Many of us have reached 2021 with a renewed sense of optimism and hope. There is a change in the air. Here in Australia it’s been a long , hot Summer and the only fashion you really need is a pair of togs and some thongs. Around the world fashion trends are still emerging from new bright colours to wear, statement staples and Bridgerton inspired looks. Fancy sneakers may be here to stay and loungewear is still having a moment, but as we step out and about again I’ll be embracing colour, sparkle and metallics to brighten my day and the days of those around me. So looking into my crystal ball here are just a few of the trends to embrace as we leap into 2021.
Yellow – Every year Pantone chooses its colours of the year. This year it has chosen Ultimate Grey and Illuminating. Illuminating is a bright and cheerful yellow shade. I know yellow is not for everyone but I just love it. There is a shade of yellow to suit everybody, so play around with different yellow shades or just add a little pop with accessories. Throw in some white or camel with your grey and yellow and you are good to go. Look to Country Road, Witchery and take a cue from designers at Versace and Fendi to add yellow to your signature styling. Poet, Amanda Gorman, showed us the power and hope found in yellow whilst wearing her breathtaking piece at President Biden’s Inauguration. Try adding some bright Featherington yellow and watch the smiles on the faces of everyone you meet.
Puffed sleeves– Oversized sleeves are still going strong for 2021. I love a statement sleeve so have embraced this trend. Whether it be in dresses, blouses or jackets a slight or bold puff will show your fashion credentials. Witchery again have a range of affordable dresses and tops with puffy sleeves. Look to Zara and &OtherStories for some great affordable options.This is a trend that is easy for everyone to wear and will make your New Year’s wardrobe more dramatic than ever.
Wide -Legged Denim – Denim will go retro with the 70’s style loose fit and wide legged denim coming to the fore.Whilst looking for something dressier than loungewear we will still embrace comfort.Wide legged denim suits most shapes and whether full length or cropped these will be the transeasonal workhorse your wardrobe craves. For affordable options try Cotton On or scour the vintage stores for your perfect pair. There is nothing that says classic and effortless as well as a pair of wide legged jeans and a relaxed white shirt or tee.
Bridgerton inspired looks – Vibrant floral patterns in eye catching hues were a feature of Netflix’s success story, Bridgerton. Find a pattern you love and wear it throughout Spring and Summer. In Winter go for darker more moody floral hues. Maiocchi always have a great selection of feminine florals and Zimmerman is always the ultimate in pretty floral pieces with a touch of romance.
The ladies of Bridgerton have also shown us you can never have too many accessories, so invest in some jewelled headbands or fancy clips. Hummingbird the Shop is a treasure trove for pretty accessories or try SFH designs in New Farm for bespoke and artisan pieces.
Fans are having a moment and there are plenty of fun ones around. Check out local brand Sista &Co for fashionable and sassy styles. It will be interesting to see if the Empire Line dresses favoured in the series make their way into our wardrobes, as well as corsets, which are definitely seeing a resurgence.
Boyfriend Jackets – Yes, we wore them in the 80’s and they are making a comeback. Oversized jackets may not be for everyone, but they will be the jacket of the moment this year. Your boyfriend jacket needs to be just right, slouchy and oversized but not baggy.You will pick up some serious style points by embracing this relaxed look. Pair with a tee and jeans or be inspired by Miranda Kerr and wear with a staple white shirt and a mini skirt. For the daring belt your oversized jacket and wear as a dress. Roll up the sleeves or cuff and you will look chic and effortless.
Your boyfriend blazer will instantly pull your outfit together and look like you have made an effort. It is an ageless style that can suit everyone. Lorna Jane, Sportscraft and Seed have some covetable versions. I’m also going to raid my son’s wardrobes to see if I can make one of their jackets work for me. Vintage finds are a unique alternative and there should be lots of choices in both the men’s and women’s sections. Mix it up with colour, animal print or pattern or keep it classic in black or navy.
These are just a few of the trends to brighten your 2021 wardrobe. I will be taking bits from them all and editing my own wardrobe to incorporate pieces I already have. Already I can see new life will be breathed into my vintage Easton Pearson blouse. It’s yellow with small florals and puffed sleeves so it embraces three trends in one. I’ll pair it with my well loved flared jeans from Jag. Now if the boys have a jacket in ultimate grey I will be set. Mix it up and have fun with your styling as you step into a bright new fashion year.
Michelle Beesley is a Brisbane born and bred former primary school teacher. A wife, proud grandma and mother of three grown sons, Michelle is thrilled to have recently published her debut contemporary romance novel, It Happened in Paris, with Serenade Publishing. Her novella – Escape to D’ Amour was published in 2019. Michelle’s work can be found in the anthologies – Destination Romance and Short & Sweet. When not reading or writing Michelle can be found at a coffee shop chatting with friends, front row at a fashion show, or beside a rugby union field cheering on her favourite teams.
Michelle is a reluctant traveller, Francophile, keen walker and avid yoga enthusiast plus a book, film and theatre lover who loves everything pink and sparkly (including champagne). You can find Michelle on instagram @michellebeesley_writer and her website: michellebeesley.com.
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