Fashion Trends: Fall & Winter 2021

Fall & Winter Trends 2021

Written by Donnalee Riley and Trinh Dong

All Illustrations by Yucen He

Fall - the season for warm blankets, spiced drinks, and best of all - Fall Fashion. Recognized as one of the major bi-annual seasons in the fashion industry, fall (like it’s warmer fashion-season counterpart, spring) is a big deal in the realm of style and accessories. We’re a lot less reluctant to welcome the cold weather and see the temperature on the thermometer drop, if only to pick up our tailored jackets, suit up in unreasonable amounts of chic layers and dust off our cashmere coats. As the beginnings of this year’s fall fashion has already since been rung in with big title runway shows and trend reports, we’re sharing some of our favourite fall trends for 2021 that we’ve spotted in high fashion, that we expect to hit the streets. 

9 Fall & Winter Trends for 2021:

1. Sweater Vests & Excessive Layering

Yes, one of the best parts of fall fashion is undoubtedly the freedom to layer - as much as you want. The ‘sweater-under-dress-shirt-under-blazer-under-jacket’ look has been a fall favourite, and fashion enthusiasts have certainly made it their own by seeing how many of their prized pieces they can pair together. And when no one thought the game of excessive layering could get any better, oversized sweater vests made a fashionably late entrance onto the fall fashion scene. Last seen with its preppy take in the 90’s and early 2000’s (think Cher Horowitz meets Elle Woods), sweater vests are becoming an increasingly popular layering essential, especially with business casual outfits, in neutrals and monochromes. Matching a sweater vest with similarly hued slacks has been an especially popular trend among layering fanatics. 

2. Mustard Yellow

Mustard Yellow...well anything, really. What an embodiment of the autumn-inspired earth tones indeed! Mustard has made a massive comeback in the last months, taking over styles in everything from coats and knit cardigans, to structured pantsuits and formalwear. Mustard accessories have also been on the rise as a seasonal pop of color, manifesting in berets, handbags, sunglasses and more. A once beloved color of the 60’s hippie movement, we’re seeing mustard make a comeback with almost just as much force. 

3. Cropped Blazers

Considered as menswear, blazers were not adopted by women until the late 2000s. Wearing blazers was a ‘subtle’ way for women to claim their presence, get people’s attention, demand respect and reshape social attitudes towards them. Blazers are timeless. With a more elevated update, cropped blazers add more sophistication to an already chic look. Paired with basic denim jeans, leather pants, or a pair of black boots or high heels, ladies, let me tell you - you are ready to conquer the world.

4. Leather Everything 

Leaves are turning brown and falling from the trees. There is a lingering warmth of summer, but also a constant reminder of the chill in the morning air. It gets colder and darker. The romance of fall somehow evokes a sense of nostalgia in us - to carefree summer days. To give you some joy in the nostalgia and keep summer a bit longer, we’re excited to see the return of  leather, leather, and more leather and monochrome neutrals from our spring/summer trends 2021. Contrary to the leather trends in the previous years, this year’s theme is the total opposite to dark shades - it’s calming beige, bright purples, pastel blues, light oranges, and the like. If you are looking for a modern, sophisticated look, invest in a soft-coloured midi leather dress with a defined waistline or voluminous sleeves.

5. Wool Utility Jackets

Fall is confusing. It sometimes surprises people with the first snow, but it can also be as hot as 30 degrees in the summer. In this unpredictable weather with four seasons in a day, a wool utility jacket could be just what you need. It’s super versatile and practical for layering. You can wear it as a shirt, or a jacket - both look super cute. Wool utility jackets come with a variety of fabrics, colours, and patterns for you to choose from. And have I mentioned some of them are even designed with large pockets? Yes, large pockets. You heard me -  that can hold (to name a few) your phone, coin purse, key chains, and lip balm.

6. Quilted Puffer Coats 

Once winter arrives, some immediately leave fashion behind and go into hibernation mode under layers of clothes and a big winter coat. For those who say winter wear is’ no fun’ and winter coats are ‘too bulky’, they perhaps have never owned a quilted puffer coat. Puffer jackets were nothing new to fashion trendsetters in 2017 and 2018. These utilitarian garments are known for their desirable and functional look. Quilted coats are bolder and sleeker. They have stood the test of time, growing out of the trendy realm and becoming a timeless item in everyone’s wardrobe. Pieced together from old patches of quilts or fabrics, this good ol' quilted coat is like a big duvet that everyone wants to cocoon in - warm and comfortable. And when puffer jackets and quilted coats are put together, needless to say they are the perfect fashionable juxtaposition of the season.

7. Retro Styled Flare Pants

Speaking again of retro-inspired styles, the flared pant has had a glow up since we last saw it in the 1970’s disco revolution, and 2000’s denim trend. Flared pants are coming back with a more prominent presence in casual wear and business attire. From flared dress pants, to flared yoga pants, there seems to be a mutual agreement that the full-based silhouette can be transformed to complement the tastes of modern day style. Often paired with pointed ankle boots, button-ups and bold printed blazers, the wide legged flare definitely adds a mysterious elongation to any outfit. On the other hand, the pairing of flared athletic pants and a baggy cropped t-shirt provides a much more curvy silhouette, and has definitely become a nod to the recently seen E-girl trends. 

8. Bold Scarves

Somehow, out of the revival of the scrunchie, scarves have also lapped back into fashion as a newly beloved, versatile accessory. Often paraded in belt loops, on purses and around the neck, luxe scarves have particularly become a widely used hair accessory. Whether as a bandana, hair tie or headband, we’re seeing more people get creative with small, square hair scarves. Commonly worn in silky satins or plush crepe, the soft fabric of a scarf in both straight wisps or soft coils, naturally adds an elegant finishing touch to any outfit.

9. Oversized Peacoats

There is no doubt that oversized peacoats continue to reign as a timeless, iconic item for a polished look in the cold weather. First worn by navy sailors to keep them warm while working on the deck, over the years, the double-breasted piece with oversized collars and wide lapels has evolved to include longer cuts, bolder colours, inverted collars and puffy sleeves. Today, a peacoat has become a fashion statement, worn by the working class, and on designer runways to royal family members. It even makes the most casual look with a t-shirt, denim jeans and white sneakers become a versatile ensemble. And when laying it over a skirt or dress, it adds even more femininity and elegance to the look. 

While we’ve covered just a few of the fall trends we’ve seen widely beloved, the best part about fall fashion is arguably the freedom to experiment with ensembles in your wardrobe in the name of warmth! Let us know some of your favourite fall trends we might have missed in the comments below!