoops ($160)

The trend: heritage crochet

“This idea of heritage crochet was everywhere on the S/S 21 runways and was one of my favorite trends to come out of the season. I was particularly enamored with these dresses from Gabriela Hearst and Christopher Esber and I have no doubt that these will become treasures in my wardrobe for many seasons to come. I’m envisioning these styled quite simply, either bare feet or a flat-tie sandal, and finished with a delicate bracelet. The dresses are striking enough on their own.” —Lisa Ruffle

Pictured: Christopher Esber S/S 21

Shop the trend:

Nanushka Ona Cutout Stretch-Knit and Crocheted Cotton-Blend Top ($380)

Mango Crochet Top ($40)

H&M Crocheted Top ($25)

The trend: volume

“I’ve been seeing a lot of voluminous dresses and tops dominate the SS21 collections, which I’m most excited about! My favorite collections from this season were SEA NY, R13, Stella Jean, Preen, and Ulla Johnson. I definitely want to create looks that are work from home friendly, while still remaining chic and fashion-forward.” —Caroline Maguire

Pictured: Stella Jean S/S 21

Shop the trend:

Stella Jean Bubble Hem Dress ($815)

Ulla Johnson Agathe Dress ($445)

Staud Marie Top ($225)

The trend: androgynous tailoring

“The big fashion trend of the moment that is reinvented at each show and I saw it in the S/S 21 season? The androgynous silhouette with tailored pieces. I saw it at Fendi, Givenchy, Valentino, and Peter Do.” —Loïcka Grâce