If it feels like you've been living under a rock these past 15 months, you're not alone. While the world has been in an uproar, staying up-to-date with the latest fashion trends may not be high on the list of priorities. The sudden shift within the fashion industry early into the pandemic left many designer brands on life support. With all of the major setbacks due to a sluggish economy and overall uncertainty, many designers decided to push through fashion fatigue, continuing to encourage major style moments, bringing a pulse back to this season's runway.
These collections, created during the worldwide stay-at-home orders, gives us a sense of each designer's creative imaginations running wild with chic possibilities, setting the bar high with iconic trends for spring/summer 2021. Many of the season's independent and designer brand collections from names such as Hanifa, Versace, Christopher John Roberts, etc. are giving exciting silhouettes along with mixed patterns, one-of-a-kind prints, vibrant colors, features of nature and drama as fashion is finally seeing a playful resurgence.
Picking up where we left off last spring, here are the top runway trends you'll want to implement into your wardrobe this summer season.
Asymmetrical
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A favorite throwback 90's trend, the ultra sleek asymmetrical design detail is tailor made for the chic minimalist. Complementing the body's natural shape, this particular cut immediately elevates everyday staples to a timeless silhouette with a dose of edginess. From one shoulder necklines to unbalanced hems, this trend is one to buy into this summer.
Backless
Cindy Ord/Getty Images for Bronx & Banco
A bare back is one of the latest trends turning heads this season. While we've been hibernating indoors with oversized knits for the past year, skin is finally having its breakthrough moment in 2021! With its chic approach to long sleeve knits, this trend gives a whole new meaning to the phrase "business in the front, party in the back."
The Blue Hue
Daniele Venturelli/Daniele Venturelli/WireImage
Color is a priority this summer. One of the most stand-out colors this season, blue is making an appearance on almost every runway this season. Mixed and matched with designer details paired with complimentary colors, there are so many ways to experience its many shades.
Peek-a-Boo
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As we become more adventurous with our style, post-COVID lockdowns, exposed skin is making yet another attempt at mainstream fashion. While leaving plenty to the imagination, a little bit of skin goes a long way. Sheer styles are a chic addition to any look.
Sheer Enough
Ilya S. Savenok/Getty Images for Flying Solo
For a sexy night out, slinky sheer fabrics are super chic when in the mood to feel absolutely fabulous. From bodycon to oversized fits, this trend was made for the bold. My favorite sheer look this season is the gray trouser by Acne Studios. The long tailored pants are the perfect silhouette for a sleek ensemble effortlessly transitioned from day to night.
Under the Sea
Handout/Versace Press Office via Getty Images
The most exciting ready to wear summer trend, 'escapism' was a major theme on this year's runways. My favorite demonstration of nature in design, Versace had the best whimsical flair bringing to life the ultimate under the sea fantasy with literal starfish prints and mermaid styles. While many of us have been looking forward to our perfect beach getaway, it's no wonder designers are making our island fantasies come true. With beachy nets and shell accessories, I'm most excited to see this trend in action.
Applying Texture
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There is a new era in fashion and we're beginning to have fun with our wardrobes again. This season is all about texture. In addition to the summer trends, this season almost every designer has implemented drama and texture with a 3D element tempting one to look as well as touch.
Heavy on the Prints
Mike Coppola/Getty Images For NYFW: The Shows
This year's uniform are the iconic neon floral prints of designers such as Christopher John Roberts and the lucid geometric designs of Mugler. For a major mood boost, bold retro patterns and mixed prints are a feel-good goal this summer. As this pandemic comes to an end, it's exciting to get back to fashion.
Featured image by Edward Berthelot/Getty Images