Summer 2021 Fashion Trends

With everyone getting vaccinated, it’s time to take that final step back into the real world. And we all know what that final step is– getting dressed. And I don’t mean the hoodie and sweatpants combo that everyone seemed so fond of during quarantine. Real clothes have officially made their reappearance, and right in time for summer, too. Here are all the tips you need to restock that wardrobe you’ve been neglecting for two years. 

• Black and White- Forever a classic, black and white is once again at the center of the fashion industry. Thank goodness, too! I’m sure that with all that shopping time lost to the pandemic, everyone is relieved that they have their two neutral wardrobe staples to fall back on when their up-to-date wardrobe is sparse. 
• Bralettes as Shirts- I mean… I think we all already know my feelings on the dress code (get rid of it). But finally, I have a trend that will help Valley’s female population rebel while still staying in style. Bralettes can be found in anyone’s closet and paired with a high-waisted pant or maxi skirt, they can pass for shirts quite effectively. 
• Floaty Maxi-dresses- Quite possibly the only way to stay comfortable in summer, light fabrics are back as usual. This season, however, they are being used to create long, floating maxi dresses. Well, I’m certainly not one to complain. I’ve finally found the perfect opportunity to live out my fantasies of being a 1960s flower child. 
• Wide-legged pants- Comfortable and powerful, the virtues of wide-legged pants are undeniable. They can be worn in a professional setting, a formal one, and even casually. The skinny jean lovers who have been rocking their preferred style for so long are finally going to have to move over in favor of those who prefer something a bit looser. And I must say, I’m happy to see it. 
• Sparkly fabrics and sequins- What says “celebrating the conclusion of a pandemic” like sequins? Nothing. Except like… a person saying those exact words. Or a banner saying those words. But anyways, sequins are finally being revived, a trend we haven’t seen since the days of High School Musical and Legally Blonde. Welcome back sequins… we’ve missed you. 
• Side Cutouts- A new place to show skin! Oh, what will the baby boomers do?! I suppose exposing one’s legs and cleavage was bound to lose its taboo effectiveness eventually. You needn’t fear, though. Now we have the sides of our waists and hips to create a scandal. It’s like the 2020 version of Victorian women showing their ankles. Except not really at all. 
• Corsets- Oxygen is for the weak. Did Sailor J teach you nothing? I’m glad that there are women as committed as me, otherwise, this trend might never make it to suburban high schools. Honestly, no one needs air when they look beautiful. Give me a small waist over the ability to breathe any day. 
• Fishnet- Please, please, PLEASE do not think I only mean fishnet stockings. I’m not advising Wayne Valley students to dress like NYC hookers. What I mean, is that one should wear other things made of fishnet. Like shirts, dresses, skirts, hats, gloves, etc. The possibilities are endless, so puh-lease don’t stop at legs. 
• Stripes- Oh, the most classic summer look imaginable. Stripes have reappeared once again, and I can’t say I’m surprised. In fact, I think it may have been a bit overdue. This season, vertical stripes in particular are going to be big. Which is perfect, because who doesn’t want to look taller and slimmer? I know I do!