12 epic summer fashion trends to see you through the (apparent!) incoming September heatwave
Just as we were all getting used to the 28°C heat around mid-July and revelling in the eventual arrival of summer, the sun seemingly packed up its bags and ever since we've been trying to remember where we arrogantly packed away our waterproof jackets.
But while the opportunity for that 'long hot summer' we were hoping for may be quickly slipping away, there's still (apparently) a September heatwave on its way to look forward to - and we'd happily settle for a short hot summer right now. We like to think we deserve it...
Unlike previous years - when we'd have enjoyed a a family break around Easter, have looked forward to a big girls' holiday in August and enjoying lots of dinners with big groups of friends outside or inside a restaurant - our 2021 calendar has so far been looking somewhat scarce.
But while the world is still in varying degrees of standstill, the UK has managed to stay true to its ambitious (and slightly delayed) roadmap out of lockdown and we've seen an easing of almost all restrictions over recent months.
And while the last year has conditioned us not to get complacent and taught us all that we have little idea about what the future holds, thanks to the ever-reliable forward-thinking nature of the fashion world we at least had some view of what this summer would look like. Or, rather, what our wardrobes would look like.
Taureans and Capricorns, we hope you've been saving up.
True to form, albeit in a very different format, last September saw some of the world's biggest and most influential fashion houses put on their spring/summer 2021 showcase in order to convey the new season's sartorial forecast.
Debuting fresh takes on the world's current favourite looks as well as entirely new trends, it provided editors and fans with an insight as to the proposed fashion landscape.
Whether you're wearing these looks to safely celebrate a lift on lockdown, or for a quick mirror selfie to keep the Instagram feed ticking before heading straight back into those trusty tracksuit bottoms, this is a judgement-free zone.
Ready to plan for your late summer wardrobe?
Here are the 12 SS21 trends that we'll all be jumping on board with... as soon as the sun reappears.
For more from Glamour UK's Fashion Editor Charlie Teather, follow her on Instagram @charlieteather.
Getty Images1. WAIST FLOSS
Remember a few years ago when we all tried (and many failed) to master the floss? Well thankfully this season's incarnation is much easier to get to grips with, as it requires far less physical coordination and little more than a bare-midriff and some thin straps of fabric to succeed.
Spotted at: (L-R) Jacquemus, Acne Studios and Michael Kors - as well as, Versace, Supriya Lele, Paco Rabanne, Charlotte Knowles and 16 Arlington
Getty Images2. MONOCHROME
One of the biggest colour trends of the SS21 runways was, in fact, a lack of colour altogether. Black and white pieces were everywhere, and lend themselves perfectly to that feeling of renewal as we kick off our fresh new loungewear-free (eek) aesthetic.
Spotted at: (L-R) Ports 1961, Chanel and Gabriela Hearst - as well as Prada, Christopher John Rogers, Loewe, Giambattista Valli and Proenza Schouler
Getty Images3. OPEN BACKS
One of the sexiest trends of this spring, bare backs are the perfect way to show a little (or a lot of) skin for those who tend to prefer keeping their legs/décolletage/waist under wraps. Opt for a subtle, billowing fabric for a more tentative take, or go full-throttle via strapped, form-fitting pieces.
Spotted at: (L-R) Hermes, Acne Studios and Gabriela Hearst - as well as Nanushka and Victoria Beckham
Getty Images4. SHEER GOWNS
A trend that can be interpreted in many ways depending on the situation we find ourselves in, the sheer gown is the perfect throw-over piece as you leave the beach for the day (okay, we're dreaming) but works equally well over a slip dress for an at-home date night or even as a v. sexy pyjama alternative for a particularly special night in.
Spotted at: (L-R) Valentino, Alberta Ferretti and Dior - as well as, Chanel, Emporio Armani, Sportmax and Miu Miu
Getty Images5. BRALETTES
This trend has reappeared for the last couple of seasons, but summer 2021's incarnation sees more variety in its offering. Wear yours alone with shorts on holiday (fingers crossed those happen at some point), with high-waisted trousers for a dinner or as a layer over the top of dresses, shirts or tops for a more contemporary aesthetic.
Spotted at: (L-R) Dior, Jacquemus and Simone Rocha - as well as Alberta Ferretti, Isabel Marant, Moschino, Marques Almeida and Tom Ford
Getty Images6. SPARKLE & SHINE
What was perhaps initially a trend conjured up in the semi-naive hope it would be perfect for post-lockdown frolics, SS21's obsession with sparkle and shine will - if nothing else - perk up Zoom calls 15+ months into working-from-home. We certainly need it.
Spotted at: (L-R) Balmain, Isabel Marant and Louis Vuitton - as well as Loewe, Saint Laurent, Burberry, Valentino and Chanel
Getty Images7. CUT-OUTS
Another trend that was big for AW20 and is sticking around is the cut-out. More often spotted at the hips, but also often placed at the neckline or across the stomach, these are more alternative ways to flash the flesh for those growing tired of the traditional cleavage-or-legs option.
Spotted at: (L-R) Kenzo, Gabriela Hearst and Paco Rabanne - as well as Fendi, Prada, MSGM, Zimmermann, Preen by Thornton Bregazzi and Carolina Herrera
Getty Images8. NETTING
One of the more unusual trends to emerge for this season, netting finds its way into our wardrobes via everything from closely-knit dresses and vests to throw-over layers which add little more than a bit of intrigue and texture. Those not keen on flashing certain areas ought to also invest in some good-coverage lingerie.
Spotted at: (L-R) Ports 1961, Acne Studios and Burberry - as well as Paco Rabanne, Fendi, Hermes, Valentino and Balenciaga
Getty Images9. BOLD SHOULDERS
Fans of the puffed sleeve will be thrilled to see its appearance here, as will those with a penchant for all things OTT because this season the bold shoulder is bigger than ever. Just make sure it cuts off at the elbow or above to avoid being drowned beneath swathes of fabric.
Spotted at: (L-R) Philosophy, Isabel Marant and Loewe - as well as Altuzarra, Khaite, Carolina Herrera, Givenchy and Balmain
Getty Images10. UNASHAMEDLY FUCHSIA
While black and white may have been one of the most stand-out colour trends this season, right at the other end of the spectrum we see fuchsia come to play. Crucially, there's nothing tentative or careful about this pink. Layer varying shades on top of one another and you can't be afraid to make a statement.
Spotted at: (L-R) Valentino, Isabel Marant and Molly Goddard - as well as Halpern, Christopher John Rogers and Roksanda
Getty Images11. WIDE-LEGS
Good news for those of us who have spent the best part of a year in tracksuit bottoms, this season's trouser shape of choice is a very relaxed affair. Admittedly they don't have elastic waists, but the hemlines are wide enough to disguise you footwear beneath - great news if you're finding it hard to break up with your slippers.
Spotted at: (L-R) Sportmax, Louis Vuitton and Chanel - as well as The Row, Chloé, Max Mara, Fendi, Stella McCartney and Tom Ford
Getty Images12. FASHION FACE MASKS
It wouldn't be a contemporary trend list without the mention of a face mask, would it? Whether you opt for one that matches the rest of your #lewk or something a little more unusual, please make sure it's actually doing its job. Style over substance is not a cute trend for SS21.
Spotted at: (L-R) Anna Sui, Christian Siriano and Bora Aksu
