Summer fashion 2021: women’s fashion trends for S/S 21 - from oversized dresses to bold accessories

Summer is almost here, and we’re all hoping that this year we’ll get some warm, sunny days and the freedom to do more things with our loved ones.
Summer fashion 2021: women’s fashion trends for S/S 21 Summer fashion 2021: women’s fashion trends for S/S 21
Summer fashion 2021: women’s fashion trends for S/S 21

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Family barbecues, drinks with friends, birthday parties, garden gatherings, meals out, staycations . . . there’s (hopefully) a lot to look forward to in the coming months, but what are we all going to be wearing when we return to these sociable events?

After months of working from home, video calls, eating in and wearing the same loungewear on rotation, most of us are probably unsure about how to update our wardrobes now that restrictions are easing.

Here, five stylists and fashion experts lend their expertise to tell us what clothing will be hot this summer.

Mixed prints

Carolyn Rubido, fashion expert and celebrity wardrobe stylist

“There is a lot of mixing prints and texture happening this summer. People are waking up from their dull quarantine life and jumping right into the new and vibrant point in history. We want to express ourselves, we want to take advantage of the fact that we can now go out and really show off our style.”

One example of this is the ASOS DESIGN wrap top in mixed print co-rd , £17.10 (was £20)

Bold colour

Sheffield based personal stylist, Karina Leacock, from House of Colour

“The initial release of the SS21 collections was like a tale of two halves. The collections tiptoed into spring with a restrained optimism. This was very much reflected in the colours used, which favoured the more neutral tones of greys, taupes, creams and navy.

“By the time we reach high summer, there is an assumption that once again we are free to move around and mix socially. There is so much bold colour, artisan details and print which is typical of the holiday season.”

Try this River Island pussybow blouse in bright pink, £36

Oversized dresses

Susanne-Marie Skelton, qualified image consultant

“The one trend that will be big this spring/summer is the oversized dress. Women lived in loungewear during lockdown and now that we are stepping out, we want to look and feel great whilst remaining comfortable. The oversized dress will compliment all shapes and sizes. Teamed with chunky flats and jewellery, this look is both comfortable and stylish.”

Try this H&M oversized shirt dress, £17.99

Florals and denim

Natalie Robinson, personal stylist

“Florals and denim will become the dress code of summer BBQs and garden parties this year. While denim is a casual and somewhat masculine trend, a floral print – combined with denim – provides a feminine contrast.”

Try these Pilcro Ultra High-Rise Denim Shorts, £70 which combine both floral and denim.

Sequins

Rachel Gold, celebrity stylist

“Sequins are back for another season, always fabulous in the day or night! You can style a simple sequin vest under a blazer or go full out with a glitter shirt as opposed to sequins.”

(Follow @ rachelgoldstylist_ on Instagram)

Try this Style Cheat sequin cami top in pink, £17.50 (was £25)

Back to the 80s

Rachel Gold, celebrity stylist

“Be sure to wear 80s-inspired, oversized clothing with fitted bottoms and layer clothing to create a silhouette rather than a sea of draped fabric.”

(Follow @ rachelgoldstylist_ on Instagram)

One example of this is the Sam Oversized Hoodie Dress, £88

Head Scarves

Rachel Gold, celebrity stylist

“You can wear head scarves in your hair, round your neck, round your waist, on your bag.”

(Follow @ rachelgoldstylist_ on Instagram)

Try this Bright Swirl Print Large Satin Head Scarf , £5.40 (was £6)

Folk

Rachel Gold, celebrity stylist

“Flowing dresses and skirts and tops mixed with cowboy boots or chunky boots, mix your textures and prints.”

(Follow @ rachelgoldstylist_ on Instagram)

Try this Beautiful Summer Dress, £55

Bralettes

Rachel Gold - celebrity stylist

“Not for the faint hearted, but you can wear under a jacket or over a shirt if you feel too exposed.”

(Follow @ rachelgoldstylist_ on Instagram)

One example of this is Levi’s x Pride bralette in rainbow print, £25

Shirt dresses

Natalie Robinson, personal stylist

“A casual shirt dress is timeless and hence requires little styling. You may want to consider teaming your shirt dress with a fashionable pair of sandals or trainers, both of which are current high-street trends.”

Try this Airy dress, £17.99. It’s available in powder pink, light blue, dusky green and black.

Bumbags

Natalie Robinson, personal stylist

“The 1980s revival continues to dominate the world of fashion. The bumbag is back–a popular trend that will prevail through summer. There is something nostalgically uber-cool about this unisex accessory. You will most likely wear it across the body or around the waist teamed with a pair of classic jeans and a white shirt.”

Try this Benetton Unisex logo nylon bumbag, £20 (was £40)

Beige trench coats and culottes

Natalie Robinson, personal stylist

“The classic beige trench coat has re-emerged on the catwalk and high street. What is more, we will see a juxtaposition of such understated styles against statement accessories. I predict that culottes, worn with a tailored shirt, necklace and trench coat, will become a widespread summer trend - you heard it here first.”

Try this Camel Double Breasted Long Belted Trench Coat, £45.99

Bright-coloured accessories

Natalie Robinson, personal stylist

“Bright-coloured accessories in pink, yellow and red are paving the way for a brighter future in fashion. As we saw at The Oscars and runway shows, bright colours are on-trend. They are synonymous with power, hope and optimism, all contributing to self-belief during adverse times.”

This Miss Selfridge beaded necklace in yellow, £6 (was £10) adds a pop of colour.

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