7 Trend-Forward Basics That Will Reach Cult Status in 2021

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(Image credit: Courtesy of Zara; Courtesy of By Far; Courtesy of Khaite; @handinfire)

Last year, padded shoulder tees emerged as the must-own basic that you’d be sure to find in every fashion person’s closet. I personally loved the trend and have been living in them ever since I added them into my wardrobe. Easy, versatile, and stylish, they’re the piece that can really transform a simple outfit, whether you’re slipping into a pair of jeans or slouchy trousers.

Looking ahead to 2021, there's a whole new set of trend-forward basics that will be reaching cult status in no time. From tops with pretty ruched details to slouchy cargo pants to sandals with interlocking toe straps, all of these basics come with a few twists that instantly make them feel special and a little bit different from what you already have sitting in your closet. Ahead, the 7 cool, trendy basics you’ll spot on the fashion crowd in 2021.

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(Image credit: @khaite_ny)

Cutouts were one of the biggest trends on the S/S 21 runways, so it comes as no surprise that cool cutout tops are on the rise in the fashion scene. Simply paired with trousers or jeans, this instantly make whatever you're wearing a 'fit.

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(Image credit: Courtesy of By Far)

We've seen strappy sandals continue to evolve over the past few years. Wholesale Replica Bag iteration? These "tricky toe" versions which have complicated, interlocking straps at the toes. If you want to borrow a cool styling trick from the runways, add socks or a pair of tights when you wear them.

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(Image credit: @handinfire)

Recently there's been talk (again) about the decline of skinny jeans. While I don't think I'll even abandon them entirely, baggy jeans are all I want to wear at the moment. I love the idea of styling them with a tighter piece on top, like a bodysuit or corset top.

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(Image credit: Courtesy of Khaite)

The moment I spotted the beautiful gathered pieces in Khaite's S/S 21 collecction, I knew that ruched tops were going to be one of the cult items to own in 2021. Simple yet elegant, they're a very cool update to a standard jersey tee.

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(Image credit: Courtesy of Zara)

Part of the larger slouchy trouser trend that is taking over in 2021, relaxed cargo pants are emerging as one of the key items to own this spring. With wider legs and looser proportions than styles from past years, they're the latest take on tailored utility pieces.

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(Image credit: @jaimeridge)

This year, sweaters are no longer just sweaters. They've been completely reimagined. Asymmetric hemlines, midriff-baring cutouts, arm warmers—knits have been reinvented and are cooler than ever.

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(Image credit: @dualipa)

One of the most memorable looks from the spring collections? An oversize pink button-down look at Valentino that has already been spotted on celebs like Dua Lipa. These upsized collared shirts are set to be a mainstay in fashion insiders wardrobes.

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Next, shop 25 cool fashion finds I’m obsessing over right now.

Associate Director, Special Projects

Kristen Nichols is the Associate Director, Special Projects atBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing with over a decade of experience in fashion, editorial, and publishing. She oversees luxury content and wedding features, and covers fashion within the luxury market, runway reporting, shopping features, trends, and interviews with leading industry experts. She also contributes to podcast recordings, social media, and branded content initiatives. Kristen has worked with brands including Prada, Chanel, MyTheresa, and Luisa Via Roma, and rising designers such as Refine and Tove, and her style has been featured in publications including Vogue.com, Vogue France, WWD, and the CFDA. BeforeBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing , Kristen began her career at Rodarte, where she worked on assistant styling, photo shoots, and runway shows, and at Allure, where she moved into print and digital editorial. She graduated from the University of Southern California, where she studied art history and business, and currently lives in New York.