I have a bit of a love-hate relationship with trend predicting. On one hand, as with many things in fashion, it can be a bit subjective. On the other hand, fashion is very cyclical and change is inevitable, so we might as well talk about it, right? That being said, if you love one of these trends that I predict will start to fade away in 2021, by all means, wear it for as long as you please.
I think it's safe to say that 2020 is a year that most of us are glad to leave behind. It's been rough, to say the least. And while there have been a lot of sweatpants in our lives over the course of the past 10 months, there have also been a surprising number of trends to take off. And some of them took off at lightning speed into the oversaturation zone, while others just don't seem all that practical in this new era we're living in. But these are just my predictions, so do with this information what you will. And if you plan on phasing them out of your wardrobe next year, I included seven other current trends that I do think will stand the test of time, for one reason or another.
Read on for my predictions and to see and shop the trends that I'm sure will stick around.
Won't Make It: "Naked" Shoes
Sticking Around: Chunky Shoes
Shoes have gotten a lot more substantial this season, leaving the subtle strappy naked shoes that have been a mainstay for awhile in the dust. Chunky loafers and lug-sole Chelsea boots are more practical for our lives these days and they magically look cool with almost any outfit.
Shop Chunky Shoes
Won't Make It: Long and Loose Shorts
Sticking Around: Micro Miniskirts
As cool as long, baggy shorts look on some people, as a 5'4" person, I just can't get behind the trend. I tried! In my experience, trends that are only flattering on some don't end up lasting all that long. But micro miniskirts were all over the S/S 21 runways, so watch out.
Shop Micro Miniskirts
Won't Make It: Teeny Tiny Bags
Sticking Around: Practical Roomy Bags
I don't know about you, but I'm sick of trying to cram everything I need into one of those microscopic bags, as cute as they are. Because I seem to carry more around in my bag since the pandemic began, small bags are more impractical to me. It's mid-sized bags for me from now on.
Shop Practical Bags
Won't Make It: Giant Bib Collars
Sticking Around: Polo Collars
This one is a little controversial, as people love their Victorian bib collars, but they're just everywhere, and the very large ones do tend to look a bit costumey. Polo collars are another very popular trend that's more subtle and timeless, so I, for one, will continue to buy them.
Shop Polo Tops
Won't Make It: Puffy Headbands
Sticking Around: Baseball Caps
Another trend that can be borderline costumey is puffy headbands that almost look like a hat. They've been a thing for a while now, and I think they reached their peak awhile ago. Baseball caps are an accessory trend that I hope never dies. They look good on everyone and make every outfit cooler.
Shop Baseball Caps
Won't Make It: Extremely Square Shoes
Sticking Around: Chic House Shoes
First of all, I don't think that square-toe shoes are going anywhere. I personally love the style. But the extreme platypus-esque square toes that we've all come to know are a bit too out there to become a staple. As far as shoes I'll continue to buy in spades go, bring on the chic house shoes.
Shop Chic House Shoes
Won't Make It: Super-Ripped Jeans
Sticking Around: Stovepipe Jeans
You may have noticed that ripped jeans are back, but the ripped jeans that look practically shredded probably aren't going to stay with us for the next 12 months. But stovepipe jeans, the straight-leg style that's replaced mom jeans, will continue to be a wardrobe staple throughout 2021 and beyond.
Shop Stovepipe Jeans
