The 19 Fashion Items That Were Everywhere In 2021

If you’ve scrolled through your TikTok FYP lately, you probably have seen the multicolored Acne Studios scarf on some of your favorite style influencers.

After becoming popular from the Clueless-famed brand Pretties, baby tees have returned to our closets and our style moodboards, thanks to brands like Heaven by Marc Jacobs and Unif bringing back the ‘90s fashion staple.

The balaclava is here to stay as a winter essential. The knitted headwear has not only been seen on the runway and celebrities but it’s taken over fashion-forward Instagram and TikTok feeds, as well.

Throughout 2021, we ditched our simple jewelry for colorful beaded pieces. The nostalgic accessory has won over the hearts of maximalists and also serves as a vibrant statement piece for hardcore minimalists.

Continuing the success of his “End Systemic Racism” totes, designer Brandon Blackwood has expanded his handbag empire in 2021. His coveted mini bags have been seen on the likes of Olivia Rodrigo, City Girls’ Yung Miami, Winnie Harlow, and more.

Westernwear suddenly took over our wardrobes in 2021, especially when it came to footwear. Cowboy boots were paired with everything, from slinky slip dresses to sporty bike shorts.

In addition to the kitschy and craftcore jewelry trend, chunky rings are another accessory must-have that we’ve been loving this year. From Sandy Liang to La Manso, brands across the board have been hopping on the colorful ring aesthetic.

Bucket, crochet, and cowboy hats may have had a moment in 2021, but dad caps were the under-the-radar “It” accessory of the year. Celine and Balenciaga were must-have brands, but indie labels like Praying and R13 also dropped popular caps.

Long evening gloves aren’t only meant for the red carpet. The trend also made its way into our going-out ‘fits all year long, serving as a glammed-up touch to any party look.

A year can’t go by without a fashion “It” item from Jacquemus. For 2021, the French label’s barely-there cardigan, pinned with a logo charm, was usually worn solo or layered over a fall-friendly outfit.

Megan Fox, Emily Ratajkowski, Gigi Hadid, Hailey Bieber, and more were seen carrying around this colorful croissant-shaped “Gabbi” bag from JW Pei this year. The best part about it? It costs under $100.

Since its launch in 2019, the Instagram-famous brand Lexxola brought back our love for bigger, colorful-tinted frames and boasts a stylish celebrity fanbase, including Kaia Gerber, Emma Chamberlain, Devon Lee Carlson, and more.

Thanks to brands like Bottega Veneta, Ganni, and Prada, fashion week’s street style crowds stomped between shows wearing lug-sole boots in all silhouettes and sizes.

Designer Nensi Dajoka had a breakout 2021 by garnering a major celebrity following — Zendaya, Dua Lipa, Lady Gaga, and Rihanna, to name a few — as well as winning the LVMH Prize and debuting her first solo show at London Fashion Week.

The New Balance 550s, specifically in collaboration with New York brand Aimé Leon Dore, are one of this year’s coveted sneakers. Those who have been lucky enough to cop the retro-inspired style have certainly showed it off across Instagram and TikTok.

Whether the inspiration was Cher Horowitz’s yellow matching set or punk-inspired checks, plaid was a must-have statement print in our wardrobes throughout 2021.

Another chunky shoe that was in high demand this year were Prada’s prep-meets-rebel black loafers, its latest hit footwear item after last year’s coveted boots and creepers.

We swapped our tanks for suit vests as the hottest top of the summer (and well into fall, when the temps were high). The reigning champ of this look was Kendall Jenner, along with Gigi Hadid, Alexa Chung, and more.

Vivienne Westwood swept our feeds with 2021’s “It” girl accessory: the Mini Bas Relief pearl choker. The designer item’s high price tag inspired many dupes to dominate the internet, too.