Spring Trends 2021: A Word from The Wise
I've made many analogies here on Alexandria Stylebook. One of my favorites has been the refrigerator = closet comparison. This was where I would stand in front of my open refrigerator and stare dumbfounded that there could be food in there, but I had no idea what to make. I'm getting my groove back in the kitchen these days, which is a silver lining to the stay-at-home order. Last week I came up with another similarity when a couple of women came into to shop at The Hive. I asked if there was anything I could assist them with and the conversation turned to a review of the new denim styles. One of the women shared with me how the tucked and tapered trend was not her thing. I responded by likening fashion trends to the conveyor belt sushi bar experience. You like sushi and you're hungry, so you sit down and see what comes along that you may want to try. Stay there long enough and you see most everything! Eventually, you find your favorite combinations while also identifying the pieces you have no interest in sampling.I've developed a simplified trajectory of style based loosely on my own style history of what I've purchased and when:Twenties - Ambitious and curious; trends are excitingThirties - Understanding of great basicsForties - Appreciation of quality and specialty piecesFifties - Established style with desire to stay currentSixties - Less likely to compromise on fit and comfortSeventies - Classic clothing prevailsIf any part of this feels familiar to where you are or have been with fashion, today's trends may not necessarily be directed towards you. In fact, there is a business model in the fashion industry that starts to eliminate the older audience based on their discerning taste and waning need for clothing. My age group is becoming a smaller consideration in the ready-to-wear market share pie, but I choose to take that as a compliment to my own wisdom. It's only a mistake if you never learn from it! So, fool me once, and be certain I won't wear polka dot tights ever again! Alas, fashion is an art form and even the wisest style casters use the seasonal trend reports as a guide. Below I've chosen the most satisfying predictions for Spring 2021 and explained their value from the point of view of a wise stylist. ;)
Jackets
Coming out of our global "time out," clothing will be less structured and have more "ease" built into the fit. Jackets and blazers will be boxier and slightly oversized to allow for a business casual rollout. I'm a fan of this trend because it opens up fashion to more body types. Proportion is always the key to success so pay attention to where your jacket hits and how much leg you want under that jacket. Shoe choices are also an integral part of this equation; boxier silhouettes require more lift in the heel.
Boots
The easiest way to update your pre-COVID wardrobe could be with an on-trend footwear choice. I've made the AGL ivory mule my "it" shoe for the last two years. Many of you have asked me about when a white shoe or boot is seasonally appropriate. Short answer is that style is about developing your own rules. White boots are hot for 2021 and I can say from experience that there is little that they won't pair with once you've committed to the look. The harder part will be which style you will want to include in your own wardrobe. My daughter is working on her second pair of white boots, deciding one just isn't enough! She's leaning toward the cowboy boot and I'm heading toward a higher on the leg style. We both love Margot Robbie's sixties vibe as Sharon Tate in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. That boot was perfection for the outfit!
Scarf
The headscarf is making a comeback. It could be called the most unifying trend due to its history around the world and over time. Whether your vibe is bohemian, vintage, classic, global, grunge… there's a way to incorporate the headscarf that can be true to you. Another great aspect of the scarf is the ability to play with scale in both print and size. Whether you desire volume or a peek of the print in your braid or ponytail, the scarf can be all your heart desires! You'll be able to hit your budget as scarves can be found at every price point too. Mint Condition and other consignment and vintage stores are a great resource for unique scarves. You may find them in your mother or grandmother's closet too and not have to spend anything except time listening to the memories and stories of this timeless accessory's past.
Khakis
I hope Steve Kornacki can take some credit for the resurgence of the khaki pant! Great basics will always be a worthy investment and khakis feels quite comforting and familiar as we decide what to wear after sweats. There's nothing a khaki can't accomplish either. It's often the first item of grownup clothing we offer children and it's another clothing equalizer incorporated as a school uniform. The 2021 khaki can adapt to your needs too. Take it into a more statement shape or keep it classic; this will be a great CPW element to use in your wardrobe.
Oversized Button-Down Shirt
I recently touted the many uses of the white shirt. Lots of women reached out and told me how much they enjoyed the post. White button-downs have been a favorite amongst style editors over the years. They can be crisp and refined or well-worn and rustic. Revisiting the "comfort and ease" requirements during a period of fatigue and uncertainty, the white shirt has an oversized shape and can be worn definitively with aplomb. 2021 trends are aware we may need time to rebound from an incredibly stressful situation and get back to our pre-COVID level of fitness.
Wild Card Pick! House Slippers Beyond The House
This is one of those times where I say, "Why ask why? Just do it." There are times in life where nothing makes sense except wearing house slippers when and where you feel like it... and you're on trend?! No brainer. Wherever you are in your sampling of fashion, this year has the ability to be as satisfying as you desire it to be. It's important to keep in mind that trends play out on the runway in their most theatrical examples. Each of the aforementioned trends can be interpreted to fit into your own wardrobe in order to express a fresh point of view. Like any successful relationship, this requires attention and a desire to interact. We are on our way out of a very trying period where the rhythm of dressing has been disrupted. If you need help deciphering the new landscape and introduce some thoughtful trends, I'm taking a limited amount of new clients each month. I can also be found at The Hive on Sundays and Mondays. Whether you wish to work virtually or in person, there's a path to creating a collection of pieces that can reflect the life you are living now.