Goodbye sweatsuits, hello spring fashion
When it comes to spring fashion, designers are ditching neutrals for pastels and diving headfirst into the world of patterns.
This season’s trends take a swift turn from the typical stay-at-home aesthetic, which, for me, includes sweatpants and a (sometimes) stained hoodie. Spring fashion in 2021 is vibrant and bold, playing on street-style classics and pushing fashion lovers to step outside of their comfort zones.
To help you champion your style this season, I’ve compiled a short list of the most iconic trends plastered across runways and social media.
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Bodycon dresses (bonus points for cut-outs)
After a year of living and working in sweatsuits, it isn’t hard to see the allure of a fitted bodycon dress. A classic bodycon silhouette is one that fits snug to your body, ideally accentuating your figure to highlight the curves.
Mugler and Off-White showcased stunning cut-out dresses in their spring runway shows, and similar styles have filtered down to brands like Zara, H&M, and Princess Polly.
SZA was recently seen sporting an intricate black dress with cut-outs around her chest and waist at the Billboard Music Awards. One side of the dress was cut at her upper thigh, elevating the look by flattering not only her waist, but also her legs.
If you’re looking for a timeless piece to add to your collection, the bodycon silhouette will never go out of style. Feel free to opt for a more classic dress without the cut-out details—it will stand the test of time. This trend extends past dresses to include fitted tops with fun patterns and rib-knit midi skirts.
Consider looking at your local thrift store for items that hug your figure in a way that feels comfortable, and if you’re feeling daring, play with some ’70s-inspired prints.
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Wide-leg pants
I’m always down for pants that are comfortable and stylish. If you are too, you need to cop a pair of wide-leg pants for this spring.
It seems low-waisted jeans were a microtrend, and the true staples of the season are roomy trousers that feel like sweatpants.
Baggy jeans, popularized by Black culture and rooted in the ’90s hip hop era, are another variation of this trend that radiates a more laidback feel. For the ultimate baggy jean, look for a pair that fits your waist but doesn’t hug your thighs.
Wear them with a crop top, matching blazer, or t-shirt—the possibilities are endless. They’re great for sitting and lounging, but can also be dressed up for a special occasion. Micro-influencer Imrose Bhullar often sports wide-leg ripped jeans with a patterned top and baguette bag.
For more inspiration on how to wear wide-leg pants, check out Harry Styles and Hailey Bieber’s model-off-duty looks.
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Pastels
Last but not least is the pastel trend, which resurfaces every year and is extremely easy to emulate.
This year, the must-wear colour is sage green. Brands like Aritzia have tapped into our obsession with sage by offering their most popular dresses and shorts in multiple light green shades, acting as the hub for all your pastel desires.
If you’re like me and more comfortable in neutrals, look for small ways to add colour to your spring outfits.
A great place to start is with accessories, like shoulder bags and sunglasses. You can also spice up a monochromatic fit with a colourful necklace or set of earrings—especially if you want to dip your toe into the trend before diving in.
