2020 started innocuous enough. Little did we know what was in store for us. Reading over my end of year post for 2019, 20 Things to Try in 2020, I can’t help but chuckle at some of my suggestions: more girl’s trips, anyone? Every year, I start hopeful. It is the pull of a new beginning—the 1/1.
Here we are again, and despite our current reality, I am yet again hopeful. 2021 has to be a much better year. There is some evidence to support this hope. It isn’t all wishful thinking. We elected a new President, one who plans to focus on unity rather than division. There are now two vaccines approved for emergency use, and millions of Americans have already been vaccinated; on December 21st, we entered a new age ruled by Aquarius.
I have been stuck on how to move forward with this post. Every year I set goals instead of making resolutions. This year is no different. However, I feel a bit superstitious about sharing them so publically this year. Maybe just an effect of Covid, but 2021 still seems so uncertain. So I decided to stick to something I am pretty confident about – fashion!
Even though we spent much more time at home, several trends emerged that are sure to be big in 2021. Because we don’t have much bandwidth for fussy clothes, my five trends to try in 2021 are easy. Easy meaning comfortable, accessible, and relatable.
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Trends for 2021
1. Matching Sets
Quarantine wasn’t all bad; it ushered in the return of matching sets with a heavy emphasis on comfort. Whether a tracksuit like the Aviator Nation I’m wearing or a matching cashmere sweater and pants, we all went mad for matching pieces. It was like a small fashion shift. Just because we are forced to stay home doesn’t mean we have to look dumpy. But fashion is also practical. Matching sets are comfortable and stylish.
Just like Covid, this trend isn’t slowing down. In 2021 matching sets will continue to be hot! I am actually pretty excited about the summer options. Unlike Covid, there is no vaccine on the horizon for my tracksuit addiction.
2. Baggy Jeans
Now that we have gone all-in on comfort, the days of tight and restrictive jeans are done. Well, maybe not done forever, but I, for one, am excited to give my skinny jeans a break. Truth be told, my skinny jeans are a bit tight right now, and one of my new year’s goals is to get all my pants back to a comfortable fit. But for the time being, I am enjoying looser fitting jeans.
Skater jeans from the 90s are back and flooding Instagram, but if that type of extreme baggy pant isn’t your jam, try a relaxed fit or wide-leg fit. The point is to give yourself a bit more room where you like it. Relaxed fit jeans work now and through the summer when temperatures are hot, and a bit of airflow is nice.
When shopping for loose fit jeans, look for buzz words like Relaxed fit, Straight fit, Mom Jeans, Dad Jeans, and Boyfriend Jeans. They all offer a looser fit with slightly different details. For example, Mom Jeans will be high-waisted with more room through the hip. Dad jeans are looser through the leg and slim through the hip. Personally, I love boyfriend jeans. The rise is usually 8-10 inches, which is perfect for me and my short waist. They offer more room in the waist and are straight through the hips. Don’t be afraid to size up in order to get the baggy look you want. Just make sure to check your backside. Skip any pair that makes it look dumpy.
It doesn’t matter if they are cropped or long, distressed or regular, baggy jeans are the jeans of the season. They are available in all types of washes but stick with light wash denim or overwash black for the most modern look. Below are some of my favorites.
3. Gorgeous Green
Pantone was a bit schizophrenic in picking its color (actually 2) of the year for 2021. The famous color house chose Ultimate Grey and Illuminating (a bright yellow) to share the color of the year. Somehow, I am not feeling it. Last year’s True Blue felt right on the money. But these two colors seem off. It might be because I am not a fan of yellow. It may also be that I think of grey as an accent color, not a lead. Either way, it seems like a miss.
This year I am feeling Green. Maybe because we all need a little luck in 2021, or maybe as a result of wanting to get outdoors, but green in all forms seems fresh. For years the only green in my closet was olive green, mostly due to my utility jacket addiction. I felt the urge coming, but this year I can’t get enough of green. I purchased the Aquatalia Lilah Boots in green and recently added the Carve Designs corduroy pants in Hunter green.
When I finally got a chance to purchase the ‘Bushwick Birken’ aka Telfar bag choosing the Dark Olive felt like a ‘no brainer.’ BTW – I love my medium Telfar bag. Made of vegan leather, it holds all the things, including my laptop. Of course, I had to pick one up for my daughter, whose initials are CT. She chose the Navy. It will make a great book bag for college.
Green is a happy color, and with all of the different shades of green, there is definitely a green for everyone. Lately, I am drawn to emerald or hunter greens. Adding a pop of color to my neutral wardrobe feels hopeful, like a flower growing out of a cement driveway. Green is a pick me up. Here are some of my favorite green pieces right now.
4. Lug Soles
One of the biggest trends for fall was the lug sole boot. While every other trend seemed ripe for staying home, the chunky sole seemed ready for navigating the pandemic jungle. Who cares that the only place we have to wear them is the grocery store.
I am a devotee of all types of combat boots. So when lug sole boots hit the scene, I was all in. Honestly, I can’t get enough of them. They are practical, comfortable, and absolutely badass. This fall alone, I picked up three different pairs. I recently purchased the Vagabond Shoemaker Cosmo 2.0 Chelsea, a higher shaft that works perfectly with cropped jeans in winter. I also picked up the fabulous Aquatalia Lilah boots I mentioned above.
The lug sole trend isn’t going anywhere in 2021. We still have lots of winter to get through, and because most of us barely left the house, the trend will continue through next winter when hopefully we can finally enjoy more time out and about. The trend isn’t just made for boots but will pop up this spring in loafers, sneakers, and sandals. I, for one, am all for it.
5. Bring The Bling
In a complete act of rebellion, women around the world snapped up all that glitters for holidays. Anthropologie couldn’t keep in stock their Dulcinea Sequined Duster dubbed the ‘Sequin Bathrobe,’ and sequin joggers popped up on all our Instagram feeds.
The trend isn’t going away. The longer we stay inside, the more we feel the need to dress up when we do go out. Is a sequin duster too much for the grocery store? I think not. Look for signs of sparkle in 2021 fashion. It may be sequins but also metallics, sheer gossamer, satin, and lavish embellishments.
I picked up a few sequin items on sale, determined that I will find a place to wear the sparkly goodness when we are allowed to gather again. Below are some of my favorites.
Who knows what 2021 really has in store. I doubt any of us will go into a new year again, thinking we know what will happen. We never really knew; we just thought we did. 2020 turned that notion on its head. So as we walk into the unknown of 2021, I choose to be hopeful. I will continue to set goals, work hard, and control the only thing I can, which is my attitude and, of course, what I wear.
I would love it if you followed me on Instagram for my everyday outfits or on Pinterest for my fashion inspiration. StyleDahlia is a fashion and lifestyle website with a modern take on midlife. We hope to inspire you to step out of your comfort zone, try new things, and live your life in full bloom.
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