With a new year comes new fashion trends. After a year of quarantines and lockdowns, many people are excited to brighten their lives with some wardrobe upgrades. Even if you don’t want to break the bank shopping for new clothes, you can use what you already have in your wardrobe to curate fresh looks for 2021. This is your go-to guide for college fashion during 2021.
- Staple outerwear: trench coats
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As a lover of all things Olivia Pope and Scandal, I love that this outerwear staple is making a comeback. These versatile coats are perfect for the cold February weather, and can be worn into the fall. They pull together and help step up any outfit. Not to mention, they are perfect for an array of occasions: date night, class, and even internships. Dress your trench up with sleek wax-coated leather, or dress it down with your favorite distressed denim and an oversized t-shirt.
- Step it up: cinch it
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An easy way to step your look this year: invest in a new belt or repurpose an old one. A belt is a classic way to add shape and dimension to a layered look and will be a staple in your wardrobe for 2021. Whether you like classic leather, edgy studs or pops of color, this simple accessory will step up your look this year.
- Make it pop: zebra prints and corsets
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My favorite content creator and go-to on all things trendy, Bella Barberio, predicts zebra prints and corsets will be all the rage this year. Add a pop of zebra print to your look! Whether it’s as the focal point of look like a top or skirt, or an accesory like a hat or a scrunchy, zebra is super cute in 2021.
Videos on thrifting corsets have also been blowing up on Tiktok. Corsets are super cute and versatile. They can be worn day or night. Wear them alone, over a t-shirt, or under a cute jacket.
- Back in style: ’90s fashion
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My go-to Instagram curator and favorite on-campus fashion icon Yzzy Reyes is always in the know about all things trendy. According to Yzzy, this year we are really bringing the ’90s back. She recommends stocking up on baggy jeans, tight tops and low-rise jeans — think R&B fashion. She suggests mixing different textures like a checkered wool vest with leather pants to stand out. However, it’s not necessarily just because of the style.
“People are expressing themselves, and thrifting their clothing which is environmentally friendly and also budget friendly. True style is coming back … the price tags don’t matter, but rather the person who is rocking the outfit,” Yzzy explains. We love eco-friendly fashion — and thrifting makes it so much more accessible. Best advice in this article: honestly, it’s not the piece or the price tag — it’s the person wearing it. Remember: you look good!
- Denim: make it oversized
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By all accounts, this year you’re going to want to buy your denim oversized. That’s right, it’s time for a break from skinny jeans. Wide-legged and oversized denim will be your go-to this year. To step it up even more, try finding crossover or distressed oversized denim. Pair your denim with a classic t-shirt to dress it down, or dress it up with a satin draped blouse, or a corset top.
- Your go-to colors: sage, butter yellow and lavender
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One of my go-to girls on all things trends and fashion is my good friend Lauryn Beermann. She works as an intern for a fashion photographer and regularly makes fashion content for TikTok and Instagram. For 2021, Lauryn says, “The colors sage, lavender and butter yellow are gonna be huge.” Fashion creators on Tiktok seem to agree. Whether it’s as an accent piece like an accessory, or the focal point of your outfit, these colors are sure to make you stand out this year.
- Accessory alert: dainty gold jewelry and sunglasses
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Lauryn also suggests stepping up your accessories with dainty gold jewelry and sunglasses. I’m obsessed with dainty gold jewelry and am so glad it’s back in style. If you have cool undertones and don’t love gold with your skintone, try a white gold dainty bracelet or earring. They’re super affordable and accessible too.
My go-tos for budget friendly accessories and jewelry are Amazon, Target and ASOS. Like Kanye said, tiny glasses are in. This trend has definitely blown up on TikTok. This takes sunglasses out of summer wear and makes them year-round accessories.
- Pandemic fashion: monochromatic sets
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Caroline Gmyrek is a film major at The University of Scranton who traditionally loves all things high fashion. But this year, she finds herself appreciating matching sets. During this crazy global pandemic, we are spending more time at home than ever. “Monochromatic outfits help make any outfit look put together, and sets are not just pajamas. Monochromatic sets are perfect for everyday wear,” says Caroline. And we totally agree. Matching sets are definitely a go-to for errands, zoom meetings and everyday wear in 2021.
These are some subtle pieces and ways to spice up your wardrobe for 2021. Remember, it’s not the piece or the price tag that makes the outfit, it’s the confidence of the icon wearing it.