With SS21 designs showcased from New York to Paris, one thing is clear – this season is all about putting the fun back into fashion! We may not know what our summer is going to look like, but we’ll certainly be dressed for the occasion...
The most prominent theme across the spring/summer runways is one of optimism – from romantic prints, fun fabrics and stand-out silhouettes to wistful allusions of beachside getaways and tantalising tropical climes.
Whatever your style, low-key is last season and we're looking forward to putting some oomph back into our fashion choices!
That’s not to say we’re letting go of our stretchy waistbands without a fight! Comfort remains at the forefront of this season’s best trends, with a focus on free-flowing fabrics, slouchy tailoring, billowing pant legs, lavish loungewear and haute sweats.
Check out our top five fashion trends for spring/summer '21 below.
Escapism meets optimism in this sunny trend. Whether you're hitting the UK shorelines, BBQing in your back garden or sipping margaritas on your balcony, Hawaiian shirts have been promoted to everyday attire for spring/ summer ’21. Complete the look with beach bags, espadrilles and anything else that would normally find a place in your summer suitcase!
Have fun with patterns and embrace tropical designs of all kinds – from graphic palm print to neon florals.
Pictured: GANT
Move over beige, this season’s neutral palette centres around off-white tones like ivory, ecru and vanilla, as well as pristine greys and even mocha.
Luxe fabric and craftsmanship also come into play in this sophisticated trend. Think silk, satin, suede and linen, with relaxed tailoring details.
Pictured: M&S
No, we don’t mean black and white! This monochromatic look means going all-out one colour. Mix and match tones, textures and fits, but choose one colour and run with it. You can go head-to-toe colour, or let one hue rule the roost.
Monochrome styling is one of the easiest ways to rock a totally put-together look and it’s bang on trend! Win, win.
Pictured: Moss Bros
00s fashion has been threatening to resurface for a while now and we’re thrilled to see some of the best styles of the decade appearing on catwalks. Embrace oversized denim, patchwork, frayed edging, ankle crops and bright colour pops to tap into one of the funnest trends of the moment.
Pictured: Gap
The theme of optimism running through spring/summer ’21 collections has found its strongest foothold in print. From bright florals to rainbows, the runways were awash with mood-boosting patterns. Look out, too, for feel-good shapes, with plenty of circles and curves informing design.
Pictured: JD Sports
Green may not have featured as a key colour on the runways, but it certainly informed the consciousness and collections of the world’s biggest fashion powerhouses.
Balenciaga showcased a collection created with almost 100% sustainable materials, while Chanel pledged $35m towards solar power initiatives as part of its ongoing Mission 1.5° climate strategy.
Making environmentally-conscious decisions about what you wear is not only a good look, it’s vital if we want to protect our planet and secure a greener future.
Fortunately, many brands are thinking seriously about how we can replace fast fashion for good, with forward-gazing initiatives and commitment to positive change:
Clarks is also a leader in sustainable materials, sourcing 90% of all leather from sustainable tanneries, as well as finding innovative ways to use recycled materials, such as gym bags made from recycled plastic bottles – re-using three plastic bottles in every bag!
Clarks' school shoe ranges use 100% Silver and Gold-rated sustainable leather; and when children inevitably grow out of a pair of shoes, its donation initiative ShoeShare has raised more than £1.6 million for UNICEF’s global education programmes.
Pictured: Clarks