2021 was awaited with hope of reverting to ‘normalcy’ - Fashion Weeks, red carpet events, the big fat Indian wedding, soirées and extravaganzas; the usual jet-set lifestyle... But the reality is slowly dawning, with the anticipated spread of multiple mutated strains of Covid and yet another global lockdown predicted. Will we still show up to these events even if (by some divine intervention) they are green-lighted; all dressed up and accessorized with matching plastic visors or customised fabric masks, mingling with people shoulder to shoulder, air-kissing and inhaling the same air?

So what happens to Fashion in 2021? Well! While we have to adapt to the changing dynamics of life, we can still be dressed to impress even while shielded and armed with masks, gloves and disinfectant. My fashion trends for 2021 are:

RESORT WEAR

 (Image Courtesy: Sheetal Mafatlal)

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Glamorous resort wear will take centre stage in 2021 with sprawling sandy beaches, turquoise waters, blue skies and outdoor dining being the requisites for covid-safe vacation destinations. Conjure up the legendary glamour of the French Riviera, update it and wear it while you lounge around that hotspot beach or island resort.

(Image Courtesy: Sheetal Mafatlal)

Ditch the ‘itsy bitsy bikini’ for the more sophisticated one-piece swimsuit, accessorized with a large woven straw hat, blinged up with stacking jewels and waist-clinching belts to enhance your silhouette. Throw on a translucent kaleidoscopic kaftan, a flowing trench or a denim jacket to keep you looking chic as the beach lunches flow into sunset cocktails and dinner.

HAUTE ATHLEISURE WEAR

(Image Courtesy: Sheetal Mafatlal)

Karl Lagerfeld famously said “Sweatpants are a sign of defeat ... You lost control of your life, so you bought sweatpants” and as his prophecy comes true to stay during this global pandemic, luxe athleisure wear also continues to stay strong.

(Image Courtesy: Sheetal Mafatlal)

(Image Courtesy: Sheetal Mafatlal)

Starting with my favorite LBC (little black cyclers) the equivalent to the quintessential LBD (little black dress) that can metamorphose from a casual day look - such as when worn with a cropped t-shirt or hoodie - to a ‘Zoom meeting’ look when worn with a jacket, or even to a ‘Zoom party’ look when worn with a sheer blouse or an embellished jacket.

(Image Courtesy: Sheetal Mafatlal)

(Image Courtesy: Sheetal Mafatlal)

Athleisure wear, though casual and relaxed, can also be ‘Haute Luxe’: pair logo-emblazoned track pants, hoodies, sports jackets, leggings and the like with must-have designer trainers to nail the ‘on point’ look trending with the ultimate chic set.

THE WHITE SHIRT-BLUE JEANS LOOK

(Image Courtesy: Sheetal Mafatlal)

This ‘closet chameleon’ ensemble which started as a tribute to James Dean is once again leading the fashion trends as the new work from home/Zoom meeting culture continues globally. Though easy to wear, it can also be super stylish as we sit through endless zoom meetings that can progress into zoom drinks. A white shirt has no bounds: classic, asymmetrical, sheer, ruffled, collared, collarless... Get as creative with your white shirt as you can. Paired with blue jeans and trendy trainers it’s a winning combination on the style scale.

THE OVERSIZED STATEMENT

(Image Courtesy: Sheetal Mafatlal)

The fashion pendulum has swung back to the oversized trend as a reaction to the rise of hip-hop fashion. It began with the resurgence of the ’80s inspired ‘power shoulders’ (shoulder pads) on the runways during fashion week a few seasons ago.

(Image Courtesy: Sheetal Mafatlal)

It gradually gathered momentum as more pieces of every runway collection became oversized; think boxy t-shirts, wide-leg trousers, boyfriend jeans, blanket coats, slouchy blazers and dramatic shoulder pads. The trick behind pulling off this fashion-forward trend is to create a long line silhouette by combining it with something tailored or fitted and clinching your waist.

(Image Courtesy: Sheetal Mafatlal)

Add pop colors and hair accessories to your ensembles and off you go looking your stylish best be it to zoom meetings, supermarkets or actually stepping out. Irrespective of what unfolds in 2021, start having fun with fashion again.