Five Fashion Trends for 2021

I’m sorry 2020, I’ve been cheating on you with 2021.  It’s just happier, healthier, and far more stylish.  After living in comfy attire for a year with nowhere to go, it’s time to look ahead for what the new year has to offer in the style department.   Here are 5 fashion trends for 2021 that are straight off the runway:

FAUX LEATHER FEELS

Four Faux Leather outfits by Givenchy, Fendi, Lanvin, and Ferragamo, featured on Five Fashion Trends of 2021 blog on She's Red Haute
From Left to Right: Givenchy F/W 2020, Fendi F/W 2020, Lanvin Spring 2021, Ferragamo Pre-Fall 2021

Some call it pleather, some go for faux, some prefer vegan.  Whichever you choose, this trend is a staple from the Fall/Winter 2020/2021 season that was highly underutilized due to stay at home orders.  Thankfully, this trend is still going strong through the rest of the winter months.  Pairing paperboy pleather pants with a light top or Vegan leather leggings with a chunky sweater is always a win!

LINE UP

Four striped outfits by Duro Olowu, Bottega Veneta, Ulla Johnson, and Jason Wu, featured on Five Fashion Trends of 2021 blog on She's Red Haute
From Left to Right: Duro Olowu S/S 2021, Bottega Veneta S/S 2021, Ulla Johnson S/S 2021, Jason Wu S/S 2021

Designers, such as Duro Olowu, Bottega Veneta, Ulla Johnson, and Jason Wu are making it known that in Spring 2021, stripes and lines are going to be all the rage.  This trend can make such a statement if worn head to toe. Vertical lines elongate the body and create a slimming effect.

ALL IN BLACK & WHITE

Four black and white outfits by Dolce & Gabanna, Chanel, Carolina Herrera, and Saint Laurent, featured on Five Fashion Trends of 2021 blog on She's Red Haute
From Left to Right: Dolce & Gabbana S/S 2021, Chanel S/S 2021, Carolina Herrera S/S 2021, Saint Laurent S/S 2021

Chanel legend, Karl Lagerfeld, said, “Black and white always looks modern, whatever that word means.”  Thankfully, this trend is making a comeback on the Spring 2021 runways, as seen in the Dolce & Gabbana, Chanel, Carolina Herrera, and Saint Laurent shows. The good news, we all have these colors in our closet, so we can ALL be effortlessly chic this season!

CUT IT OUT

Four cutout outfits by Fendi, Johanna Ortiz, Valentino, and Akris, featured on Five Fashion Trends of 2021 blog on She's Red Haute
From Left to Right: Fendi S/S 2021, Johanna Ortiz S/S 2021, Valentino S/S 2021, Akris S/S 2021

Cutouts are a hit, making even conservative looks more alluring this year.  These peekaboo breaks in material are throwing edgy vibes this season. Check out this 2021 trend on the runway from designers such as Fendi, Johanna Ortiz, Valentino, and Akris

WIDE LEG COMFORT

Four wide leg outfits by Schiaparelli, Fendi, Proenza Schouler, and Saint Laurent, featured on Five Fashion Trends of 2021 blog on She's Red Haute
From Left to Right: Schiaparelli S/S 2021, Fendi S/S 2021, Proenza Schouler S/S 2021, Saint Laurent S/S 2021

The last of the 5 fashion trends for 2021 may catch you by surprise. While you may not feel the same slimming of skinny jeans, wide leg pants give a comfortable streamline to the body. This less constricting trend, which blossomed out of stay-at-home life, will continue to be alive and well in 2021.

For more looks to finish out the Winter 2021 season, check out my NYFW F/W 2020 RECAP.

Shop my look: Faux leather leggings, White Dot Top, Over the Knee Boots (similar), Black Wide-Brimmed Hat (similar).

Biggest Takeaway from NYFW F/W 2019

New York Fashion Week is the perfect time to gain a wealth of inspiration for the upcoming season.  After a long week covering runway shows, networking at industry parties, and collaborating with amazing brands (see below for details), I was able to assess what will be trending for Fall/Winter 2019.  The biggest takeaway from NYFW F/W 2019 is the chic use of texture.

Hakan Akkaya NYFW FW 2019 runway looks as favorited by Erin Leigh of She's Red Haute
Hakan Akkaya NYFW F/W 2019 – Potos: Elvia Gobbo www.elviagobbo.com

Textured detailing will play a huge role on our F/W 2019 styles.  A bold use of metallics, prints, beadwork and even feathering are on the rise.  Hakan Akkaya’s Glam Rock Collection exceptionally portrayed this detailing.  His pieces ranged from retro-inspired looks with full studs, head to toe metallic beadwork, to full printed looks.  I adored the androgynous 70’s rock inspiration, especially in the hair band styling and the pronounced shoulders.  Admittedly, each model had strength powering down the runway… a confidence everyone should (and will) feel when wearing pieces of this collection.

Anveglosa NYFW FW 2019 runway looks as favorited by Erin Leigh of She's Red Haute
Anveglosa NYFW FW 2019 – Photos: Albert Urso/Getty Images for Fashion Hong Kong

Thankfully, leather is a fabric that is making a large comeback on the runway.  With its sleek texture, it adds strength to feminine ensembles.  Reminiscent of the fantastic 2013 Kenneth Cole collection (which I adore), the Anveglosa line, by designer Annette Chan, represented the fortitude of women using treated leather blended with soft tulle and silk.  The thick fabric adds a sophisticated functionality to a soft base look.

Cong Tri NYFW FW 2019 runway looks as favorited by Erin Leigh of She's Red Haute
Cong Tri NYFW FW 2019

Designer Cong Tri was also spot on with his texture palette.  His feminine looks appeared in all fabrics starting with beaded body suits, merging into architectural tulle, merging into model Winnie Harlow strutting down the runway in printed metallics.  Each piece was designed with a romantic flare ready to turn heads.

Erin Leigh of She's Red Haute wearing marcella mode NYC in front of graffiti wall that says "Baby I'm Yours"
Photo: Taylor F. Lucas

MY LOOKS:

My outfit for the Cong Tri show consisted of an amazing asymmetrical grey wool coat and thick high necked top by Marcella Moda NYC (pictured above).  I love a sleek, simple look, and this captured it with sophistication.  Also, it was about 15 Degrees that day and the coat was SO WARM!!  Marcella Moda NYC pieces mix NYC style with European craftsmanship for beautiful minimalist modern pieces.

Erin Leigh of She's Red haute wearing three different outfits from NYFW FW 2019
(Photo 1) Wearing Nasty Gal, Stephanie Poulos Photography, (Photo 2) Wearing Marcella Moda NYC, Taylor F. Lucas, (Photo 3) Met Gala inspired, Paula Mendoza bangle, Patrick Hovan

Backtracking to the first day of NYFW, I wore a full Nasty Gal look with a 1970’s retro vibe (see below for outfit details).  When it came to my jewelry on day two, Lele Sadoughi‘s beautiful Trumpet Lily Earrings (similar) and ring (similar) influenced my white look.  I sported a Paula Mendoza bangle, supplied by Lihte, to the Fashion Mingle industry party.  The black and white look was inspired by last years Met Gala theme.

lele sadoughi earrings and ring
NYFW Day 2, white outfit, Jewelry: Lele Sadoughi

Also, I tried some new hair products during fashion week to repair my broken ends!  I was extremely surprised at the outcome! Featured blog on SEVEN Hair Care coming soon!

Thank you to all the PR companies, designers, collaborators, and a special thank you to the Element Times Square West for hosting me during NYFW (stay tuned for a NYC travel blog coming your way.)  Cheers to a successful fashion week and many more to come!

TRY MY LOOKS:

RETRO NASTY GAL LOOK Stripe as Rain Pant (Similar), Surfing Bird Faux Fir Coat, Roll witch Turtleneck, Zip Side Heeled Ankle boot

WHITE LOOK – Lele Sadoughi Trumpet Lily Earrings (Similar), Lele Sadoughi Trumpet Lily Ring (Similar), Luluish Top, Tulle Skirt, Vintage Hat (Similar),

MARCELLA MODA LOOK – Marcella Moda Coat, Marcella Moda Top

MET GALA INSPIRED LOOK – Peplum Jacket (Similar by Karl Lagerfeld), Blank NYC Flare Pant, White Tie (Similar)Paula Mendoza Bangle, Kege Gloves, Target Clutch (Similar by Ted Baker)

Rocking Winter Leather

Redhead in leather jacket looking down on steps

I love a rebellious look in a quality leather jacket.  However, finding a leather jacket that gives you a rocker look, that is also warm enough for winter, is tricky.  I have found most are made for a mild Fall at best.  I got this one at Buffalo Exchange. Can we say best find of the year?!  The fringe is right up my alley and it’s also heavily lined, making it perfect for those frigid days.

Redhead girl looking at camera in leather jacket

Redhead girl in all black and fringe leather jacket

I’m a huge Johnny Cash fan.  His iconic head to toe black look was my inspiration for this ensemble.  I paired the jacket with a black jersey top and jeans from H&M.  Also, I heated it up with a scarf from Nordstrom Rack and a black knit hat I got from my Pop-Pop.  I love sporting my grandparents accessories!

Redhead girl smiling in all black leather jacket

Redhead girl looking off to side and sitting in leather jacket

I finished the look with my favorite new boots from Zara.  They are western style pointed boots with killer silver embellishments.  I like that they accentuate the jacket, bringing another touch of leather to the full outfit.

redhead girl with arms up in fringe leather jacket

SHOP THE LOOK: Leather Jacket (Similar by Buckle), H&M Jersey Top, H&M Super Skinny Regular Jeans, Black Scarf (Similar at Nordstrom Rack), Knit Hat (Similar by Plush), Zara Boots (Similar by Frye).

Photo Credit: SheSoPhoto  …she’s a redhead too!