New Trends Incoming: These 5 Are Worth Your Time and Attention

Would you like a head start on autumn's top trends? Then you've come to the right place, friend! Not only do we have a bumper edit of what's going to dominate for the next half of the year via our autumn 2021 trend report, but below is the rundown of what's new-in thanks to the pre-fall 2021 collections that are currently dropping into stores as I type. They are, as the name gives away, the precursor to your cold-weather wardrobes. These in-between-season ranges act as the jumping-off points for many designers, and you'll see key themes carrying through, creating a reliable indicator of what's going to be on every wish list across the land for the next six months at the very minimum. Additionally, pre-fall is known for being more commercially minded and therefore easier to wear than more avant-garde runway collections, so it's a clever time to invest in items that you can wear tomorrow through to the same date in 2022 and beyond!

There are five trends we've pinpointed as easy and long-lasting, with the potential to be big news from here on out. From bright midi dresses to "revenge" heels, there's a mid-pandemic (post-pandemic?) mood for optimism and dressing up combined with comfy cuts and fabrics. The result? Standout items that are surprisingly simple to throw on. As well as notable designer pieces, you'll also find some affordable and vintage options to get the looks. Enjoy. 

1. RAINBOW JUMPERS

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(Image credit: Courtesy of Molly Goddard)

Not a new trend, and that's why we like it: Rainbow knits are set to reprieve their role as our wardrobe's happiest pal. We'll be wearing ours with a tulle skirt, like Molly Goddard's girls (pictured). 

2. BRIGHT MIDI DRESSES

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(Image credit: Courtesy of Ganni)

Bright dresses in relaxed shapes are a speciality of both luxury brands and high-street stores alike. Prints can date; colours don't. And a modest silhouette will always feel laid-back enough to wear on repeat for various occasions. I'm waiting for the above Ganni style to arrive…

3. "REVENGE" HEELS

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(Image credit: Courtesy of JW Anderson)

Black, pointy, ferocious… There's a new wave of heels sticking two fingers up to sensible Birkenstocks or Tevas, and they're being dubbed "revenge" heels. So you're not going to wear them for walks or pottering around the house, but there are sassy options for dinner dates and future parties coming in thick and fast. These JW Anderson chain-strapped courts (pictured) have it all.

4. SMART CO-ORDS

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(Image credit: Courtesy of Rejina Pyo)

We're more than accustomed to co-ords these days, and much of 2021 was spent in trackies. Now the trend moves into slightly more tailored territory with loose-fitting, matching separates becoming a go-to for brands such as Rejina Pyo (pictured).

5. PEEKABOO DETAILS

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(Image credit: Courtesy of David Koma)

It's the cheeky trend that isn't just for social media. Clearly, women are buying into the cut-out idea. Otherwise, designer brands and stores wouldn't keep creating riffs on the idea month after month. So you can go as peekaboo as you like, but I enjoy the demure shape set against an exaggerated keyhole detail on this David Koma look.

Hannah Almassi
Editor in Chief

Hannah Almassi is the Editor in Chief of Who What Wear UK. Hannah has been part of the the Who What Wear brand since 2015, when she was headhunted to launch the UK sister site and social channels, implement a localised content strategy and build out the editorial team. She joined following a seven-year tenure at Grazia magazine, where she led front-of-book news, fashion features and shopping specials as fashion news and features editor. With experience in both print and digital across fashion and beauty, Hannah has over 16 years in the field as a journalist, editor, content strategist and brand consultant. Hannah has interviewed industry heavyweights such as designers including Marc Jacobs and Jonathan Anderson through to arbiters of taste including Katie Grand and Anna Dello Russo. A skilled moderator and lecturer specialising in the shift to digital media and e-commerce, Hannah’s opinion and work has been sought by the likes of CNBC, BBC, The Sunday Times Style, The Times, The Telegraph and MatchesFashion.com, among many others. Hannah is often called upon for her take on trends, becoming known as a person with their finger of the pulse of what’s happening in the fashion space for stylish Brits.

Hannah currently resides in Eastbourne with her photographer husband, incredibly busy son and highly Instagrammable cat.