A (Highly Optimistic) Look at Summer '21 Trends

I'm of the belief that all great wardrobes start with a Pinterest board. Although the upcoming summer is only a promise, I’ve still been thinking about potential summer ’21 outfits, and trends I want to incorporate into those.

Integration of Loungewear

Having spent the past year indoors, I’ve amassed a collection of loungewear. From Juicy Couture to satin pyjamas, one thing I’m definitely in abundance of is casual pieces. I want to be sustainable with this section of my wardrobe, so integrating loungewear into outfits will be essential. Last summer I got into the habit of wearing sweatshirts over dresses, which created stylish summer looks without being too dressy.

I love the look of knits and jersey fabrics with ‘dressier’ ones, most notably satin. (I’m in love with Dolce and Gabbana's Fall 2020 ready-to-wear collection.) The contrast between knit and satin is so striking, I think it creates such an exciting look. Pairing cardigans from the autumn 2020 craze, or hoodies picked up over the past year, with satin skirts or even vintage slip dresses (another item I’ve managed to amass, thanks to depop and eBay) would create a perfect casual look. I can picture it now: a satin slip and hoodie in the same colour wave, with white Air Forces… The perfect casual ‘fit for picnics and days out.

The Importance of Sustainability

Sustainability is, of course, an absolute necessity. In January, I wrote for Liberty Belle about the environmental issue of accelerated trends — this ethical issue is something I want to keep in mind in the new season. Incorporating pieces from the autumn and winter into spring/summer looks is crucial for a sustainable wardrobe. I know I fell victim to the neutral tones trend last autumn, but I still love wearing those shades, so wearing them amongst a more summery palette will transition winter pieces into summer-friendly ones. Personally, I think the brown trend is an amazing callback to early 00s runways, and as a massive fan of 00s fashion, I can’t complain.

The importance, though, of making pieces wearable year-round is what they are paired with. A brown cardigan, for example, could be worn in the summer, if paired with a lighter coloured summer dress, or buttoned up with a floral skirt. Having a look through your wardrobe and experimenting with new outfit ideas will prepare you for summer in no time.

The 00s Revival

It’s no secret that I love the 00s; it’s the decade I grew up in, and quite honestly, I believe my passion for fashion stemmed from 00s doll classics like Bratz. With the possibility of beer gardens, bars, and even clubs reopening, I see a growing market for ‘McBling.’ Think diamanté t-shirts, bedazzled accessories — anything with rhinestones. Jewelled pieces will make their mark as a celebration of going out. The 1920s had its glamour, and so will ours… Just in the form of bejewelled baby tees.

In general, the rise of the 00s will become more prevalent as the year continues. Shows like Blumarine Fall 2021-22 show the permanent return of the 00s — even the rising popularity of platforms, a staple in late 90s/early 00s will surface. Ways to incorporate these is looking into a pair of platform sandals, or even wearing platform sock boots with nighttime looks.

Ultimately, the beauty of the 00s is the playfulness of it all, so above all, an incorporation of bright colours (pink especially!) and jewels will be a great starting point. (My point of call for 00s looks is this: if it looks like a Bratz doll’s outfit, it fits.)

Overall, the level of which we can dress up will depend upon the next few months — however, regardless of the degree of socialisation, we can still include trend ideas into summer looks.