The new working-from-home routine certainly had an effect on what designers turned out. 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. Time to play dress up with 2021 fashion trends. You’ve got the time.
IN THE PEAK OF PINK

Those who love shades of rose will have a field year this year as the colour is being highlighted on SS21 runways like never before. That is not to say this season’s pinks aren’t fairytale-fantastical—they are!—but that it is also a lot more fun…and fierce. Frothy, tiered, bubblegum-pink gowns, presented with combat boots that you can go to the ball or grocery-shopping in; or shiny, metallic-pink floor-sweeping dresses. Even fuscia cut-out pantsuits or midriff-flossing co-ords, for a playful-but- mean-business iteration.
SHOULDER SOLDIER

Nothing is more alluring than a woman with a good head on her shoulders…and a good shoulder on her outfit. As the strong-shoulder trend continues to be a rage, it is even more exaggerated this year, so don’t be afraid to go to town. Pick a padded or sculpted option to emit an effortless power-dressing vibe, or a billowy, voluminous one to spell whimsical playfulness. All else in between works just as well, too.
MASK IN GLORY

You can’t be in 2021 and not expect a fashion-revolution for masks. Eccentric masks, boasting bizarre prints and patterns, outlandish designs, and other such, are the order of the day. Matchy-matchy is boring, so go for pieces that sit in contrast with your outfit. And don’t over- accessorise with other add-ons or you may steal their thunder.
ON THE LOOSE

As comfort reigns supreme post-lockdown, too, the skinny jeans have had to let go of their top spot, and give room to their wide-legged, baggy cousins. High-waisted and relaxed, the new silhouette works best with fitted tops, like bralettes, bandeaus, crop tops, et al, or even oversized blouses and button-down shirts tucked in. You can layer with chic outerwear to get more from the look.
PLAYING FOR KEEPS

Designers have further reinvented athleisure and activewear this season, to afford a more sporty, lounge-y disposition. Which means your regular track-and-field staples— tennis skirts, compression tanks, sports jackets, jerseys, sweats, the works—can easily be taken outside the sports arena. The outfits come in a mix of innovative (tech, moisture-wicking, synthetic) and plush (suede, tulle, sheer) fabrics, complete with on- trend prints, patterns, and hues.