We’ve seen all manner of shopping behavioural shifts come into play over the course of 2021. From the rise of online shopping to the growth of resale, it’s been fascinating to watch the ways in which the public has adjusted to the ‘new normal’. As an online magazine, we’re lucky enough to get in-depth insights into these changes, both from speaking to other experts, but also through our own data.
Having kept track of sales and trends over the course of the year, I am happy to report that last year’s penchant for elevated basics has remained, with many high-street stores re-releasing popular premium staples that, clearly, have stayed in high-demand. It’s so encouraging to see high-street brands focusing on higher-quality pieces that will truly stand the test of time: Case in point, I got Arket’s hopsack blazer for Christmas roughly 4 years ago, and it’s still one of my favourite jackets and still looks as good as the day I was given it.
Other items in our line-up include, surprise surprise, Frankie Shop’s quilted coat, which, we can confirm, works just as well in spring and summer as it does in the winter months. Of course, we also had to include a nod to & Other Stories’ suitably named Favourite cut jeans and Arket’s lockdown-park-walk-puffer (its unofficial name), which is just the gift that keeps on giving. I see at least one person wearing it whenever I go for a walk in London. So, if you’re as nosy as we are and want to find out what’s been selling like crazy this year, scroll down to see and shop 2021’s sellout buys.
With it’s classic appeal and expensive-looking finish, it’s not surprise that Arket’s hopsack blazer is the high-street hero that just keeps selling out.
& Other Stories’s favourite cut jeans proved to be a success this year with their ’90s-inspired high-waisted fit and straight leg opening.
One of the few designer items to make the line-up, Frankie Shop’s ripstock jacket won-over the fashion crowd with its quilted finish and oversized proportions. We love how Tanice styled hers with a white shirt and mid-wash jeans.
H&M’s wide leg trousers were one of our top-sellers of the year, pointing to the move towards baggier trouser trends and a craving for tailoring post lockdown.
An oldie but a goodie. & Other Stories’ mock neck sweater has continued to be a top-seller for us for a good couple of years now, and we love that the brand brings it back every year in an array of new colourways.
A firm cold-weather staple during the long weeks of January’s lockdown, Arket’s puffer coat was so successful last year that it re-relased the style for 2021. It’s like walking around in a sleeping bag—the dream, right?
With their premium silhouette and versatility, we can certainly see why M&S’s leather flatform flipflops are the rare summery addition to our line-up. We saw the likes of Bubbly Aquarius and Francesca Saffari snap them up, and we have no doubt they’ll continue to be a warm weather staple.
Crinkled, or plisse, fabrics had a moment in the spotlight this year and one of the most popular iterations was COS’s long-sleeve crinkle top, which came in both navy and orange. I invested in the navy and wear it constantly. It’s now sold out, but the brand has similar styles in stock.
