With the long winter looming ahead and more months of staying (and working) at home until the COVID-19 vaccine is more readily available, it can be all too tempting to hole up and in our PJs. But purchasing a few pieces can be a mood-boosting start to the new year, not to mention a way to feel a little more confident during that zillionth Zoom meeting. We asked four area stylists to share their thoughts on what they think we’ll be pulling from our closets, now and after “normal” life resumes.
Lauren A. Rothman
Stylist and Author of STYLE BIBLE: What To Wear to Work
styleauteur.com
“Our style in 2021 will reflect a collective hopefulness: we will be searching for a happiness factor and nature will be the source for many. Sustainability will continue to be important, color choices will be uplifting and styles may reflect a nostalgia for the past. Shades of yellow will help us smile, blues keep us calm and greens inspire us to stay grounded. The everyday comforts of quarantine wear and pandemic living will evolve from slippers into platforms and elastic waistbands to work-from-anywhere denim. Function and style will continue to work together as practical fashion becomes one of the biggest trends in history. Pick up your mask (and chain!) and bravely strut into 2021.”
Robin Fisher
Founder and Senior Stylist, Polished Image and Style
polishedimageandstyle.com
“Fashion trends in 2021 will definitely be more relaxed than past years–it’s going to be all about comfort, function and amazing style. Shoppers will be taking a less-is-more approach, being more conscious about the fashion choices they are making to cut down on being wasteful so they can be more practical. As many professionals continue to work at home and conduct business on Zoom, designers and retailers will need to focus on soft breathable fabrics, amazing color stories and interesting details, and jersey and knits will be used to produce tailored basics such as blazers and button down shirts. Coordinating loungewear sets will continue to trend because they make getting dressed and looking good in the morning a breeze. Elevated stretch fabric options such as stretch and relaxed denim will be the norm until the country returns to normal daily life.”
Naina Singla
Style Expert and Wardrobe Stylist
nainasingla.com
“Post-pandemic style will be practical, but still statement-making, with a focus on casual but not compromising on style. We will still see elevated loungewear, especially because life won’t go back to normal overnight. Eventually people are going to go out and they will want to dress up and make an effort. Women will want to buy some new pieces, look put together and get back to showing their personal style, but they may gravitate towards fashion that is more functional and comfortable. Because more people are working from home, working out more and taking care of their health, they are purchasing clothes that work for this type of lifestyle, and after the pandemic we will still want clothes that are multifunctional and versatile. Behaviors may change and we may see comfort, quality and climate prevail over fast fashion and trends.”
Kara Allan
Style Coach, Makeup Artist and Decorista, Style by Kara Allan
karaallan.com
“My favorite pieces from the 2021 trends include joggers that are fitted and baggy without being sloppy like quite a bit of loungewear I have seen lately. The hosiery stirrup top is not for every silhouette, but it does show off shoulders and abs. Cold weather leather is sexy, hugs the body and makes everyone’s legs look good. Puffer jackets that aren’t too puffy to make you look like the Michelin Man or Woman keep you warm and stylish. Finally, I saved the best for last–a body con dress that hugs a woman’s curves.”
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