In the sophomore year of the pandemic, style got finer, as micro trends took over all seasons. From colour trends, seasonless fabrics, to upgraded accessories, here’s what 2021 was all about.

METALLIC TAKEOVER

The re-emergence of the ’70s and the ’80s trends has been quite the trend for the last two years. Just like the other trends coming back from the decade right now, such as pop neon brights, metallics are the moment. When we mention metallics, your mind will straight go to this 2021 fashion moment of Timothée Chalamet, debuting with a silver-and-gold Tom Ford suit at the 2021 Cannes film festival. While the shiniest pieces are always saved for the holiday season and year-end parties, it’s time to bring them back in everyday wear.

TRACKSUITS, BUT MAKE IT COUTURE

Nothing screams overuse of tracksuits like the early ’00s TV shows. Twenty years later, these tracksuits are back, but in couture runway form. The ’90s spirit at Y/Project, elevated with gold at Celine by Hedi Slimane, or as a hybrid version at Balenciaga, couture tracksuits, this year, became our everyday casual friend to wear at home and about town while running errands.

EMBELLISHED TOUCH-UPS

The crystal or rhinestones embellished pieces is one of the micro-trends of 2021 seen emerging in the festive seasons. As an addition to the buttons of blazers, face masks, sneakers, and other accessories, these elements bring the bling to any basic outfit. From fast-fashion labels such as H&M and Zara to highfashion houses like Balmain, Dolce & Gabbana, even Givenchy has included crystals in embellished forms, highlighting the garment.

CROCHET EVERYTHING

Usually popular in womenswear, the wave of crochet has hit menswear with its vintage touch, and it is here to stay. During this year’s Tokyo Olympics, British diver Tom Daley was spotted with crochet needles throughout the games, which turned him into an internet sensation for his needlework. Similarly, the crochet art form has followed its way into celebrity wardrobes including those of Justin Bieber, Shawn Mendes, Harry Styles, among many others.

REINVENTED TAILORING

Just when we thought tailoring has lost its charm, designers presented us with reinvented versions of ancient designing art. These experimented and reimagined models of tailoring have been seen throughout the fashion seasons of 2021. The classic angular tailoring at Prada and Salvatore Ferragamo, the oversized blazer with zips at Dolce & Gabbana, the ’80s inspired suiting at Ermenegildo Zegna and ’70s corduroy jackets at Gucci are some of the many examples that spotlight the upcoming tailoring trends in the coming years.

THE 2021 UTILITARIAN WEAR

The phase of utilitarian wear is back. From field jackets at Gucci and Ermenegildo Zegna, multi-pocketed look at Louis Vuitton to the all-over safari looks at Balmain, the utility style has escalated to a new form with pieces such as cargo pants, utility vests, parkas, varsity jackets, and many pocketed overcoats. This new aesthetic provides an equally rugged and refined urban feel that combines practicality and style.

ACID COLOURS

Apart from pastels and bright neons, pops of acid hue were shown on many of the runways in London, Paris, and Milan. Versace, Fendi, Tom Ford, and Dries Van Noten painted the runway with lemon yellow, neon pink, electric green, cherry red, magenta, and tangerine orange for the summer, making a hit summer trend of the year.

THE TECH NECK BAGS

Why carry everything around in your hands or stuff it in your pockets? Tech neck phone cases and lanyard-style bags are the new mini-accessories men should totally make the most of. Seen on the runways of Balmain and Etro, these accessories boast utility as well a style statement.