The Ultimate Guide To The Spring 2021 Fashion Trends

If there’s been one fashion lesson learned during lockdown, it’s that personal style doesn’t disappear in difficult times. Exactly the opposite happens, if Vogue’s street style portfolios and DIY challenges are any indication: Fashion lovers the world over are staying home, but they’re still getting dressed and celebrating the joys of clothing.

The spring collections, which experienced a virtual makeover, provided plenty of inspiration for how to update our wardrobes at home. While we miss IRL fashion shows intensely—even thinking about the chaos of inching through traffic from one venue to another sparks wistful nostalgia—we’re certain that as we enter the new season, we’ll do it with a revitalized outlook on getting dressed. The designers we love certainly make the case for trying something lively and fresh, whether that means Nicolas Ghesquière’s roomy cargo pants at Louis Vuitton or Miuccia Prada’s micro miniskirts at Miu Miu.

In addition to surprising silhouettes like Loewe’s voluminous dresses and Tom Ford’s emphasis on surprising color combos, the spring 2021 shows also put forth the importance of thinking globally. To that end, models and photographers from around the world have captured the season’s best looks and trends from New York City to Shanghai and everywhere in between. Until we can travel again and wear our Marni frocks in Mexico and our Givenchy jeans in Los Angeles, trying out spring’s new trends at home will have to do.

Show Some Leg

It’s a tale as old as time: The weather heats up and hemlines rise. At Miu Miu, Miuccia Prada made a strong case for a micro miniskirt, outfitting Lila Grace Moss in a bejeweled mini to open the brand’s spring 2021 digital show.

Plenty of other designers agree that a long leg is the silhouette of the season, with Chloé offering A-line minis and Etro applying its signature paisley print to cut-off jean shorts. Of course, few do super-short with as much verve as Versace; Donatella mixed a clash of prints and patterns on a flirtatious pleated skirt.

Ditch Sweatpants for Statement-Making Trousers

It’s past time to break the cycle of dependence on sweatpants and leggings, and the spring 2021 collections certainly offer plenty of alternatives. Chief among them are wide-leg, roomy trousers seen everywhere from Louis Vuitton to Jacquemus to the affordable online collection Raey.

For more daring dressers, there are neon green cargos from Kim Shui and khakis painted with delicate tropical flowers at Oscar de la Renta. Yes, they’re great for sitting and lounging, but as Hailey Bieber has proven, wide-leg pants look best in action.

Spark Joy

Swirling, psychedelic prints from Tom Ford, textural stripes from Kenneth Ize, and vintage-inspired graphics from La DoubleJ all make for a vibrant and happy spring wardrobe—and who doesn’t need a little levity right now?

Make the look work for you by balancing large and small prints within the same outfit while paring down the accessories. Let your dress do the talking!

Cling Appeal

Sensual, body-revealing clothing is the story at brands like Givenchy and Versace. After a year of slouchy, cozy clothes, it’s not hard to see the appeal of a curve-hugging dress or a slinky knit top, unbuttoned to the sternum.

There’s a certain comfort in wearing close, stretchy clothing, and a declaration that when if we are dressing for ourselves our bodies are worth celebrating.

Get Crafty

Designers the world over have made the case for local production and craft.

Marni’s hand-painted jackets and Maison Margiela’s perforated dresses offer a textural feel, while Chopova Lowena’s deadstock tartans and Gabriela Hearst’s tie dyes are a thoughtful take on prints. Who knows, incorporating crafty pieces into your closet might even inspire a DIY project of your own…

Pump It Up

Only the daring might try out Loewe’s bulb-shaped skirt, but the continuation of a Victorian pouf-sleeve is truly for everyone. Whether in a pastoral print like the midi dress by Brock Collection or as a ruffled Philosophy di Lorenzo Serafini mini, a voluminous sleeve offers a bold new silhouette.

Think of spring’s new volumes as all the better to make a statement on your Zoom calls.

Slink Into the Season’s Best Knits

Minimalist, ribbed knitwear is the thinking shopper’s alternative to athleisure.

With almond dresses from Jacquemus, tangerine turtlenecks from Ganni, and a cream set by Proenza Schouler, there’s really no reason to regress back into sweats this spring. With a casual sandal and carry-all bag, a knit dress or set is the perfect at-home to outdoors look.

Trust the Classics

While there is nothing more invigorating than trying out a new silhouette or pattern, there’s certainly a case to be made for trusting wardrobe essentials.

A Burberry trench, Prada coat, or Etro striped shirt will never go out of style. It’s a message designers have pushed both on the runways and in stores, and with so many colorful new options, this spring is a great time to refresh the classic pieces in your closet.