It's 2021 which means that we're already 20% through the 2020s, which is plenty of time to tell what types of fashion items will define the decade. I obviously can't see into the future and say exactly what people will think of fashion in the 2020s, but I think it's safe to assume that this decade will be defined by the global pandemic—both what we wore while getting through it and what we wear coming out of it.
All of that said, fashion is partly shaped by the random things that people collectively buy. Some of those things are very clear already, even in the early days of the decade, and they're trends that are too big to drop off anytime soon. For this reason, adding these stylish items to your wardrobe would be a smart use of your shopping budget, as you'll most likely still want to wear them as we go deeper into the 2020s. So keep scrolling to shop the random items your closet may be missing.
Oversized Blazers
Oversized blazers have become the cover-up of choice this decade, both out and about and via Zoom. The slouchy fit makes them both polished and comfortable, so win-win.
Shop oversized blazers:
Cardigans
Cardigans of any and every form (but especially slightly cropped ones that you can wear as a top or an extra layer) have become quite the wardrobe staple in the 2020s. Let's keep it that way.
Shop cardigans:
Loose Jeans
One of the biggest revelations to come out of the 2020s will undoubtedly be that it was the decade in which loose jeans overtook skinny jeans. No explanation needed (just check TikTok).
Shop loose jeans:
'90s Sunglasses
Many of the trends that are already popular this decade originated during other decades, such as any and all '90s-inspired sunglasses. That's fashion for 'ya.
Shop '90s sunglasses:
New Balance Sneakers
New Balance sneakers are still going strong as the reigning It sneakers, and I fully expect that to stick for a while longer. Luckily, they're comfortable and pretty inexpensive.
Shop New Balance sneakers:
Chunky Gold Necklaces
Gone are the days of dainty jewelry (for now). Bold jewelry trends like chunky gold chains are dominating stylish women's jewelry boxes. I love this trend because even something as simple and boring as a white T-shirt becomes instantly special with the addition of a gold chain or two (or more).
Shop chunky gold necklaces:
Logo Accessories
With the average price point of a designer bag hovering around $2k these days, it's any wonder that we've all become so taken to small logo accessories as an alternative. Additionally, there are just so many chic logo accessories to choose from—hair accessories, baseball caps, scarves, and logo socks, to name a few.
Shop logo accessories:
Thong Sandals
While flip-flops of all heel heights may have been met with some resistance in the beginning, they've officially become one of the biggest shoe trends of the decade thus far. There's just no denying it.
Shop thong sandals:
Crew Socks
Since we've all been staying home a lot more thus far in the 2020s, socks have become the new shoes in many cases. And luckily, they look just as cool when worn with shoes.
Shop crew socks:
Next up, 46 key 2021 shopping buys, based on our editors' personal style.
-
I Went to Nordstrom's NYC Flagship to Shop the Anniversary Sale—Here's Everything I Tried and LovedFrom basics to beauty.
-
Not The Row, Not Khaite: The Affordable Wardrobe Basic Kendall Jenner Wears With Trousers Is on Sale on AmazonIt costs less than an iced matcha latte.
-
These Are the Chicest Summer Basics From Banana RepublicFor the minimalists.
-
Swim, Sandals, and SPF—30 Editor-Loved Summer Sale Finds From Anthropologie, Everlane, and J.CrewVacation-ready deals until June 15.
-
From Denim to White T-Shirts—These Are the Specific Brands I Source My Basics FromWhen you've tried them all, you know what's good.
-
A New York Fashion Person Walks Into Gap—23 Items They'd Grab for SummerI am that fashion person.
-
Fashion People Are Quietly Retiring White Tank Tops for These Sleek New BasicsShop the chic alternatives inside.
-
Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy Had the Ultimate Capsule Wardrobe—30 Timeless Staples That Will Never Go Out of StyleDecades later, her wardrobe still defines minimalist dressing.
