Clothing Trends That Are In and Out for 2021

How are we supposed to keep up with trends if they keep changing?? These are the biggest clothing trends for 2021, and I’ll share which ones are actually worth trying!

Let’s chat about clothing trends for 2021

One of my most frequently asked questions is about trendy clothing, and if something is actually worth trying or if it’ll be out again in just a few months.

And while I can’t predict the future, I want to share the biggest clothing trends of 2021 and how you can incorporate them into your style while still feeling true to your style, and which ones are not worth trying because they’re guaranteed to be gone really soon.

So let’s play a game of….

…WEAR THIS, NOT THAT!

4 major clothing trends for 2021

I chose four of the most popular clothing trends for 2021 and want to walk you through how to make sure you’re wearing them well and in a way that will last longer than just a month.

Remember, you can always skip any trend if it doesn’t work for you! Not every trend is for everybody.

1. Puffed sleeves

Puffed sleeves are a fun trend for 2021, but as always, the most extreme versions of these sleeves will probably be gone by next year. However, you can still absolutely incorporate them into your wardrobe!

Look for more subtle puffed sleeves, and tops and shirts that have fuller silhouettes so the sleeves don’t stand out quite as starkly.

navy blue top | lilac eyelet top

2. Tiered dresses

Tiered dresses are so big this year, and I love how feminine and visually interesting they are. But also they are a lot of fabric, so choose your dress shape wisely.

Dresses with a large tent-like shape (like the first one), don’t give you any shape and you’re drowning in fabric. Instead, choose one with a fitted waist, or one that’s a little less roomy — this shape will also help it stand the test of time.

white dress | black dress

3. Matching sets

These matching sweatsuit sets became super trendy in 2020. It used to be a lot of sweatpants and sweatshirts, but those are mostly on their way out. Now, the top and wide leg pants sets are still the same comfortable feel, but a little less lounge-y look.

You can wear them with sandals or sneakers and a baseball cap and look pulled together!

These will for sure not be around long term, but if you have pieces that can be worn separately, you’ll be able to hang on to them for a long time.

sweatsuit set | wide leg set (code Merrick5 gets you $5 off!)

4. Straight leg jeans

Skinny jeans are still around and will be around for a long time, I think, but the wider, straight fit is here to stay for the long haul.

But if skinny jeans are your jam and you don’t want to try anything new, that’s ok! But if you’re looking for light wash jeans for summer, try one with a higher rise and more of a straight fit, rather than a super light wash skinny jean (which can look very outdated).

I own these straight jeans and they’re my go to for a straight lighter wash jean — I chopped the hem off to make them a little shorter on me (you can see them on me here).

light wash skinny jeans | straight leg jeans

Here are some other big trends for 2021, if you’re curious!

Square necklines – I love this one, it feels very romantic and Pride and Prejudice. I want this dress.

Woven sandals – This is such a fun trend that I’m loving. I just bought these heels and I’m obsessed with them.

Peplum – we’re seeing a bit of a comeback with peplums. I’m not really a fan, because usually they’re long and create weird proportions and emphasize the lower body in an unflattering way. But I just bought this one and it’s a little more cropped and very cute.

Bodysuits – you guys know I love my bodysuits! They’re perfect with the wide leg pants that are so popular right now, and also with a-line skirts. Abercrombie has my favorite white one. I also just bought this henley one and love it.

Chunky shoes – ok, I hope you know I hate these. I mean, did you see my april fools joke?

Cropped tops – a lot of you have asked if I can do some styling sessions on crop tops, but I won’t be doing it here because I wear religious undergarments that cover my whole middle section under my clothes. Soo, if I wore a crop top you’d just see those, ha. But I do think they can be done in a very classy and cool way. Also I think they can be done in a trashy way. I think seeing the belly button is a big factor for me — if you’re going to try it, keep the button covered.

Tie shoulder dresses and tops – These kinds of tops are very big this summer and I think they’re adorable. Such a feminine, pretty detail. This dress is so affordable and super pretty.

Don’t miss Get Dressed with Merrick

There are many other trends out there right now, but these are some of the big ones. I’ll be walking through some of them over on my Instagram stories today for #GetDressedWithMerrick – don’t miss it!