As we've become aware of the dangers of fast fashion, it's become trendy to reuse, recycle and resell clothes; we've seen a rise in Y2K (year 2000) styles, as well as reworked sportswear and vintage jumpers (including sweater vests) dominating Instagram. As COVID-19 caused lockdown after lockdown, many people took up learning new skills in their spare time; with those taking up sewing creating or modifying garments. Sites such as Depop were a great way to earn a little extra cash if you had been furloughed, or find second-hand clothes if you were looking for something different to wear, without the heavy price-tag.
As high-street stores closed and online stores thrived, companies such as PLT and Boohoo were shamed for dirt cheap sale prices, once again raising awareness of fast fashion - with allegations of workers in the UK being paid less than minimum wage. As consumers, we've become conscious of where the products we are buying are coming from, as well as the sociological and environmental impacts of purchasing from a particular brand. Just before our second lockdown in 2020, I went to an interview for the role of sales assistant at H&M. What I didn't realise, was that H&M are rewarding customers (with vouchers/discount codes) for bringing in old clothes to be recycled, and then using the recycled fabric in their new collections. I hope that this is the future for many stores, both online and in our high-street, as it's important to take care of our Earth.
I adore the current fashion scene; it's bright, colourful and reflective of personalities, with elements spanning from '70s-'00s, among a dash of corsets and puffy sleeves from the 19th century. Fashion trends cycle, but for it to happen so quickly is fantastic! I think this year will see a rise in '70s inspired outfits; perhaps I view the decade through an orange-tinted lens, but I predict rust colours (red and orange tones) to become a regular occurrence, alongside bell-bottom jeans and bold-print trousers, the likes we've seen begin to rise towards the end of last year. The '70s fashion was largely influenced by pop-culture, in music and on-screen, which I think perfectly describes the inspiration for current fashion trends too. Whether it's band tees or character inspired outfits from a childhood favourite tv show (think Lizzie McGuire or Cher from Clueless) , the clothes we wear are boldly representing our identities.
Additionally, just as mullets took over in 2020, I think "Fawcett" hair will sway 2020, showing off all the many colours we've dyed our hair through lockdown.
Brown clothes ruled winter fashion, with different shades often worn together. Although I don't think the colour will stay as popular throughout 2021, I really hope monochrome styling does, especially with the rise in popularity of Juicy Couture tracksuits. Picture this;
dark pink tracksuit bottoms with a cute, baby pink graphic tee, and all pink accessories... and nails... and eyeshadow... you get the picture. I think this will look gorgeous in spring/summer, especially with typical pastel colours (purples, blues, pinks). This may cause co-ord outfits to make a return, and with bold print being popular right now, I think it'll definitely look incredible if it does so.
As it grows warmer, I think late '90s, early '00s tank/vest tops will come back onto our instagram screens. I saw a gorgeous Dior tank top on Depop and I hope similar items crop up in modern day fashion - such a simple but badass piece to add to your outfit.
Hopefully we'll see some authentic tops recycled, even though they may be sold for more than they were bought for. I really love graphic tank tops at the moment, rather than patterned, as a word, phrase or image helps it pop and accentuate the shape of the top, rather than get lost (this also leaves room for it to be paired with patterned bottoms).
Summary:
'70s fits (flares, bold prints, headscarves)
Rust colours evolving from brown (reds, oranges)
Pop Culture - TV and Film inspired outfits (especially '90s, '00s era)
Fawcett hair, layers and feathering
Monochrome styling
Tank/vest tops
Umbrella shops like Depop and Vinted will continue to be popular - recycle your clothes!!!
2021 Moodboard:
* any stores or brands mentioned have not sponsored this post, this is just my genuine opinion! ((I'm poor pls sponsor me I love free gifts))
*pictures without links are from pinterest, happy to edit and give specific credit <3
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