Fashion trends that will rule 2021

2020 was a year that changed fashion and style statements of many where comfort took charge over style and motivated them to prefer loungewear and other comfortable clothes suitable for work from home settings. But as we have stepped into 2021, a few fashion experts have predicted the fashion rules that are going to trend in the new year of hope.

According to Kunal Rawal, a fashion designer who specializes in men's fashion apparel, there will be a rise in de-constructed utilitarian silhouettes, especially in chic neutral shades.

"Military tones are going to be huge in the coming year. The fashion winners of 2020 were silhouettes that were easy to lounge in but as restrictions got relaxed, men preferred multi-utilitarian clothing that could easily transition from day tonight. Pantone colors will dominate virtual runways," he said.

Monica Shah, co-founder of the Mumbai-based bridal wear and couture label Jade is of the opinion that comfort is going to top every bride's list of priorities when it comes to her bridal ensemble. "We are going to see lighter fabrics and breezy silhouettes that not only facilitate movement but also make the bride feel completely at ease on her big day."

Monica added that another trend we are going to witness is experimentalism where brides are going to deviate from traditional settings or being their unique touch to a traditional number.

Rina Singh, designer and founder of Eka and Eka Core

Rina believes that in 2020, people were focusing on wearing clothes to suit themselves and that this trend will carry on in 2021 as well. "I don't think there were any trends as such in 2020 honestly speaking as most of our time was spent at home. If at all, we could capture a trend for this year it would be comfortable, wearable, and meaningful design options in good textiles. Sustainable, functional, and easy to wear clothing has taken precedence over impressing people through what you wear," she added.

Dhruv Bogra, Country Manager India, Forever New said that comfort clothing and loungewear were the most preferred styles. But according to Dhruv, 2021 will be about comfort clothing translating through boyfriend jackets and khaki colours, on the one hand, is going to be about glamour accentuated by waist-cinching silhouettes.

"The Timeless styles such as sorbet pastel tones and delicate florals, which are perfect for summer with ruffles, voluminous sleeves, or polka dots will be the front runners in 2021 styles with vibrant scarves," he added.

According to Avinash Mane, Commercial Head, South Asia, Lenzing Group, he told to IANS that as we look towards 2021, the changing consumer attitude will continue to encourage the industry to embrace sustainability at all levels.

"The pandemic has thrown light upon the urgent need for consumers as well as organisations to focus on sustainable choices, products, and processes. And to that effect, sustainable fashion has accelerated to centre stage within the industry. The global ethical fashion market was earlier also estimated to grow at 6.8 per cent CAGR, from US$6.35 billion in 2019 to $8.25 billion in 2023," he added.