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
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
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
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
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
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.
Next up, the best summer dresses of the whole season.
This story was published at an earlier time and has since been updated.

Hannah Almassi is the Editor in Chief of Who What Wear UK. She joined in 2015 when she launched the UK sister site following a seven-year tenure at Grazia magazine as fashion news and features editor. With experience in print and digital across fashion and beauty, Hannah has over 18 years of experience as a journalist, editor and content strategist. Her opinion has been sought by the likes of CNBC, BBC, The Sunday Times Style, The Times, The Telegraph and MatchesFashion.com and she 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.
-
Shop 31 of This Week's Best New Arrivals
Buckle up.
-
I Went to Shop the Zara Sale But Got Distracted by These 27 New-In Buys and Never Looked Back
They are too good.
-
I'm Bored With My Closet—These 33 Chic Nordstrom Pieces Have the Power to Turn Things Around
Effortless and expensive looking is the vibe.
-
I Just Got Back From NYC, and Now, I Want to Order These 7 Trends From Reformation
My cart is very full.
-
Believe Me—You'll Still Want These 36 Items in 2026 (and '27 and '28)
Timeless with a capital T.
-
Let Me Cure Your Zara Fatigue One Chic Massimo Dutti Find at a Time
From summer-sale deals to brand-new arrivals.
-
A Rich-Looking Closet Is the Goal—31 Amazon Picks That Surprisingly Fit the Bill
Bring on the compliments.
-
There Are Over 500 Tops and Jeans at Zara, But Only These 32 Chic Picks Need Your Attention
I'll bet they'll sell out before July's over.