Though the effects of COVID-19 are currently weighing heavily on the minds of retailers, they will soon have to turn their attention to their fall assortments.
In a new report, retail data analytics firm Edited named three trends that dominated the Fall 20-21 catwalks and have the potential to go mainstream once stores reopen and a sense of normalcy returns.
Slouchy silhouettes
Shapely flare jeans from the ’70s and strong shoulders from the ’80s continue to dominated women’s fashion, but there’s also room for oversized and slouchy, genderless silhouettes, Edited noted.
Baggy denim was a foundational item in E. Tautz’s men’s collection, which also offered roomy check coats and relaxed long-sleeve tops. The designer’s pleated bottoms had a drapey, pajama-like look and feel.
Oversized denim blazers contrasted with Balmain’s second-skin latex leggings. Alberta Ferretti, which has become a go-to for youthful denim, also experimented with volume with relaxed boiler suits, Edited noted.
Reworked denim
Streetwear and deconstructed denim ascended into popularity together, but the trends are taking different roads for F/W 20-21. As traditional streetwear looks begin to wane on the runway, designers continue to experiment with “Frankenstein” denim, albeit in a more sophisticated manner.
With fewer frays and other bells and whistles, designers are turning their attention to tonal layering and simple yet dramatic cutouts. Prominently placed cutouts were noted at Y/Project, while Zadig Voltaire opted for double waistbands in tonal shades of blue.
This trend, Edited noted, is also where “retailers can get creative with salvaged materials to minimize waste.”
Night and day
In terms of color, there’s deep contrast between genders.
Men’s designers like Salavatore Ferragamo and Paul Smith, Edited noted, showed a preference for raw denim in dark solid tones. Simple uniform-inspired silhouettes—like cuffed jeans, button-down shirts and pleated denim trousers—enhanced the richness of these fabrics.
Meanwhile, lighter denim continued to be popular on the women’s runway. This is good news for retailers, Edited said, as the washes have year-round success. The light washes exude a soft and worn-in look that appeals to comfort-seeking consumers. Acid washes are also beginning to pick up momentum, though they’re used primarily as designers’ denim showpiece.