Would you like a head start on autumn’s top trends? Then you’ve come to the right place, friend! Not only do we have a bumper edit of what’s going to dominate for the next half of the year via our autumn 2021 trend report, but below is the rundown of what’s new-in thanks to the pre-fall 2021 collections that are currently dropping into stores as I type. They are, as the name gives away, the precursor to your cold-weather wardrobes. These in-between-season ranges act as the jumping-off points for many designers, and you’ll see key themes carrying through, creating a reliable indicator of what’s going to be on every wish list across the land for the next six months at the very minimum. Additionally, pre-fall is known for being more commercially minded and therefore easier to wear than more avant-garde runway collections, so it’s a clever time to invest in items that you can wear tomorrow through to the same date in 2022 and beyond!
There are five trends we’ve pinpointed as easy and long-lasting, with the potential to be big news from here on out. From bright midi dresses to “revenge” heels, there’s a mid-pandemic (post-pandemic?) mood for optimism and dressing up combined with comfy cuts and fabrics. The result? Standout items that are surprisingly simple to throw on. As well as notable designer pieces, you’ll also find some affordable and vintage options to get the looks. Enjoy.Â
Not a new trend, and that’s why we like it: Rainbow knits are set to reprieve their role as our wardrobe’s happiest pal. We’ll be wearing ours with a tulle skirt, like Molly Goddard’s girls (pictured).Â
Bright dresses in relaxed shapes are a speciality of both luxury brands and high-street stores alike. Prints can date; colours don’t. And a modest silhouette will always feel laid-back enough to wear on repeat for various occasions. I’m waiting for the above Ganni style to arrive…
Black, pointy, ferocious… There’s a new wave of heels sticking two fingers up to sensible Birkenstocks or Tevas, and they’re being dubbed “revenge” heels. So you’re not going to wear them for walks or pottering around the house, but there are sassy options for dinner dates and future parties coming in thick and fast. These JW Anderson chain-strapped courts (pictured) have it all.
We’re more than accustomed to co-ords these days, and much of 2021 was spent in trackies. Now the trend moves into slightly more tailored territory with loose-fitting, matching separates becoming a go-to for brands such as Rejina Pyo (pictured).
It’s the cheeky trend that isn’t just for social media. Clearly, women are buying into the cut-out idea. Otherwise, designer brands and stores wouldn’t keep creating riffs on the idea month after month. So you can go as peekaboo as you like, but I enjoy the demure shape set against an exaggerated keyhole detail on this David Koma look.
Next up, the best summer dresses of the whole season. This story was published at an earlier time and has since been updated.
