There are certain words that you'll find in almost any fashion story. However, I hadn't heard the word "joy" used to describe clothes until 2020 when designers really examined our emotional connection with what we wear. Clothes not only reflect our mood but also impact it. So for spring/summer 2021, designers from Versace to Molly Goddard used clothes to project a positive outlook.
Michael Halpern used feathers, sequins and exaggerated silhouettes to create some of the happiest clothes you could imagine, which he explained to Vogue at the time: "Fashion should prop people up and give people a break, especially when they've been having such a terrible time." This joviality was shown in many different ways, but in its S/S 21 presentation, Net-a-Porter explained the overall theme: "We saw a sea of bold, bright colours in a multitude of fabrics and textures."
In a month when many are reuniting with friends for the first time and the country begins to reopen, we are keen to reflect this joyful mood in our stories and outfits. So we have introduced the Happy 50—a guide to the brightest, jolliest and funnest items for spring that will make you and everyone around you smile. Below, you'll find a lot of colour, prints, some old treasures, some new finds and even items you can rent for a weekend for as little as £27.
The best use of colour.
Daisies and gingham? Yes, please.
The blue brushstrokes make this almost a piece of art.
A vintage blouse you'll love forever.
You can't help but smile at the colour yellow.
The definition of a wow dress.
A subtle take on rainbow stripes.
This comes in blue, too.
This print is frameworthy.
Add a little splash of colour to any outfit.
This Gucci collaboration is simply epic.
Kendall Jenner owns this dress.
I couldn't help but include another pair of daisy shoes.
The perfect park jacket.
You can't help but have a sunny outlook with these shades.
Rent this for the weekend—or week—on Hurr.
If you can't go to the beach, bring the beach to your outfit.
Suzanne Kalan's rainbow jewellery is so beautiful.
The perfect summer dress.
It doubles as a pillow, too.
PJs you can wear out of the house.
These would be amazing with a white shirt.
The fringing is incredible.
Paloma Wool is a Who What Wear favourite.
These have a '70s spirit.
Hello, I love you.
A chain doesn't need to be simple.
Shrimps knows the way to our hearts.
Yes, you read that right. This is a tea-towel print.
You need to see the back of this dress.
Sleeper PJs are so popular.
Well played, Free People.
Wear around your neck or in your hair.
10/10.
When in doubt, lean into the hair accessories.
So! Much! Fun!
Another Paloma Wool winner.
This brand also does made-to-order knits in the colours of your choice.
Rent this from Hurr from £17.
A cardigan to make memories in.
This ochre colour is amazing.
These come in so many colours.
These colours will go with more than you think.
Yes, Roksanda!
These have a nostalgic charm.
This neckline is just so good.
Practical and fun.
This jewellery has a childlike charm.
Prada polka dots get a thumbs up from me.
Next up, see our guide to the key trends for spring/summer 2021.
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Believe Me—You'll Still Want These 36 Items in 2026 (and '27 and '28)Timeless with a capital T.
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Don't Pack Up Your Sweaters Just Yet—Cool Fashion People Are Repurposing Them in the Chicest Way for SummerAll the outfit inspiration is inside.
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Goodbye, Boring Basics—This Is the Elegant Trend New Yorkers Are Wearing With Tank Tops This SummerObsessed.
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3 Aesthetic Pairings to Try If Your Wardrobe's Starting to Feel StaleFoolproof solutions.
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I Can't Stand It When People Follow These Fashion Rules to a TIt's time to break the rules.
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10 Style Tips That Will Make You Look Rich This SummerNumber four is already trending.
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Brand Layering: The Art of Knowing Which Labels to Pair With Each OtherThe ultimate styling hack.
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The Simple Styling Trick That Turns Pencil Skirts From Corporate to Chic in 5 Seconds or LessIt's completely free and ready to copy.
