It’s officially time to pull out the 2021 fashion trends list to see what you need to invest in this season, and what may already be in your closet. To compile our shopping list, we tapped buyers and experts at some of the most popular retailers to see which fashion items we should expect to see everywhere in the next three months.
No surprise, matching sweatsuits will continue to reign supreme — though now with a twist, whether that means a winter-approved knit fabric or a more intricate design and unexpected color palette. “[Designers] will continue to elevate co-ords with more statement logos and tonal variations,” says Vanessa Spence, Design Director at ASOS. “Worn to be seen, they can go from casual to dressed up depending on what it’s paired with.” After months of quasi-retirement, jeans are coming back — well, at least, one style is. Cold-weather staples like puffers and combat boots are taking a turn for the fashion-forward.
Ahead, the winter fashion trends to look out for, according to insiders.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
Monochrome & Hardware “Monochrome is not just for minimalists this season, with black and white proving to be foolproof colors that are great investments for your forever wardrobe. The colors also work as a perfect foundation to contrast bold and impactful oversized hardware or statement jewelry.” – Cassie Smart, Head of Womenswear Buying at MATCHESFASHION Staud Rey Chain-Handle Leather Handbag, $, available at MatchesFashion
Christopher Kane Crystal-Embellished Keyhole Wool Sweater, $, available at MatchesFashion
Lug Chelsea Boot “If there is a must-have shoe of the season, it’s the lug Chelsea boot. As the evolution from last fall’s combat boot, this pull-on style is the perfect blend of fashion and function.” Kate Bellman, Women’s Fashion Managing Editor at Nordstrom Ganni Chelsea Boot, $, available at Nordstrom
Sam Edelman Laguna Waterproof Chelsea Boot, $, available at Nordstrom
Check Print “We’ve been a fan of checkerboard prints as soon as we started stocking Holiday the Label’s signature Kokomo Pant , but since the airing of The Queen’s Gambit early this fall, everyone’s been going absolutely nuts for it! It’s such a classic pattern and can be done in so many ways and colors. For our in-house line Holiday 2020 collection, we collaborated with Swedish artist Katherine Plumb (KJP) to bring some of her daisy check prints to life on our clothes, too. We love how an artist like KJP has taken the age-old print and turned it into something new with her floral motif.” – Madeline Sensibile, Manager of Content & Partnerships at Lisa Says Gah Holiday The Label Pyjama Set Pants In Camel/Cream Check, $, available at Lisa Says Gah
KJP Lana Top In Blue Daisy Check, $, available at Lisa Says Gah
Printed Puffers “Despite moving into the colder weather, we’re still going outside to run errands and taking walks. Even when you’re all bundled up, you want to show personality, and a great way of doing this is showing off a fun puffer coat. For us at Shopbop, the more novel the better this season, whether that’s a fun color, an interesting print, or a unique material like faux leather. ” – Stephanie Nelson Roberson, General Merchandise Manager at Shopbop Perfect Moment Queenie Jacket, $, available at Shopbop
Farm Rio Mixed Macaw Puffer Jacket, $, available at Shopbop
MRZ Fuchsia Knit Pants, $, available at T.A.
Relaxed Denim “Denim is a key fabrication for the season ahead, and across all categories, we have seen a range of casual styles to more elevated, fashion-forward pieces. A highlight shape is the Toteme barrel leg jean — a perfect fit for a more relaxed silhouette. The denim dress will also be a key item.” – Cassie Smart, Head of Womenswear Buying at MATCHESFASHION Toteme High-Rise Barrel-Leg Jeans, $, available at MatchesFashion
Marques’Almeida Patchwork Upcycled Denim Mini Dress, $, available at MatchesFashion
Embellished Occasion Wear “For 2021 we’re hoping for loads of occasions and reasons to dress up whether virtually or in-person. Pretty dressing in florals, sequins, or puff sleeves are all details we’re seeing popular on-site now and that we’ve designed into items for 2021. Unexpected details like the 3-D floral embroidery look amazing on- or off-camera.” – Vanessa Spence, Design Director at ASOS ASOS EDITION Tiered Mini Dress With 3D Floral Embroidery, $, available at ASOS
ASOS EDITION Curve Sequin Wrap Midi Dress In Rust, $, available at ASOS
Warped Check Prints “The warped check print is the perfect subtle nod back to the ’70s without being too literal! This psychedelic print also really lends itself to super cool separates, home goods, and accessories. It works as a solo graphic print on a tee, or all over on a cool mesh top, or for your phone case.” – Madeline Sensibile, Manager of Content & Partnerships at Lisa Says Gah KJP x Lisa Says Gah Warp Check Flowers T-Shirt In Brown Warp Check, $, available at Lisa Says Gah
KJP x Lisa Says Gah iPhone Case In Purple Warp Check, $, available at Lisa Says Gah
Quilted Outerwear “Quilting is an important trend in outerwear and will continue momentum even into 2021. There are so many ways to wear the trend — from classic and heritage to pop color and print.” -Kate Bellman, Women’s Fashion Managing Editor at Nordstrom Rodebjer Agita Quilted Coat, $, available at Nordstrom
Barbour Jenkins Quilted Nylon Jacket with Removable Hood, $, available at Nordstrom
Ballet Flats “With more of us celebrating and entertaining at home, our customer is wanting to invest in more comfortable footwear that can be worn around the house but still feels luxurious. ” – Cassie Smart, Head of Womenswear Buying at MATCHESFASHION Mansur Gavriel Glove Metallic-Leather Mary-Jane Flats, $, available at MatchesFashion
Vibi Venezia Mary-Jane Velvet Furlane Flats, $, available at MatchesFashion
Fit-Everything Totes “Since we’re all carrying a few extra things than normal (mask stash and hand sanitizers), I love a catch-all tote that fits everything when I’m on-the-go.” – Stephanie Nelson Roberson, General Merchandise Manager at Shopbop Stand Studio Assante Diamond Bag, $, available at Shopbop
Goodee Bassi Market Tote, $, available at Shopbop
21/21 SLIDES
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
More Stories
Ugg boots’ 2021 comeback – best styles to shop, Editor’s picks
Go well with up with a luxurious face mask from Very long Island shop
See and Shop Parade’s Common Underwear Assortment