Fall Fashion Week 2021: 10 Hot Trends That Dominated the Runways
It’s the most wonderful time of the year!
Kids are back in school, the weather is invitingly crisp, and Halloween merchandise is taking over the shelves. The most marvelous part of all though? We are in the paramount fashion month of the year! The designs that debuted in fashion week earlier this year are finally hitting the shelves, and the trends of the season do not disappoint.
Fashion has long been a representation of the environment of the time, and the runways during the Fall 2021 Fashion Week sang that truer than ever. After a year plus of sweatshirts and pajamas, we are ready to be seen, and we are ready to have a blast with it. Look-at-me colors, prints, and fabrics shocked the catwalk. Trends normally reserved for Spring and Summer dominated, silhouettes were over-the-top- nothing was off limits. Not all learning was lost from our year in isolation however. As Harper’s Bazaar put it, “If any lesson was learned from the year 2020, it's that when given the option, people will choose comfort—every time.” Designers did not miss that memo. The coziness of pillow-like puffers, fluffy furs, and snuggly sweaters were masked by haute designs. Look good feel good? What is not to love about that?.
Now, I’m not personally running out to buy a furry cropped tube top- can’t imagine too easy to get spit-up out of. But trends are meant to be interpreted, and I love to stay up to date on the direction of the season for my shopping inspiration. I may be a mom, but I’ll be damned if I’m not a hip mom.
Read on for 10 trends that commanded the Fall RTW 2021 Fashion Week! Embrace them or sprinkle them, and make them your own.
Bold Brights
Ready to be seen? Are we ever! Away with the drab of the year past, bold brights absolutely lit up the runway. Get your sunglasses on, because the courageous colors meant to turn heads are not just for Miami summers- they are here for a brilliant Fall in 2021.
Left to Right: Rodarte, Alice + Olivia, Kenzo, Stella McCartney, Marc Jacobs, Akris, Dolce + Gabbana, Moschino, Versace
Fur Frenzy
One thing designers agreed on- we are done with sweats. Trade your fleece for furs, elevating your coziness and style all at once. Snuggly does not need to be boring, and it certainly was not in the collections for Fall. Statement furs were not limited to coats, but pleasantly surprised in separates as well.
Left to Right: Fendi, Sandy Liang, Jenny Packham, Blumarine, LaQuan Smith, Chanel, Dolce & Gabbana, Rachel Comey, Prada, Botega Veneta
Leather Jacket Makeover
There are not many pieces in my closet that I reach for as much as my leather jacket. It makes everything I wear just a little cooler. Well, this season designers decided the jacket that does so much for us need a little love too. Leather jackets were shown throughout fashion week looking as edgy as ever, with notable new details in sleeves, hardware, cuts, and more.
Left to Right: Simone Rocha, Alexander McQueen, Givenchy, Khaite, Tom Ford, Burberry, Balmain
Exquisite Knits
A sweater is a sweater right? No way, not this year. The cozy comfortable qualities of a sweater are merging with high end designs on this season’s runway. Innovative plays with cables, colors, and prints are going to allow you to snuggle up in posh fashions all season long.
Left to Right: Chloe, Tom Ford, 3.1 Philip Lim, Marni, Loewe, Ulla Johnson, Chanel, Giorgio Armani
Sweeping Coats
No average trenches to be found here. The runways were taken over by long dramatic coats in sweeping lengths, startling prints, and opulent fabrics. These coats have you completely covered- literally.
Left to Right: Christian Siriano, Balmain, Chanel, Proenza Schouler, Christian Dior, Etro, Versace, 3.1 Philip Lim
Melancholy Florals
Usually a wardrobe staple reserved for Spring- designers spoke this season loud and clear. Floral have a place in Fall too! Romantic and ominous floral arrangements sulked down the runway for Fall. This dark take on flowers felt incredibly fresh.
Left to Right: Alexander McQueen, Balenciaga, Oscar de la Renta, Christian Dior, Victoria Beckham, Rodarte, Simone Rocha, Isabel Marant
Polished Tailoring
With the world bouncing back comes back to work and a desire for the structure we have been missing. Tailored pieces were layered into chic presentable looks. Pants suits, mini skirt suits, and statement blazers prevailed. Nothing elevates a look as easily as a blazer, and the world is ready to look good.
Left to Right: Rachel Comey, Moschino, Oscar de la Renta, Dolce & Gabbana, Chanel, 3.1 Philip Lim, Tom Ford, Giorgio Armani, Stella McCartney
Apres Ski
Is there anything more charming than the thought of an intimate ski vacation in a snowy village? I cannot ski. Probably best no one lets me try. But let’s be honest- the charm is in the cozy cabin, flickering fireplace, mulled wine, and that snow bunny fashion. Designers agreed, flurrying the runways with colorful fairisles that embrace that Apres Ski lifestyle we all dream of.
Left to Right: Rag & Bone, Etro, Molly Goddard, Junya Watanabe, Chanel, Celine, A.L.C.
Spectacular Stripes & Prints
The artistry came out this season in the ways of stripes and prints. Unique retro inspired fabrics shouted drama up and down the catwalk. With a palette of a million colors or vivid black and whites- one thing was clear- we are ready to have some fun with our clothes in Fall.
Left to Right: Chopova Lowena, Prada, Dolce & Gabbana, Chloe, Anna Sui, Jason Wu, Thebe Mugug, Balmain, Missoni
Puffer Power
Holy puffer! The coats of the catwalk are more inviting than my comforter, and way cooler. Dramatic and oversized is the way to go with your outerwear this year as the temperatures drop. Neutral colors or crazy prints, the key idea here is overstuffed. I cannot wait to add one of these bad boys to my wardrobe and never take it off. Ever.
Left to Right: Louis Vuitton, Dolce & Gabbana, Marni, Stella McCartney, Balenciaga, Miu Miu, Givenchy, Marc Jacobs, Tom Ford
Stay tuned for shoppable (affordable) takes on these amazing fashions!