5 Fashion Trends You Might be Surprised By

Fashion certainly changes every season and year. And there has definitely been a shift this past year in how people dress and want to dress. With more people home than ever, fashion has evolved to be more attentive to comfort and flexibility. That is what we believe is fueling some of these surprising trends taking 2021 by storm.

Colorful Sweatpants

Bright and colorful sweatpants are one of the more surprising trends for 2021. When the COVID pandemic was at its worst, fashion designers and retailers started paying more attention to women's loungewear. People were at home a lot more, but wanted something more fun to wear than black or gray sweats. To meet that need, retailers are now selling a variety of sweatpants and sets in bright bold colors.

Cropped Cardigans

Cardigans are a vintage-inspired wardrobe staple that continues to evolve and surprise us. Right now, we are seeing cropped cardigans paired with everything from sweatpants to dressy midi skirts. There is a wide range of opportunities with a wardrobe item like this. It’s up to you to decide which colors, patterns, and sleeve-length are right for your wardrobe.

Bucket Hats

Fashionistas across the globe are trading their baseball caps for bucket hats. The trend that began in 2020 is continuing with the support of fashion powerhouses like Bella Hadid and Rihanna. Bucket hats are versatile and can accessorize many different looks. They are suitable for men and women, and there are even adorable options available for kids.

Boiler Suits

Boiler suits, also often called “coveralls” are a one-piece item of clothing that lets you skip having to match a shirt with pants. This one-piece fashion staple is available in a wide variety of fabrics, colors, and styles. You can easily dress them up with accessories and shoes, or dress them down with sneakers or sandals (or some tractor boots – see below).

Shackets

A “shacket” is a combination of a shirt and a jacket. Most often, shackets are flannel patterned and are made from fall-appropriate fabrics. They are heavier than a flannel shirt, but are not as heavy as a coat, which makes them great for layering. Shackets are great for casual styles and comfortable layers that can transition to most any season.

Tractor Boots

Tractor-inspired boots had a major moment in 2020, and it’s already looking like a popular item for fall 2021. From humble retailers to designers like Balenciaga, the tractor boot seems to be a trend that is only going to grow and evolve. Pair tractor boots with a long dress for a more cottage feel, or with a pair of slouchy pants for a casual vibe.

Puffed Sleeves

This trend is one that I think most people were surprised by. Puffed sleeves have come and gone from the fashion trends list many times, but this time it’s taking hold. Puffed sleeves are no longer limited to wedding dresses and formal wear. Now, you can find puffed sleeves on simple turtlenecks, corset tops, blouses, and jackets. Pair a top with puffed sleeves with the right skirt or pants and you will definitely make a statement.

Conclusion

With fashion continually evolving, it’s nice to see that designers and retailers are giving more attention to comfort and versatility. Many people are still working from home or are working primarily remotely. That means a lot of the standard 9-5 outfits we are used to wearing are no longer practical. For those of us who want to keep up with fashion trends while navigating the changes in the work environment, these trends are surprisingly refreshing.

This article does not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors or the management of EconoTimes