Summer 2021 Is Bringing Retro Style Back With These 8 Trends

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(Image credit: Courtesy of Zara; House of Sunny)

When the '70s episode of Disney+'s WandaVision first came to our television screens, I resonated heavily with the colorful ensembles and unique interiors. I must not have been the only one because the trends of 2021 seem to be giving the decade a second life on both the fashion and home décor scenes, and I'm not surprised. In a time where we've all been stuck in our home for the most part in the past year, the world is ready to embrace youthful, energetic, and fun styles for the hopeful summer ahead. It was evident when designers released their S/S 21 collections in the fall, and it's clear as day now when you take a scroll through your favorite retailers. Amid the pages of your everyday basics, you'll find a rainbow of colors and maximal prints that seem like they were delivered right out of a time capsule.

If you're ready to embrace the nostalgia and give the fashion of the '60s and '70s another go, we've relayed the best trends of the season below. Get ready to get out of your fashion slump and embrace your clothes again.

Crochet

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(Image credit: @lisasaysgah)

I've seen many Gen Zers post their crochet videos online, making everything from bags to hats for them and their pets. Something about crochet just seems so perfect for the summertime—don't you think?

Platforms

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(Image credit: @lifeofboheme)

Whether it's in a flat or clog form, there's no doubt that this year's shoe game is all about reaching new heights.

Tinted Eyewear

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(Image credit: @maria_bernad)

Whether they're donned in an oversize or rectangular silhouette, tinted lenses—especially yellow ones—are the accessory fashion girls can't seem to get enough of right now. 

Groovy Prints

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(Image credit: @houseofsunny)

It's almost impossible to see a collection today without a funky graphic print incorporated into the mix. Why keep it safe with stripes or polka dots when you can have psychedelic swirls and vintage florals?

Mini Lengths

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(Image credit: @raeannlangas)

Whether it's in a skirt or dress form, microscopic minis took over the designer runways and are in full force for the warmer weather ahead.

"Disco" Suits

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(Image credit: @matildadjerf)

While you may be used to your matching knit sets, these take the co-ord game to an entirely new level. 

Silk Scarves

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(Image credit: @mariaalia)

As someone who wears a headscarf, I very much appreciate this trend for the scarves it's bringing onto the mainstream market. You've probably already seen that viral TikTok trend of everyone driving in their cars with silk scarves tied around their heads, and honestly, it's a vibe.

Halter Neckline

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(Image credit: @ali_tate_cutler)

The halter neckline reached a peak of popularity in the '60s and '70s, and it seem like it's making its way around again in 2021. Whether it's on a dress, top, or a bikini—fashion girls everywhere are opting for the dramatic neckline over a more basic one.

Next, TikTok Made Me Do It: 4 Fashion DIYs I Found and Tested

Associate Fashion Editor
Yusra Siddiqui is an editor who resides in New Jersey but bounces between the suburbs and NYC. (She's a Jersey girl at heart.) After interning at Who What Wear in 2019, she found her way to the team after graduating from LIM College in 2022 with a fashion media degree. She's also spent time writing and working for publications such as Fashionista, Coveteur, and Nylon, but she always knew that Who What Wear was where she was meant to be. When she's on the job, she's perusing runway shows, analyzing the latest thing fellow Gen Zers are up to on the internet, and sharing what she can about the modest-fashion market. You can also catch her dabbling in entertainment, talking about the costume choices of the latest Netflix series or diving deeper into how the plotline affects the viewers in a myriad of ways. Lastly, she likes to create content for Who What Wear's TikTok. Her personal time is spent doing similar but also different things—deep diving into almost every new TV show (Bridgerton, Gilmore Girls, and Stranger Things are favorites), planning her next local getaway (whenever that may be), and reading the latest Emily Henry or Sally Rooney novel in one sitting.