The Bags, Shoes and Dresses That Are Destined for Cult Status in 2021

It's almost hard to believe that we are now onto the third month of 2021, and so by now the majority of spring/summer 2021 designer collections have arrived in new-in sections. We have already given you our thorough guide to the most important fashion looks for 2021 with our seasonal trend report, which gives you an overview of the mood and themes for the season. It can primarily be summed up in the sentence: "Please, can I get dressed properly now?!" So what about the specific items which are destined for cult status in 2021? 

Predictions are all well and good, and while our editors are trained to sniff out a trending item the second it hits the runway, it does also help to wait and see the trends people are actually buying into. Especially in this landscape of ever-changing restrictions. It's not even spring yet, but several of the items we have listed below are proving hard to get a hold of and many have sold out within days. 

There is no such thing as street style this fashion month, however, if there was we are 99.9% certain these are the items that would be getting the most air time in front of street style photographers. So keep scrolling for the bags, shoes and dresses destined for cult status this spring. 

1. Prada Cleo

The Prada Cleo has quite possibly been the most Instagrammed designer item of 2021 so far. Defined by a sleek mini-hobo shape and the brand's triangle insignia front and centre, the Prada Cleo is the kind of hushed minimalist piece you will undoubtedly keep forever. The black and white styles are currently sold out everywhere, but we have a feeling that fashion buyers will be correcting that as we type. 

2. Chloé Woody Tote

The Chloé woody tote is so in-demand we couldn't find a picture of anyone who had actually managed to buy it yet. This canvas tote bag instantly sold out on Net-a-Porter, and the buying team predicted in 2020 this would be one of the standout bags of the summer. "The Chloé Woody Canvas Tote is going to be a perfect bag for summer as it's both practical and chic as well as being a different take on the basket bag, which has proved a big hit for us, season after season," says Libby Page, Net-a-Porter's senior fashion market editor. "The canvas material makes it easy to take from the city to the beach, and the subtle branding will appeal to the Chloé woman."

3. The Row Caged Sandals

You couldn't have a list of designer cult items without mentioning at least one accessory from The Row. This year it's the fisherman caged sandals—available in black and white leather—that are going to be the most popular. 

4. Tove Dress

Next up, we turn to dresses and trust us, you're going to see a lot of this Tove dress this summer. The brand only launched in 2019 and is founded by Camille Perry and Holly Wright, who are former colleagues with 15 years of experience working in buying and design. Perry previously said to Who What Wear, "Tove was born out of a desire to create a timeless wardrobe of sustainable pieces that are beautifully made. We noticed that a shift was emerging within the luxury market where retail prices were becoming higher, whilst often the quality and design were not proportionate to this rise." This Ceres dress launched last summer but will be available in even more colours (such as this pink) this year.

5. Faithfull the Brand: Paisley Print

Packing plenty of vintage vibes, this Faithfull the brand paisley dress comes in three different iterations: Two minis and a midi. Flattering, easy to style and coming in the most stunning shade of green, it's no surprise that it's been a hit amongst the fashion crowd already, with WWW faves Monikh Dale and Abisola Omole giving it their seal of approval. 

6. Shrimps Gingham

Shrimps' collections always have a nostalgic sensibility, and for summer 2021, the brand is reimagining a classic summer school uniform with blouses and cotton dresses in a blue gingham with a lace-trimmed collar. Pair with white socks and loafers for more of a preppy vibe.

7. Gucci x Ken Scott

It'll be no surprise to you that Gucci is featured on this list, and this season it's the collaboration with American artist Ken Scott that is creating real hype. Gucci classics, such as the Jackie bag, are adorned with his colourful, maximalist florals. 

8. Christopher Esber Black Dress

One of the key dress trends for spring/summer 2021 is dresses with slinky cutouts and strap detailing, and we are certain that Christopher Esber dresses will be a post-lockdown favourite this summer. They are already selling out quicky. 

9. Jil Sander Flats

Some may be returning to heels come the 21 June, but we're still continuing our obsession with practical, comfortable flats. Jil Sander's buttery-soft ballerinas and T-bar flats are in our opinion unrivalled. 

10. Jacquemus Cropped Shirts

Jacquemus is arguably one of the buzziest brands out there and created one of the most beautiful fashion moments in years when he presented his spring/summer 2021 collection in barley fields. The one item we expect will be a cult favourite this year is the cropped shirts, complete with straps at the waist. 

11. Coach Pillow Tabby Bag

Coach's new handbag is designed to be truly huggable, hence the name "Pillow." The '70s Tabby handbag is given a squishy makeover with soft leather in a rainbow of bright colours. 

12. Rixo's Mermaid Print

Rixo has become the unofficial outfitter of British weddings, and with rescheduled ceremonies back in the calendar, we predict that this mermaid print will be a popular choice for summer celebrations. 

13. Khaite Top

Khaite's ribbed bodies and tops have been popular for several seasons now, but this shows no sign of slowing down anytime soon. 

14. Agolde Criss Cross Jeans

Agolde jeans have been dominating in fashion circles of late thanks to their flawless cuts and premium-looking washes, however, its crisscross jeans have been particularly popular. They have gone in and out of stock throughout the latter half of 2020 but now, we're pleased to report, that Net-A-Porter has recently had a restock of the cult denim. 

Next up, see our guide to the key trends for spring summer 2021.