With an access-all-areas pass to the coolest, newest and most in-demand items in fashion, celebrities don’t just follow trends; they have the power to spark them on a level not even the runways can muster. And while we’ve missed out on the red carpet looks that we usually see the stars wearing for glittering award shows and premieres, we don’t feel short-changed.
In fact, we think the most exciting celebrity looks always come from their downtime—when they’re running errands in NYC, stopping for a caffeine fix during a stroll in London or simply checking in with their Instagram followings, showing off their outfits in the process. And this year, there have been lots of impressive outfits at that.
As recently as just last week, celebrities have been out in force, showcasing looks so good we just have to share some of them with you. What really piqued our interest about them was how many 2021 trends they’ve managed to tick off in the process.
From the Kendall Jenner–approved top to update your jeans with and the staple Katie Holmes is spotted in on the regular to the juicy Gen Z accessories Dua Lipa has been tempting us with, scroll on to see the 11 celebrity fashion trends 2021 has ignited.
Style Notes: Huntington-Whiteley’s The Row trouser moment almost broke Instagram with the number of likes that came flooding in for the post. If you still find yourself on the fence about the wide-leg trouser trend, let this be your sign to embrace it.
Style Notes: The celebrity whose style we’ve become borderline obsessed with this year is undoubtedly Kravitz, who manages to make wardrobe basics—which have enjoyed separate attention this year—look so high-end. Sometimes, less is more.
Style Notes: However, when less isn’t enough, we always turn to Dua Lipa, who has an eye for the best designer buys and the confidence to pull them off in her own way—something that’s actually quite rare in the celebrity circuit. Lipa has had us pining after her Gen Z, ’90s-inspired accessories for much of 2021, and if her recent looks are anything to go by, we don’t see that changing any time soon.
Style Notes: This offbeat separate proved to be one of the key buys of 2021. Waistcoats started appearing on the style elite in spring, but it’s over the course of the summer that they’ve really gained momentum. Make like Jenner, who got in on the trend early, and opt for a classic button-up in a muted hue for maximum versatility.
Style Notes: When it comes to dressing with sass, Lizzo should be everyone’s muse. She’s worn too many excellent outfits this year to even keep track of, but the one that sticks out in our minds is this sheer, mesh situation. Not only is the fabrication on-trend, but so is the lime colour she chose. Bravo.
Style Notes: Flooding both the runways and the streets, oversized blazers are the hot ticket, and celebrities have picked up on it. We’re infatuated with this blazing-red style, as worn by Margot Robbie. Handily, there’s one just like it on the high street.
Style Notes: Oh, Katie, what a gift you’ve been this year. Regular WWW readers will know (and agree) that Holmes has served up some of her strongest looks to date this year, and her most recent ensemble just happens to tick off a major 2021 trend: cut-outs.
Style Notes: There have been two dominating colour trends this year: green and lilac. The former has had a lot of influencer love, while the latter has served as the celeb shade of choice, as expertly demonstrated by Hailey Bieber.
Style Notes: Though initially divisive, bike shorts have won the affections of even our most uncertain editors, and Graham probably has something to do with their change of mind. Having worn them in a multitude of ways throughout 2021, including during her pregnancy, she’s made a case for them to be included in every wardrobe.
Style Notes: Back at the start of summer, we predicted standout dresses in bold colours and playful prints would be in demand, and not to toot our own horn, but we were right. Harris has led the joyful-dress charge with her collection of downright stunning dresses, which feature marvellous motifs and paintbox colours. The aim? Have fun.
Style Notes: Loungewear might have dominated in 2020, but it hasn’t been rendered obsolete in 2021. Instead, we’ve become a little pickier with our off-duty clothes and, like Ellis Ross, are seeking out more elevated pieces, like wide-leg joggers, for example.
