The 8 Hottest Trends For Winter 2020-2021

Green vibes
Nude tones, amber ombrés, nuances of terra cotta, beige, and ocre, with a side of russet-toned prints, neutrals and naturalism are everywhere. This season's palette inspires a sense of escape into the quiet joys of nature. Combined in ensembles like we saw at Missoni, Marni, Lanvin and Acne Studios, the trend points to a growing penchant for nature, authenticity, and a return to the land in an era of ecological emergency. Symbolically charged, it's also a delicate illustration of fashion's complicated relationship with its climate impact. As further demonstration of this connection, more and more creators are choosing to hold their shows in natural settings — spaces of freedom that contrast with their confined urban counterparts. Recently, Jacquemus' catwalk took place in a field of wheat, Burberry staged a show in the middle of an English forest, and Paria Farzaneh chose an idyllic meadow. Fashion is having a rural moment.

Ageless Fashion
As the industry becomes more inclusive, it's a valuable reminder that fashion is for all ages and body types — it's up to the clothes to adapt to the wearer, and not the other way around. In this sense, designers are no longer content to simply place models over fifty on the runway; through both their images and their designs, they're demonstrating that today's garments have been imagined for all wearers, independent of generational clichés. This new attitude crystallizes in recent designs from Loewe, Lanvin, and Neil Barrett, with cuts guaranteeing maximum comfort thanks to flexible materials. The new designs reflect a more benevolent society, founded on inter-generational synergy.

Gender-Fluid Jewelry
Once upon a time, jewels were objects of masculine power identified with the monarchy and aristocracy. Around the end of the 18th century, they became less associated with masculinity and started being worn by women. This, however, was only in subjecting themselves to a pre-determined feminine role in the game of seduction. We would have to wait for the second half of the 20th century for women to don jewelry on their own terms and independently of men. It's only recently that gems have begun to shake up gender codes anew. As an indication of this growing freedom, in 2018 Kim Jones named Yoon Anh, creator of Ambush, head of jewelry for Dior Homme. This season, mixed pieces are proliferating at Vivienne Westwood, Alan Crocetti, Raf Simons, and are stunning on all silhouettes.

The Mask, The New Must-Have (in Spite of Itself)
It took fashion houses a few months to try their hand at masks, the now-ubiquitous prophylactic accessory, and transform them into stylish accessories. Some, like Boramy Viguier, anticipated the "trend" at Fashion Week this past March, where models walked masked: a gesture that today seems almost prophetic. Martin Margiela also masked his models, giving the clothing center stage. If we have to hide our faces in respect for healthcare protocols, we might as well upgrade our look as well. Sporting a mask that stands out can be a chance to express creativity, taste, and give a hint of personality. The #facemask hashtag, which already has several million tags on Instagram, highlights this growing shift. In flashy colors and original prints, masks can be matched to an ensemble or add a vibrant flash to monochrome looks.

Winter Bucket Hats
Formerly known as summertime accessories that signaled tanning sessions and barbecues, hailing from a time nearly forgotten by fashion, the bucket hat is back. Before it became a mainstay on magazine pages, this symbol of coolness was part of military outfit: it was worn by American GIs in France during the Second World War. What's new is that this season, it's shed its beachwear status and taken up winter streetwear. Bell-shaped and in crushed velvet at Marni, classically-minimalist at expert hat-maker Maison Michel, with a nod to the fedora at Gucci, undersized and in nylon at Prada, and as a rain-hat at Off-White — the bucket hat is a versatile item that's evidently well-adapted to this season's weather.

Retro Styles
Belted blazers and mustard-colored tartan miniskirts at Miu Miu, aged velvet suits and flared pants at Acne Studios, soft knits at Gucci, flirty retro bags at Lanvin and Aspinal of London, and the perfect cardigans for cozying up next to the fire — vintage inspirations are flourishing in this season's collections. Vivienne Westwood remains an eternal lover of cheeky historical references like crinoline and bustle dresses, much like Gucci's Alessandro Michele. It's high time to adopt some trends that we're familiar with, in the form of throwbacks and retro aesthetics. This, of course, is one of fashion's many paradoxes: the eternal metronome between a reassuring past and the open horizon of the future. One thing's certain; old fashion archives, shared across social networks, are entirely of-the-moment.

The total knit look
Knitwear has rarely been so well-repped in our winter looks, in the form of dresses, sweaters, pants, XXL cardigans, and as a total, layered look. This cuddly, comfortable, and stretchy trend is totally loungewear compatible. And while it's perfect for relaxing, it's also versatile (and classy) enough to wear outside. A nice big Prada jacquard sweater, an exaggeratedly fluffy Marni cardigan to wrap yourself in, and a Missoni blazer; knitwear is stealing the show. As for the XXL Acne Studios scarves, they're quite literally blankets, to bundle up in or drape like a poncho.

Clothing as Cocoon
Sleeveless, multi-pocket vests at Prada, architectural puffer coats from Moncler, ponchos in leather at Loewe, coats styled like quilted armor at Baum und Pferdgarten and scarf-blankets from Acne Studios — fashion is weaving itself a cocoon. The clothes are comforting, suggesting a desire to protect ourselves from the outer world. Layers upon layers illustrate a certain craving for a safe space; zones of comfort in what might feel like a moment of uncertainty. Here, clothes become synonymous with serenity and resilience. They're also ideal for long walks in nature, with all-terrain looks that combine outerwear and workwear: cargo pants, khaki hues with military undertones, and multi-function jackets as handy as any Swiss army knife.