There are a lot of unanswered questions going into 2021, but it’s our goal to help you answer at least one of them: What am I going to wear this year? Sure, it might not seem very pressing when you chalk it up against what’s currently going on in the world. That said, we firmly believe that when you wear something you love, you feel good about yourself—and never has it been more important to think this way.
So, what are you going to wear this year? You’ve come to the right place to find out. Here at Who What Wear, predicting and spotting new trends is what we do best, and we take it seriously. But, when it comes to identifying the pieces that are going to define a season, it pays to have a little insider help. As such, we spoke to our friends at online shopping hotspots Matches, Moda Operandi, and Lyst to find out what the trending products in 2021 are likely to be.
Which pieces made the cut? From the cult dress with a waitlist to the elevated leggings everyone wants, scroll below to see the stylish pieces that buyers, editors and official Google stats confirm are going to be big news in 2021.
The dress is back in a big way this year and, according to Moda Operandi, this Jacquemus sheer maxi dress is going to be hard to come by. It’s only just been released as a pre-order, and it’s already one of the top-performing items on the website.
Cosy slippers may have been the footwear of choice over the last year but, for 2021, the category is looking significantly fancier. Cue Amina Muaddi, the designer behind the world’s most in-demand shoes, who has created the closest thing we’ve ever seen to Cinderella’s glass slippers. Available soon at Matches, this is one shoe style ever fashion girl is going to want.
After Katie Holmes’s viral taxi hail whilst wearing a matching cardigan and bra set last September, the brand behind the two-piece, Khaite, has seen the positive effects. Searches for the brand are up 56% year-on-year. Over the past six months, the Maddy ribbed-knit top has been one of the most-wanted womenswear products in the world.
“Our fine jewellery category has been incredibly well received this year with a 150% growth compared to last,” reveals Liane Wiggins, Head of Womenswear Buying at Matches. “Marie Lichtenberg’s precious locket styles have been a highlight—modern heirloom necklaces that can be cherished forever.”
“Our tote bag category has seen a 26% growth as our customer is looking for styles that offer both form and function,” shares Cassie Smart, Head of Womenswear Buying at Matches. “we predict the Jil Sander woven basket bag and the Bottega Veneta Cabas bag being highlights for the season ahead.” While yet to land on-site, the Cabas bears a striking resemblence to Bottega’s Arco tote.
Out of all the dresses currently available to buy on Moda Operani, four out of the five top sellers are by Zimmermann. Coincidence? We think not. The brand’s latest drop of joyful dresses are the ideal antidote to the last few months, and prove that shoppers are prioritising planning their future outfits for life post-lockdown.
Many a Frankie Shop item has reached cult status, but none have seen quite the popularity surge as its Eva tank. Officially ranked the 7th hottest product in the world, according to the Lyst Index Q2, demand for Frankie Shop as a whole increased 41% year-on-year. Net-a-Porter has just restocked the Eva tank, but we guarantee it won’t be around for long.
Influencer-favourite Stand Studio has seen searches for the brand spike 29% over the last six months. The most popular item has been its Nino coat which comes complete with a checkerboard motif. Following suit now is the Nikki coat; a faux shearling option with a block check print.
It may have been designed in 2014, but Telfar’s shopping bag is finally enjoying its day in the sun. Lyst reports that searches for the brand have increased 270% since the start of August 2020, and that the bag is easily Telfar’s best-selling item. Right now, there’s only one style in stock, but we’ve been assured more are coming this year.
It shouldn’t come as a surprise that a pair of leggings makes our list, but it’s Spanx’s leggings that are proving to be the most sought-after, with Lyst confirming that searches are up 102%. Faux leather leggings are also trending; Spanx’s pair have been restocked more times than we can count.
Next Up, Spring/Summer 2021 Trends: The Most Important Fashion Looks You Need to Know
