It’s not often that the consumerist world of fashion reflects current social movements and events. In fact, fashion brands often find themselves on the receiving end of criticism for sheer ignorance of the affairs of normal folk like us. However, this year, it appears that the fashion industry has been listening and watching.

With the global COVID-19 pandemic of 2020 came mass layoffs, bankruptcies and business closures as well as a growing embrace of all things comfortable. The fashion trends emerging in 2021 reflect these changes by recycling many of 2020’s fashion trends. Designers are more cognizant that money is tight for many, and by not introducing all new trends, there is less of a need for fashion lovers to buy a lot of new pieces to work new trends into their wardrobes. This also gives us all a chance to wear the 2020 trends that went unnoticed by the sweat suit-clad masses last year.

So, dig into your closet! Chances are you may already own many of these trend pieces, so let’s style them and look our best, whether we’re appearing in our umpteenth virtual meeting or are able to go out and safely meet loved ones!

This trend has been around for several seasons now and thankfully, especially for us hijabis, it isn’t going anywhere. Dig out your HH Heritage hijabs, ladies, because they’ll add the perfect on-trend touch to any outfit. Also, if you’re interested in trying squares and don’t know, check out these tutorials! Haute Hijab also carries beautiful Prints in square sizes as well!

Early street style in 2020 BC (before corona) featured bright and pastel tones reminiscent of Easter eggs. Think blazers, trousers, and blouses in bold and pastel yellows, pinks, purples and blues. These colors are perfect for the upcoming spring and summer, so bring them out of your closet again, ladies!

Another trend that has been around for a long time, leather is back in unconventional pieces like this long pinafore, wide leg pants, and trench coats. The key to wearing leather modestly (and comfortably) is looking for pieces with a wider fit.

A break-out trend from 2020 (and a throwback to the ‘90s, which is big right now), chunky shoes included thick soled boots and loafers as well as platform sneakers and dad sandals. Part edgy, part sophisticated, we love them for their utilitarianism and comfort.

Step aside beige, because 2021 brings about a new it-neutral: brown. All shades! Although not as popular in 2020, most of us have quite a few brown pieces in our wardrobes already – whether trousers, comfortable knits or silky tops – and this is the year we should work them into our regular repertoire!

Another trend that has lasted several seasons is that of the oversized fit. This season, the focus is on big shoulders ('80s throwback!) and even bigger pants. If you haven’t invested in this trend in the past, don’t be shy to borrow from the closet of your husband, brother or father for a perfectly imperfect oversized fit without the price tag.

It appears that this year, trends are a lot more relaxed – follow them or don’t follow them. It feels like the world as a whole, including the fashion industry, recognizes there are more important things to fret about at present. Let’s dive into our closets! We’re pretty sure you have many of the trends discussed above. Have fun with it, because keeping some fun in our lives is so key to pushing forward in pandemic times.