The 5 Most Important Accessory Trends of FW21
From practical handbags to neatly knotted silk scarves.
Even as the pandemic forces us to stay home and subsequently has many grown accustomed to a casual wardrobe, designers aren’t shying away from bold footwear and statement-making accessories for their collections presented during the Fall/Winter 2021 fashion month. Offering a sense of optimism, brands from Prada to Versace sent models down virtual runways with show-stopping shoes and new handbags that inspire us to dress up once again, yet without sacrificing the comfort we’ve been relying on throughout lockdown. From oversized totes designed to carry your expanding list of everyday essentials, to fluffy boots that will easily take you from the couch to the streets, read on for five major accessory trends to know for the FW21 season.
While you are here, take a look at our FW21 fashion trend report.
Practical Carryalls
Khaite; Prada; Proenza Schouler
Reflecting the needs of consumers today, large bags that are both stylish and pragmatic dominate the FW21 collections. Cate Holstein‘s Khaite dressed a roomy, slouchy tote in brown and sky blue suede. Other brands, such as Prada and Proenza Schouler, presented more structured shapes in black leather. The Italian luxury house super-sized its covetable Cleo Bag (pictured here with a matching pair of gloves, but more on that later), while the cult New York brand unveiled a new, spacious silhouette called the Pipe Bag.
Fluffy Footwear
Chanel; Miu Miu; AMBUSH
Could this be the UGG effect? With shearling slides having become a popular footwear option during quarantine, it looks like designers have taken note, with cozy, fluffy silhouettes stealing the spotlight in a number of collections. At Chanel, Virginie Viard showed voluminous boots in cream white and black curly faux fur. AMBUSH made a pair of cloud-like, shaggy lace-up shoes, while Miu Miu styled models in knee-high yeti boots made for stomping.
Standout Chunky Boots
Molly Goddard; Simone Rocha; Loewe
A more fun and expressive counterpart to the black lug sole boots that were all over Instagram feeds a few seasons ago, FW21’s chunky silhouettes are anything but boring. Molly Goddard paired her signature tulle dresses with towering platform boots in metallic gold. Simone Rocha gave the combat boot a romantic twist, adorning the sturdy shoe with pearls and broguing. Putting a unique spin on the loafer trend, Jonathan Anderson combined a wedge moccasin with a leather sock detail to create a hybrid style.
Statement Silk Scarves
Versace; Dior; Casablanca
A simple accessory like a silk scarf offers endless styling possibilities. At Versace and Dior, models donned perfectly knotted headscarves printed with each house’s logo — an effective way to spruce up any outfit, and an even cleverer way to play around with your long, grown-out quarantine hair. For other luxurious methods of wearing the item, take cues from Casablanca and tie a colorful silk scarf around your neck.
Gloves To Love
Prada; Jil Sander; Marine Serre
Bound to be one of the biggest style trends come fall and winter, gloves were the star accessory of many collections this season. From Marine Serre‘s crescent moon print design, to Jil Sander‘s sleek leather styles coming in pastel yellow and lilac, gloves added subtle interest to some of our favorite FW21 looks. Further enhancing the utilitarian feel of the accessory, Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons strategically placed small zipper pouches on their gloves — a design that’s sure to become a sought-after product when it hit shelves.
