The Poet Blouse Is the Spring 2021 Trend Worth Shopping Now
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Somewhere in between worrying about the pandemic and worrying about the presidential election, something fun flew right on by: Spring 2021 Fashion Month. Despite being full of safety precautions and relying heavily on virtual presentations, there were still plenty of gorgeous designs to "ooh" and "ahh" over, as well as a new batch of trends we can't wait to follow.
If you're still playing catch-up on all that went down, not to worry. InStyle spoke to Shopbop's Fashion Director, Caroline Maguire, for a streamlined guide on what's "in" and what's "out" — and what's worth shopping, ASAP.
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From puff-sleeves to prints to poet blouses, here's what to keep an eye out for during your next joyful shopping spiral.
What are some dress trends you've noticed throughout Spring 2021 Fashion Month?
We’re noticing a ton of bold, strong-shoulder dresses this season. Whether it’s a puff-sleeve dress or a voluminous dress, a strong shoulder screams 'ultimate powerhouse'! I plan to style my puff-sleeve dresses with a pair of high-top Converse (Shop Similar: $85; shopbop.com). I absolutely love the juxtaposition of formal and casual.
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Are you seeing a lot of prints and color?
As far as prints go, gingham and polka dots have dominated fashion month. They’re bold and playful, not to mention a bit retro, and will be a lot of fun to wear next spring.
Will Spring 2021 shoes be more comfortable?
For shoes, we’ve seen a lot of woven, thick-banded sandals, flatforms, Crocs, and clogs. Comfort is clearly top of mind, as is the convenience of easy slide-ons.
Are voluminous styles still happening?
Yes! Being comfortable yet pulled-together is key right now, and voluminous dresses and tops are the definition of low maintenance. My rule of thumb for this feminine silhouette is the more exaggerated, the better!
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Do you feel like a lot of the collections have leaned toward the practical side?
Definitely. We’ve seen a lot of designers going back to their archives and pulling bestselling styles and fabrics into their collections. There are fewer opportunities for customers to interact with pieces in person this year, so it’s a smart move to go back to what shoppers already know. And who doesn’t love a classic?!
How do you think the pandemic has changed fashion and buying habits?
The pandemic has definitely changed the way people are shopping. No surprise, Shopbop customers have been focused on upgrading their work-from-home style with elevated loungewear and athleisure items. We’re also seeing shoppers approach their purchases more mindfully. With so much of “normal life” on pause, they’re taking a step back to evaluate what they really need!
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What are some Spring 2021 trends we can shop right now?
Voluminous dresses, novelty knits, and poet blouses (Shop Similar: $295; shopbop.com) will all be big this spring. There are a lot of unknowns around what life will look like then, but each of these trends offers an accessible combination of comfort and style regardless. For those looking to shop ahead now, I love the cutout knit trend, which you can find on Shopbop. Cutout knitwear (Shop Similar: $98; shopbop.com) will be perfect for layering in the cooler months and easy to style for the early spring. I like to pair mine with a tight sheer top underneath or with a cropped blazer for a fun day-to-night look.
What do you think Fall and Winter 2020 style will look like since we are still staying home and social distancing?
Fall and Winter styles will very much be cozy-chic. We’re seeing a lot of collared blouses, casual sets (Shop Similar: $118; shopbop.com), and easy pull-up pants. Tibi did a really great job pulling together pieces that are fresh and seasonally relevant, but still casual enough to wear working from home.
