The fashion trend season for summer 2021 has gotten off to a good start. Which of these styles do you think you’ll come to prefer in the end, and why? We asked buyers and style experts at some of the world’s largest retailers to tell us which fashion items they believe will be the most popular this summer in order to help you get a better understanding of everything you’ll want to experiment with over the next few months.
Denim shorts and sandals (although, this year, with a twist from the ’90s!) are two examples of the trends that are likely to be popular. — others feel like uniquely post-pandemic finds, such as skin-revealing cut-outs and bodycon party dresses. This results in a warm-weather wardrobe that is both functional and enjoyable, which is ideal for the transition from winter to spring.
The following are, in the opinion of industry insiders, the most noteworthy summer trends.
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Denim Shorts
“Denim shorts are the ultimate essential for warm-weather outfits, and everyone should have at least one pair in their closet.” Because they are such a versatile piece, you can wear them at any time of day or night, and you can completely transform your appearance by simply switching your footwear. This summer, I’m going for a longer-length style that’s great for lounging around the pool or getting dressed up for a night out with friends.
— Caroline Maguire, Director of Fashion at Shopbop
Mini-Bodycon Garment
“After countless months of being cooped up inside and covered in cosy layers, the re-emergence from lockdown brings with it a certain boldness, and a willingness to test drive more daring pieces than we may have before,” the author writes. “After all, we have nothing to lose.” This summer, everyone will be talking about the mini bodycon dress.
The Senior Womenswear Editor at Farfetch, Celenie Seidel
Flip-flops with a heel
This year, so far, heeled-toe thong sandals have been met with a very positive response from customers.
ASOS DESIGN Haven has seen incredible amounts of unit sales and frequently runs out of stock as soon as it is made available. We have already discontinued many colours for this season, including lilac towelling and neon, but the colour that has proven to be the most popular is all-white, which is an excellent choice for the summer.
– Vanessa Spence, ASOS’s Commercial Design and Visual Director
Wanderlust Prints
It is imperative that you dress as though you are on vacation even if you are still enduring the oppressive heat of the city. Prints that inspire a sense of wanderlust are very popular right now.
– Divya Mathur, Intermix’s Chief Merchant
Mini Bags
“The trend of mini-bags is not going away any time soon! This coming summer, I can’t wait to see the city of New York flooded with countless iterations of the style. If there is one thing that the past few months have taught us, it is that there is a need for a bag that is both large enough to carry your phone and small enough to make an impression. This need has always been, and will always be, present.
Telsha Anderson, T.A. is the buyer and the owner.
Cottagecore
“During the course of the past year, we have all appreciated the opportunity to get out into the fresh air and spend time in natural settings. This trend is expected to continue and be reflected in the way that we dress this summer. Romantic dresses made of soft fabrics, rubber boots, and clogs are the ideal pieces of footwear for staycations outside of the city.
– Liane Wiggins, who is in charge of women’s clothing at MATCHESFASHION
Clogs
“The clog has made an unexpected and cool comeback, and the must-have collaboration of the season comes from The Frankie Shop x Porte and Paire.” [Citation needed] “The clog has made an unexpected and cool comeback.”
These silhouettes are destined to become indispensable additions to everyone’s closet.
– Libby Page, who serves as the Senior Fashion Market Editor for NET-A-PORTER
Smocked dresses
“I’m so excited for corset tops and smocked dresses! Perhaps it’s the anticipation of the next season of Bridgerton, but I can’t wait to wear them!” When it’s 90 degrees outside, these dresses are not only extremely comfortable but also extremely figure-flattering! I also plan to wear this throughout the fall by accessorising it with some boots and a cardigan.
– Melissa Thompson Charatz, who is in charge of the division of merchandising at Anthropologie
Cut-Outs
This summer has been dubbed “the summer of the cut-out!” Suddenly, showing a little skin is acceptable behaviour during the day, the night, and everything in between.
– Divya Mathur, Intermix’s Chief Merchant
Stripes
“Striped patterns are this summer’s must-have!” No other pattern seems better suited for the warmer weather, and that includes stripes of every size and scale.
— Caroline Maguire, Director of Fashion at Shopbop
Anytime Metallics
Metallics are having a major moment right now, and everything from sequins and glittering paillettes to Glomesh mesh and shiny Lurex is part of this trend. Where sparkle was once only seen after twilight, it is now considered to be a perfectly acceptable choice to pair with denim for a trip to the convenience store. Anything that can help bring a smile to people’s faces!”
Baseball Caps
“We are seeing certain pieces that were adopted as part of our lockdown wardrobes become “hangover trends,” transitioning into our new way of dressing and finding new identity as parts of the world emerge from a life in lockdown to a life of greater freedom. As this occurs, we are seeing certain pieces that were adopted as part of our lockdown wardrobes become “hangover trends.” The baseball cap, which was traditionally worn with athletic garb for the purpose of taking daily strolls, has recently made its way into more fashion-forward ensembles.
The Senior Womenswear Editor at Farfetch, Celenie Seidel
Marble Print
This summer, graphic prints, particularly marble print, can be found all over ASOS’s online store.
– Vanessa Spence, ASOS’s Commercial Design and Visual Director
