And this year we shall be wearing…

New year, new wardrobe?

Emily Cronin has her money on cocktail dresses and baseball hats (not at the same time)

Crystal-ball gazing is an unreliable pursuit at the best of times (did any psychics predict the nightmare that was 2020? Exactly) – even more so in moments with so little precedent. But fashion has always been a field focused on the future over the current moment. Collections are designed months before they land in shops. Fashion content in magazines, including this one, is produced weeks before it reaches readers.

Maybe that’s why Telegraph fashion editors have spent so much time lately talking about 2021. And some consensus has emerged in the form of general themes. Sure, it’s hard to resist letting hopes for a sunnier tomorrow tint our predictions… But who knows? At least one of these might come true.

YOU’RE GOING TO BUY A COCKTAIL DRESS

There are only so many tracksuits a person can take before she craves something a little different. That must be why society stylists are already fielding calls from clients planning ‘We’re Back!’ parties (also known as F-U Covid bashes).

It’s fine – no, more than fine, healthy – to plan ahead by dream-scrolling for the perfect little black dress, sequinned gown, over-the-top jewellery or precariously high heels. Just make sure whatever you spring for is something you are happy to break in at home before its big debut.

RETURN OF THE HOURGLASS

Between Cardi B’s, Megan Thee Stallion’s and J-lo’s, the hottest singles of 2020 have all celebrated the body. Breaking free of leggings and loungewear suggests a swing in the other direction, towards body-con dressing. No wonder Net-a-porter gave Skims, Kim Kardashian West’s ‘solutionwear’ line, one of its splashiest launches of the year.

THE IT ACCESSORY WILL BE A BASEBALL HAT

Every look in Celine designer Hedi Slimane’s summer 2021 collection incorporated a hat. The C-monogrammed or Celinelogoed baseball caps were the big takeaway of the outdoor show, and with good reason: what other item can you think of that conceals bad hair, prevents sun damage and broadcasts designer cred in one swoop?

HEMLINES ARE GOING UP

The latest indication that the miniskirt is back came from Virginie Viard at Chanel’s Métiers d’art 2020-21 show in December. While you might leave the shiny footless tights to the models, you’ve got to admit that the mini looks fresh.

A COLOURFUL FUTURE

Every year the Pantone Color Institute declares which shade it thinks will dominate the next 12 months. In 2020 that hue was… blue. After that on-the-nose prediction, it’s plumped for a calming grey and yellow combo for 2021. Meanwhile, at Shutterstock, the biggest colour trends for 2021 include ‘Set Sail Champagne’ and ‘Fortuna Gold’. Prosperity and celebration: sounds a lot better than the blues.

Celine spring / summer 2021