Optimism and luxe comfort are two ways to sum up the F/W 21 collections from Paris fashion week. We’ve now passed a year of our “new normal” and a fashion moment marked by loungewear and sweatpants, but designers are offering up a cheerful look at where fashion is headed for fall 2021. From bold, saturated hues to looks fit for a nightclub to luxe, plush outerwear, so many designers have woven optimism into their collections with clothes that imagine a reopening world—and what we’ll all be wearing in it.
So, what, exactly does that look like? Ahead, let’s dive into the 5 biggest trends from Paris fashion week. Consider this your digest of the most noteworthy trends and standout looks that are poised to define fashion in the coming year. Fashion is certainly looking bright in the months ahead and this editor is very here for it.
Fashion in the past year has largely revolved around versatile neutrals like beige and cream. Come fall 2021, neutrals are being replaced by bold, saturated shades. It’s less about one color trend and more about adopting whichever statement-making hue grabs you. You can style a look in one color from head-to-toe as seen at Balmain or mix a few saturated shades as we saw at Acne Studios.
While we may not be heading to nightclubs right now, designers offered an optimistic view of what our wardrobes might look like this fall. Focused on micro hemlines, strappy dresses, and towering crystal-embellished heels, the collections at Miu Miu, Balmain, and Lanvin were an ode to getting dressed up. At Chanel, artistic director Virginie Viard even held the brand’s show at legendary Paris nightclub Chez Castel.
Miu Miu chose the snow-capped Dolomites as the location for its F/W 21 collection—the perfect backdrop for its skiwear-heavy pieces that ranged from salopettes to furry snow boots. Thom Browne, Chanel, and Givenchy also debuted the chicest possible snow-ready looks that are destined for mountain slopes.
The past few seasons have really focused on minimal, pared-back silhouettes but for F/W 21, we’re seeing a “more is more”, maximalist approach to fashion. At Louis Vuitton, Loewe, Chloé, and Thebe Magugu, designers are incorporating arty prints, lots of layering, mismatched proportions, and oversize everything. Extroverted fashion has returned and creativity is in full force.
Outerwear for fall is all about the faux fur coat. You’ll find chunky proportions and an assortment of pretty neutral shades, ranging from arctic white to tawny brown to rich chestnut colors. Layered on top of everything from leggings to ankle-grazing dresses, plush faux fur coats are the piece that will define winter dressing in 2021.
