The 8 Key Items to Look On-Trend This Spring

It may still be winter, but that doesn’t stop us from daydreaming about the warmer (and more hopeful) spring season ahead. Sartorially speaking, there’s a lot to get excited about—including a whole host of fresh, comfortable, and vitalizing trends that are easy to integrate into our wardrobes and feel refreshingly cool.

As many of us tackle a closet clean out early in the year, the last thing we want to do is weigh down our wardrobes (or rack up our credit cards) with a ton of new items that we may not get around to wearing. So to help you decipher which trends are worth investing in, below I’ve rounded up eight key items that will dominate this upcoming season and will have you looking altogether on-trend. Read on to give your looks a fresh spring update.

Open-Back Dresses

Skin is in, according to the S/S 21 collections with cool side cut-outs, bare midriffs, cut-out hems, and sheer pieces seen in full force. One of the coolest and most wearable pieces were backless dresses spotted at a whole host of collections from Givenchy to Victoria Beckham.

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In the S/S 21 collections:
(Image credit: Courtesy of Nanushka)

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On Instagram:
(Image credit: @discodaydream)

Shop the trend:

Relaxed Trousers

If you want to feel polished and comfortable this spring then this season's loose and relaxed trousers are a must. Spotted everywhere from The Row to Louis Vuitton, the trend exudes effortless elegance and looks chic with everything from a graphic tee to a bandeau or a blazer. One thing's for sure it's a welcome alternative to our joggers.

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In the S/S 21 collections:
(Image credit: Louis Vuitton, Peter White/Getty Images)

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On Instagram:
(Image credit: @filis_pina)

Shop the trend:

House Shoes

As we continue to lean into all things comfortable, cushy house shoes have risen to fame. This season's come in plush textures from slip-on silhouettes to trending clog styles.

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In the S/S 21 collections:
(Image credit: Courtesy of Simon Miller)

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On Instagram:
(Image credit: @bubblyaquarius)

Shop the trend:

Bubblegum Pink

There were a handful of cool color trends that graced the spring runways but one of the most standout hues was undoubtedly a vibrant bubblegum pink (think somewhere between neon and pastel). Expect to see your feeds flooded with the head-turning hue once spring arrives.

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In the S/S 21 collections:
(Image credit: Courtesy of Valentino)

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On Instagram:
(Image credit: @lindatol)

Shop the trend:

Knit Sets

Matching knit sets have had a major moment these past few seasons and we're happy to hear that they'll continue their reign in 2021. From short sets to skirt sets, they'll add a luxurious touch to your spring look.

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In the S/S 21 collections:
(Image credit: Courtesy of Ottolinger)

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On Instagram:
(Image credit: @tylauren)

Shop the trend:

Micro Minis

Say hello to sky-high hemlines this spring. Micro minis were seen in full force in the collections—perhaps the indirect consequence of such a restricted 2020. Pair the fun and frivolous skirt with flats and a modest knit top.

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In the S/S 21 collections:
(Image credit: Courtesy of Miu Miu)

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On Instagram:
(Image credit: @annelauremais)

Shop the trend:

Tiny Ties

It's all about the little details in fashion and we couldn't bypass the dominating crisscrossing cords and wraparound ties that were spotted on everything from skirts to bralettes to blouses and dresses. We see this being an Insta-winner come summer. 

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In the S/S 21 collections:
(Image credit: Courtesy of Acne Studios)

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On Instagram:
(Image credit: @chrissyford)

Shop the trend:

Checker Prints

We saw some fun prints in the S/S 21 collections and checkerboard was certainly a standout style. The fun pattern is already buzzing on Instagram.

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In the S/S 21 collections:
(Image credit: Courtesy of Stine Goya)

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On Instagram:
(Image credit: @luciacuesta)

Shop the trend:

Up next, 8 spring 2021 trends you can wear right now for under $100.

Judith Jones
Senior Fashion Market Editor

Judith Jones is the senior fashion market editor at Who What Wear who specializes in shopping content and trend stories with high-affiliate impact. She shares the coolest, most desirable fashion market finds and brands for every budget. Previous to working in fashion, Judith worked as a TV host on the PBS travel show Globe Trekker (airing on Netflix and Amazon Prime) sharing her passion for travel and culture.