2021: The look book

Trends and new directions you can expect to see in the fashion industry this year.

A return to the classics

The cycle has spun away from fast fashion. Classics are timeless outfits one invests in — typically more expensive than fast fashion too — on the understanding that they will be worn (perhaps differently) over years. These pieces tend to have a USP: saris with a craftsman’s touch, shawls covered in traditional embroidery, wedding ensembles that can be taken apart and worn one gold-finished piece at a time. As socialising remains subdued, every occasion will be a special occasion. The fashion consumer will be looking to impress at each event, but on a budget.

The statement item

This is an investment in a single versatile garment designed to stand out. For instance, a gold choli that can be worn with jeans, a lehenga or a sari. There is a focus, particularly, on “statement uppers”, since the top half is all that’s visible at most virtual events.

Comfort chic

In an indication of just how much the demand for dressy athleisure wear has grown, Nike, Puma and Zara all released lounge / comfort wear collections in the July-August season. Zara has tailored sweatsuits — cropped and fitted sweat tops with balloon sleeves, paired with fitted sweatpants — designed for work-fromhome meetings. Oversized boyfriend jackets have made a comeback. Baggy jeans, wide-legged pants and large button-down shirts saw high demand too, according to Ayyappan R, head of business and senior vice-president at Myntra.

Kaftans

The relaxed, one-size-fits-all silhouette, in breezy prints, chiffons or cotton, were the perfect thing for lockdown dressing-down. Through the summer, Masaba, Bhaane, Anamika Khanna and Zwaan all released their own versions. Wearers included actors Sonam K Ahuja, Kareena Kapoor Khan and Malaika Arora

Pockets

Even bridal lehengas have developed stowaway sachets. Sadly, it’s not an extension of the feminist campaign for pockets — which railed against the fact that women were denied them, just so silhouettes would be sleeker. Perhaps the pandemic will normalise pockets in women’s wear, particularly in outfits meant for special occasions, which almost never have them. The reason they’re making an appearance, of course, is so there’s somewhere to stow the sanitiser.

Necks, sleeves and shoulders

Sleeves had been getting bigger, poufier. They became the place to put the USP. Now that idea has expanded to necklines and shoulders, for better effect on video calls. Off-the-shoulder and sweetheart necklines have been pandemic-era favourites.

The colours

Two palettes look set to define 2021 — the earthy tones of the outdoors (greens, ochres, yellows) and sorbet tones, cool pastel shades of blues, greens, yellows. Beige and black will take a backseat.

Modern ease

“Sneakers are replacing heels and I don’t think that will change for a while. People don’t want to leave the comfortable clothing style they acquired at home behind, even when they step out,” says designer Payal Singhal. “But socks are funky, sneakers have fun soles, so that even if you are in sweats, you stand out.”