In my time as a fashion journalist, I’ve always been more interested in the little trends that are poised to go big. I’m talking about the ones that magically bubble up to prominence on the streets or that your friends start messaging about. I’ll devour a Bottega Veneta runway collection as hungrily as the next fashion lover, but my passion lies in finding the looks, items and styling ideas that are organically growing through the season, day by day, IG post by IG post. And many of these microtrends do indeed have Instagram or TikTok as their fertile ground, which makes them easier to chart than ever—if you’re looking closely.
Things in the world of microtrends do move fast, but that doesn’t mean that pieces on the rise fall out of favour quickly once they’ve peaked. What happens is they reach a tipping point—take Birkenstocks or tie-dye as a good example—and just become a standard part of the fashion outlook. Neither on- nor off-trend, former microtrends may not be as edgy as they were at their inception, but they still have plenty of mileage to offer.
With the fashion mood for spring and summer 2021 being exuberant and joyful, it’s no great surprise that the microtrends I’m noticing are all pretty upbeat or loud. Think basics that come in bold colours or retro throwbacks and outrageous detailing that provide uniqueness. The time is now to try something different, so keep scrolling for the six microtrends I think are about to hit the big time.
When we posted this shot of Carmel wearing Bottega’s green button-down to our IG feed, the speed of likes was pretty wild. A bright shirt does lend itself to denim, so take note of the combination here.
Lauren-Nicole always finds the best pieces on the high street, and this H&M shirt (and matching trousers) make for the kind of outfit that has plenty of wow without requiring a great deal of effort.
We’re 100% convinced that Naaomi’s Zara shirt isn’t going to hang around for long.
If punchy brights aren’t your thing, try a vibrant pastel shade instead, like Trine did.
Jazmine is one of quite a few girls we’ve seen favouring fun, naïve jewellery instead of serious, timeless pieces.
All of these kooky plastic, resin and rubber pieces look even more fun set against this season’s rainbow manicure trend.
Just think: What would you have worn in the ’90s? That’s a solid starting point for this jewellery trend.
I like Nnenna’s combination of delicate chains with quirky, colourful rings and cuffs.
If you’re a fan of retro style, then crochet is the one. Our shopping editor Joy Montgomery has been an early adopter of crochet for summer 2021.
Lucy’s Sea tank has been so popular in the influencer set we can’t find it in stock anywhere.
A crochet top with cherries on top! I mean, it doesn’t get more I-can’t-wait-to-go-out than that.
If you really want to invest in this trend, Etsy is a treasure trove of crochet, both vintage and new handmade pieces.
Jessica snapped up this crinkly co-ord from & Other Stories, and I can see why: It looks so premium.
There are many plain crinkly co-ords out there, but if you fancy something printed, make like Nicole and get thee to Monki.
Hannah’s white set from 4th & Reckless has been an Instagram hit lately.
The cornflower blue of this Mango set is just so rich and deep—a head-turner that Abi kindly brought to our attention.
Whether you’re picknicking or cooking in the ktichen, a little headscarf is actually quite useful.
We’ve noticed the trend has been particularly popular in France and Scandinavia. England, you’re next.
If you’re after that romantic Riviera vibe, the headscarf will do it.
Matching your headscarf to your dress? It’s a thing now.
The sassier the top, the baggier the jeans.
The majority of these tie-up pieces come in black or white, which makes them all the more sophisticated.
The G-string detail started on the runways and has snowballed on social media.
Many tie-up tops are designed to be paired with matching tie-up skirts or trousers.
