9 Fashion Trends To Retire In 2021

9 Fashion Trends To Retire In 2021

By Eleanor R. Farmer 4 years ago


a person in a blue jacket standing on a sidewalk: From thong heels to quilted bags, these are the nine trends you'll be saying goodbye to in 2021.

© Provided by Are Media Pty Ltd
From thong heels to quilted bags, these are the nine trends you’ll be saying goodbye to in 2021.

Variety, as they say, is the spice of life—a sentiment one can definitely apply to each year’s ever-changing fashion trends.

And while no, there’s no official law stating that one must abide by fashion’s dos and don’ts, there is some fun in deliberating over which trends are ripe for picking, and which have long overstayed their welcome.

Given that 2020 kept us in our homes and living in loungewear, it’s understandable that most of us have eschewed anything other than neutral knits. After all, our work wardrobes aren’t what they used to be, especially since comfort has become our number one priority. But fret not, we’ve done the hard work for you.

From the overuse of tie-dye to the much-needed retirement of micro bags, here’s our list of new year must-haves to help you rebuild your out-of-the-house wardrobe without looking like you’ve missed a beat.

Below, the nine trends that to retire in 2021.

Fashion Trends 2021 01.jpg

Out: Heeled Thongs

The barely-there sandal was certainly fun while it lasted, but just like all good things, it’s time that it comes to an end. Initially inspired by the Totême iteration, the elevated take on the Aussie staple has been a mainstay throughout 2020, and is finally ready to leave our wardrobes.


Fashion Trends 2021 02.jpg

In: Heeled Loafers

While the humble loafer will never go out of style, this 2021 iteration of the English classic is sure to pop up all over social media. A prioritisation of comfort, this staple shoe is exactly what we’re looking for as we slowly make our debut back out in society. With Prada’s latest take on the shoe, we can expect to spot these beauties for quite some time.


Fashion Trends 2021 03.jpg

Out: Micro Bags

Nothing to do with our undying love for Jacquemus—and Lizzo, of course—but sadly, it’s time we bid adieu to the micro bag. While, yes, the microscopic accessory was an oh-so-sweet novelty, it’s time to say goodbye.


Fashion Trends 2021 04.jpg

In: Oversized Totes

A common trend in this year’s lineup is an emphasis on oversized, well, everything. And in this case, it’s bags, The last year has us grown custom to having everything we need at all time—face mask included. Thanks to Dior’s Book Tote, the trend has spilled out onto the streets and we couldn’t be happier.


Fashion Trends 2021 05.jpg

Out: Chunky Gold Chains

While, yes, the Chunky Gold Chain is still a fan favourite, it might be time to switch things up. If you’re not ready to let go of yours just yet, then don’t. Keep it on the back burner and break it out from time to time—but not all the time. Switch things up and let your neck sport something else for a change.


Fashion Trends 2021 06.jpg

In: Statement Pearls

Just like every iconic jewellery piece, pearls are making their return to the fashion circuit. While our necks have been adorned with gold for the last two years, it’s time for a new start. Of course, some may find a string of pearls to be a turnoff, but with Mizuki‘s modern range, there’s sure to be a pearlescent piece with your name on it.


Fashion Trends 2021 07.jpg

Out: Prairie Collars

Considering that 2020 was the equivalent of a dumpster fire, it was no surprise that Cottagecore became the attire of choice. While breezy nap dresses and silk head scarves will be sticking around for some time, there’s one wholesome piece that is on its way out: prairie collars. This season, you’ll see less prairie-inspired pieces and more…


Fashion Trends 2021 08.jpg

In: Knitted Polos

With an activewear influence, the Polo has made the round again, this time in the form of knitwear. Featured in abundance in Prada’s recent collections, polo knits are equal parts prim, preppy, and retro. And given that they are incredibly versatile and easy to wear, there’s no wonder why fashions It-girls have been so drawn to them.


Fashion Trends 2021 09.jpg

Out: Tie Dye

The last year saw the rise of tie-dye everything. It was eclectic and everything we could have wanted, but alas, it’s time to go. Having gone from the streets of fashion week to the loungewear of our WFH wardrobes, it’s time for us to let go and leave it at-home.


Fashion Trends 2021 10.jpg

In: Check Prints

Seen in abundance throughout fashion week, the beloved print is back with a vengeance. With check prints back in the spotlight, they’ve headed back into our wardrobes in the form of outwear and tailored pieces. Styled up or down, this trend is here to stay for a while.


Fashion Trends 2021 11.jpg

Out: Sweatpants

As we slowly embrace life outside, it’s time to part ways with the one staple that has gotten us through many lonely nights: sweatpants. And while, yes, an at-home pair is a must-have, perhaps it’s time to leave them there. With comfortable and chic trousers and denim making their way into the limelight, this is one trend that we’re happy to keep on the down low.


Fashion Trends 2021 14.jpg

In: Luxe Sportswear

Coined by Pinterest as ‘ath-flow’, the dismissal of sweatpants doesn’t rule out comfortable dressing all together. Source comfortable luxe pieces that are both professional enough for the office and cosy enough for the couch. More or less, expect to give your loungewear the 2021 style injection with modern silhouettes and more luxurious fabrics.


Fashion Trends 2021 13.jpg

Out: Matching Loungewear

As we previously mentioned, it’s time to retire our matching loungewear to the confines of our homes and opt for more luxurious iterations instead. And, yes, matching knitwear is undeniably comfortable—and occasionally chic—but as they say, all good things must come to an end.


Fashion Trends 2021 12.jpg

In: Loose-Fitting Denim

As we hunt for ways to bring more comfort into our work wardrobes, the influx of oversized and loose-fitting denim may be the answer to our prayers. Whether it’s floor-skimming hemlines or low-rise waists, this trend has become a staple for fashion It-girls around the world—and we can see why.


Fashion Trends 2021 15.jpg

Out: Matching Monochrome

There’s something so satisfying about the perfectly matching head-to-toe hues. But as this trend has been around for quite some time, it has began to fade away from our social feeds to make room for more maximist dressing. With the fashion set beginning to embrace prints and clashing textures, perhaps it’s time to put our Matching Monochrome away—or just wear it separately.


Fashion Trends 2021 16.jpg

In: Cow Print

As the Moo Manicure becomes one of the hottest nail art trends of the year, it comes as no surprise that the animal print has taken over our wardrobes too. From hand bags to knee-high boots, the neutral-toned print is making a splash in 2021.


Fashion Trends 2021 17.jpg

Out: Quilted Everything

Thanks to MM6 Maison Margiela’s puffy clutches and Bottega Veneta’s cloud pouches, quilted fabric has taken the fashion scene by storm. But like all storms, their time has come to an end. And given that this year’s trends are tilting more towards patterns and prints, rather than textures and contrasting colours, perhaps it’s time to put away (or re-home) your quilted beauties.


Fashion Trends 2021 18.jpg

In: Oversized Striped Shirts

If there’s one trend to pop up this year, it’s comfort. And thankfully, there’s nothing more comfortable than an oversized shirt. Big enough to hang loosely off the shoulders, the oversized striped shirt is an essential wardrobe must-have this year. With plenty of space to strut and slouch, we can see this trend sticking around for quite some time.



18/18 SLIDES

Tags: , ,