After nearly a year of hoodies and joggers, the world and our wardrobes are slowly starting to look up. And, despite lockdown not being over just yet, optimistic fashion houses still took to the (virtual) runway to provide inspiration for our 2021 looks.
Bright and bold
Following the monotony of last year, neutrals will no longer cut it this SS; our lives and our wardrobes are demanding colour. From delicate florals, to striking stripes, this season promises to be anything but dull, with Versace’s SS21 show saturated in bright and bold colours and patterns.
Versace: SS21 - ready to wear
To channel bright and bold prints this season, try this high neck striped top from Zara: https://www.zara.com/uk/en/satin-top-with-bow-p02583281.html?v1=93615811&v2=1718178
Or, this Jaded London mesh crop top:
https://jadedldn.com/collections/tops/products/abstract-square-print-cold-shoulder-long-sleeve-mesh-t op
And, if your budget hasn’t been hit by lockdown, this Farai London bodysuit is perfect for those summer nights out to (hopefully) come, also available in a dress:
https://farailondon.com/collections/fw20/products/gaia-bodysuit-multicolour
Wide leg trousers
Having spent the past year in pyjamas, most of us are not quite ready to go back to the restrictiveness of skinny jeans. Agreed by the likes of Stella McCartney, Chanel, and Louis Vuitton, wide leg trousers flowed down the runways, from neutrals to brights, without compromising on our newfound love of comfort.
Chanel: SS21 - ready to wear
For a more affordable look, try these pink ASOS Design trousers, available in petite too! https://www.asos.com/asos-design/asos-design-slim-dad-suit-in-perfect-pink/grp/31992?colourwayid=60307064#21888993&SearchQuery=pink%20trousers
If you’re still not quite ready to leave the joggers behind, try these Zara wide leg joggers: https://www.zara.com/uk/en/wide-leg-jogging-trousers-p04174816.html?v1=87513692&v2=1718217
Underwear as outerwear
Bralettes were another striking staple of this season's shows, with the likes of Dior, and Jacquemus sending their models’ midriffs down the runway. This, freeing look mirroring our call for freedom. For those of us looking for a more modest take on this trend, Victoria Beckham and Simone Rocha demonstrated the art of layering.
Simone Rocha: SS21 - ready to wear
Styled under an oversized blazer, or over a crisp shirt, this Zara bralette offers the look for less: https://www.zara.com/uk/en/limited-edition-ribbed-top-p09325201.html?v1=82934404&v2=1718178
For a more dressed up look, try this pearl embellished bralette from Zara:
https://www.zara.com/uk/en/faux-pearl-studded-top-p07521204.html?v1=82495130&v2=1718178
Silhouettes
Slimline silhouettes were a prevalent style this season, in particular the crisscrossed garments that Vogue deems ‘midriff flossing’. Between low waisted skirts, crop tops and trousers, the slimline style creates a sleek silhouette. But if, like me, the thought of this trend makes your whole body cringe, designers, such as Victoria Beckham, offer a more covered option.
Victoria Beckham: SS21 - ready to wear
For the more daring amongst us try these ASOS Design flared trousers:
https://www.asos.com/asos-design/asos-design-low-rise-flare-with-strap-detail-and-ruched-waist-in-bl ack/prd/22371614?colourwayid=60393681&SearchQuery=&cid=27869
If you’re looking to cover up a bit more, this Zara cardigan offers both coverage and style: https://www.zara.com/uk/en/cropped-double-breasted-jacket-p08689003.html?v1=99424774&v2=171 2675
Corsets
Love it or hate it, it’s undeniable that Bridgerton has been the talking point of lockdown 3, tying hand in hand with the latest style statement: corsets. Polar opposite to our current lockdown attire, the corset trend has been revived as a powerful statement of femininity, with the corset queen Vivienne Westwood leading the way once again.
Vivienne Westwood: SS21 - ready to wear
To get the look for less, head to Oh Polly’s range of corset tops, with this one being a particular favourite!
https://www.ohpolly.com/hooked-on-a-feeling-floral-print-corset-crop-top-purple
If you’re after a more vintage inspired piece, try this Jaded London corset top: https://jadedldn.com/collections/womens-all/products/tapestry-patchwork-corset-top-with-frayed-edges