As we look forward to fashion in the New Year, much of it will be informed by the memorable (forgive the euphemism) past 10 months. If sweatpants and slippers were your style choices of late, designers are going to turn those ideas into something sleek and worthy of the outdoors going into 2021. Sporting looks from tennis to hiking gear will get the high-fashion treatment. And if we're feeling really optimistic, the silhouette for dancing the night away include something minimal featuring cutouts. See which nine trends we're predicting for 2021 and shop each of them here.
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Gone Fishing
Months cooped up at home made everyone a little more open to the idea of the great wide open. That embrace of nature, via hiking, fishing, and stargazing, will usher in a new appreciation for fashion-forward adventure clothes, from bucket hats to windbreakers to Wellies.
Pictured: Celine Spring 2021
Balenciaga Striped Zip-Up Jacket
Windbreakers for the sporty win.
Hunter Original Tall Waterproof Rain Boots
Functional and fun.
Patchwork, Please
Chalk it up to a return to craft, an emphasis on sustainability, the embrace of upcycling, and the fact that it just looks cool, but patchwork is an approach we're going to be seeing a lot more of in the coming year. The more the merrier.
Pictured: Rokh Spring 2021
La Ligne Patchwork Cable-Knit Cashmere Cardigan
Consider it a patchwork cardi party.
Forever Jewellery
From Cartier Tank and HermèsH watches, to tennis bracelets and necklaces, to really any personalized pendant, jewelry now is about investment, thinking generationally, and a regard for the classic things in life.
Mateo 14-Karat Gold, Pearl, and Diamond Necklace
A true forever piece.
Padded Leather Is Better
The look in leather now and moving forward is all about that textural padding—be it on bags, shoes, or coats. Bottega Veneta helped usher in this trend.
Dodo Bar Or Samara Belted Quilted Leather Midi Dress
Go all out.
Cool Khakis
In theory, we won't actually be wearing sweatpants forever and ever. But once you've felt the warm embrace of comfort wear for months on end, it's hard to put on a pair of stiff jeans again. Enter: oversized, slouchy khakis. All the ease of a sweatpant, none of the giving-up-on-life vibes.
Photo: Courtesy
Bottega Veneta Tailored Palazzo Pants
Hot tip: Size up for the best slouch.
The Preppy Mini
The tennis skirt took on new life last year, becoming an all-day summer staple. We predict the '90s pleated miniskirt shape brought to fame on Alicia Silverstone in Clueless, Liv Tyler in Empire Records, and Devon Aoki in the  2 Fast 2 Furious (pictured here) will enjoy the same attention.
Thom Browne Grosgrain-Trimmed Pleated Wool-Blend Miniskirt
Schoolgirl gone grown up.
Sleek And Cut Out
Let's all take a moment to use our manifestation powers. Let's close our eyes, take a deep breath, and imagine a world in which we need going-out clothes. Okay, now that that's done, let's talk about what that looks like. Namely: sleek, minimal dresses and (gasp!) catsuits that feature cutouts and slim straps. All the better for dancing in, my dear.
Pictured: Chanel, Nensi Dojaka, Christopher Esber Spring 2021
Christopher Esber Cutout Gathered Stretch-Faille Maxi Dress
A T-shirt dress with a sultry cutout? Sign us up.
Slippers All Day
We'll consider our shearling-lined Birkenstock Arizonas as everyday wear a gateway drug to sandals-as-slippers (or slippers-as-sandals?) until further notice. Come summer, we're on board for chunkier versions that will continue to allow us to walk on air.
Khaite Venice Leather Slide
Slide some on.
Le Knit Sets
As the saying goes, two knits are better than one. Or something like that. Perhaps you've caught onto the theme, but cozy gear is going to continue to be a strong contender, while becoming increasingly chic. Case in point: slim, cool knit sets.
Pictured: Proenza Schouler Spring 2021
Anna Quan Bebe Ribbed Cotton Top
A T-shirt redefined.Â
Anna Quan Matilde Cotton Wrap Skirt
A skirt can be just as comfy as knit trousers.
This article first appeared on Harper’s BAZAAR US