How to Wear Spring and Summer 2021 Fashion Trends (and a Few I'll Pass on!)

Every year at the beginning of spring and fall, I love looking at all the new fashion trends in magazines and online. It's one of my favorite ways to find outfit inspiration! 

I don't like to buy into fads or of-the-moment trends, but I do enjoy seeing what's on the runway and figuring out how to transfer those looks to real life. It's fun to see if I have any of those items in my closet already and if there are some I simply can't replicate...and therefore can't live without. I especially like finding new looks that are truly unique but not too over-the-top. The goal is to look just different enough to stand out without looking dated. 

With that in mind, here are the top 12 spring and summer 2021 fashion trends I'm seeing everywhere. As always, I'm sharing my honest opinions, tips, and tricks. I also curated my favorite shoppable picks for the upcoming season in LIKEtoKNOW.it, so you can see exactly how I plan to incorporate these trends into my own wardrobe!

Black and white

I've always been a huge fan of the contrasting classic black and white look. It's sharp but not stuffy, appropriate in literally any setting and season, and ultra-flattering on everyone. You can pull it off effortlessly in so many ways — and probably with several things you already own.

Bra tops

I won't even sugarcoat it; I'm not a fan of this trend. I don't mind a lacy bra top showing through a sheer blouse, but that's the only way I would wear this look. It's hard to imagine actually going anywhere or doing anything productive in just a bra!

Midriff "Flossing"

This is another trend I just can't get on board with. If you're unfamiliar with midriff flossing, the term refers to skirts with several ties that wrap around the stomach. It seems like far too much work and personally, I don't need anything pinching my sides more than my waistband already does!

Floaty maxi dresses

Now here's a fashion trend I can (and do!) totally get into. It's amazing how perfectly put-together a maxi dress makes you look, isn't it? Almost without fail, I get several compliments when I'm out wearing one. Floaty maxi dresses have a distinct air of glamour, yet no outfit could be easier — just throw one on and go! I find maxis so cool (literally figuratively) and breezy, especially in the hot and humid Florida climate. 

Baggy trousers and statement pants

This trend may be difficult to embrace if you're a devoted skinny pants lover, but consider giving it a chance. I actually love a great pair of statement pants (or shoes or top or piece of jewelry for that matter...), but they're not entirely effortless. My caution with baggy or wide-leg pants is to not overdo it. Make sure the bagginess isn't too much and balance the look with a feminine, fitted top to make it more flattering.

Cape details

This look provides a lot of drama and I could take it or leave it at this point. I can certainly appreciate the whimsical escapism the designers are going for and it's always nice to have a bit of extra arm coverage, especially in chilly air conditioning. I love the look, I'm just not sure what event I'd need a cape for!

Sequins

I really believe this is designers' way of offering fashionistas a much-needed mood boost. After all, what's more fun than a daytime disco?! I'm all about adding some shine to daytime looks, but be careful not to overdo it. I'd suggest wearing a sequin tee or blazer with staple pieces like jeans. 

Cutouts

I love the open backs I'm seeing in a lot of items right now, and the smaller peekaboo details are also fun. Cutout dresses seem to be a bit too fussy and in my opinion, they're a "one-and-done" look, but I'm much more open to seeing this trend in bodysuits. Pare the drama down a bit with jeans or trousers and you have a winning look.

Corsets

Admittedly, I was quick to dismiss this trend until I looked at several variations. Generally speaking, I'm not a fan of wearing undergarments as clothing — but hey, that's what makes us all unique. I did, however, find a few corset looks that I thought were relevant and could translate to everyday life.

Fishnet clothing

Much like sequins and corsets, I think fishnet anything should be worn sparingly. There are so many variations now, so if you love the look of fishnet, purchase one versatile item you can wear in many ways. Think a lightweight cardigan or top that can be layered over other pieces.

Stripes

I love all the stripes popping up for spring and summer! Stick with the classics and find lines and color combinations (like black and white — two birds, one stone!) that flatter your frame. I don't believe horizontal stripes always make you look larger, but some are so exaggerated that they look like prison uniforms, and that look isn't flattering on anyone!

Hoodies and skirts

Maybe I'll come around in a season or two, but hopefully I don't have to, because I don't find this trend attractive at all. The idea is to make traditional ladylike looks more modern, but to me, it falls a bit flat. 

---

These are just some of the trends in my Like To Know It Picks. See them all at https://www.liketoknow.it/Chacha-Olivia

So there you have it — the hottest fashion trends for spring and summer 2021. Which ones are you most excited about? Connect with me on Instagram or Facebook and tag me in your outfit photos so I can see what you come up with!

Fashionably Yours,

---

You Might Like These Similar Blog Posts

How Just Getting "Dressed Up" Can Make the Holidays Feel More Special

Can you believe that Christmas is this week?! Even though there were several points when it felt like 2020 might never end, here we are – we made it! While the holidays undoubtedly look very different this year, it's important to remember that this is still a very special time. The holiday season is many people's favorite time of year and more than ever before, we should embrace our most cherished traditions and make things especially memorable. 

If you're not getting together with your family and friends as you normally would during the holidays, it's easy for it to feel like any other day. However, that's exactly why you should make it a point to do something extra special! Even though we may not physically be with our loved ones this year, there are several things we can do to feel more connected with them and boost our own moods in the process. 

---

Recently I conducted a poll on my Instagram account, where I asked if everyone was really just wearing loungewear these days. I was shocked at the final result: all but one of the answers was yes! Believe it or not, how we dress – even if we're not leaving the house – has a tremendous effect on our mood, self-esteem, and even productivity.

According to a recent Wall Street Journal article, "Researchers studying links between clothes, brain activity and productivity have long found that dressing up for work can improve your performance." This phenomenon is called enclothed cognition and I actually discussed it in an older blog post, "I. Feel. Pretty." Essentially, enclothed cognition refers to the signals that clothes send to the human brain. It goes far beyond just work and productivity; enclothed cognition research proves that simply getting dressed can pull you out of a funk and completely turn your day around. 

In today's world when so many people work from home, children are in remote school, it's cold and dreary around much of the country, and you can have virtually anything delivered in a matter of hours, it's fairly common to not leave the house for days at a time. Add to that the totally normal "winter blues" and Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD, defined by Mayo Clinic as "a type of depression that's related to changes in seasons," and you have a perfect recipe for rarely getting dressed. There is no hard data available yet, but experts believe the effects of the winter blues and SAD will be compounded in the face of the pandemic because so many people are spending this year's holidays in isolation.

This is exactly where enclothed cognition comes into play – something as simple as getting truly dressed for the day can be an instant mood lifter and have a domino effect of positive wellness benefits. 

What to wear for the holidays when you're staying in

Now that we've discussed the many benefits of getting properly dressed, let's talk about how to put that to work during the holidays. Unless your family has a long-standing tradition of staying in matching Christmas pajamas all day, put on "real" clothes early in the day. It helps you get in the right mindset for whatever you're doing, whether it's having a small family meal, hosting a Zoom get-together, or even just watching holiday movies on the couch with your partner. 

Your outfit doesn't necessarily have to be fancy. I've previously given tips for how to dress when you're hosting a party and many of the same rules apply here. 

Wear something comfortable

This includes shoes. You don't want to be too cold or hot, or spend the day adjusting straps or hiking up your bottoms. I'm a huge fan of layering long duster cardigans and as a bonus, they instantly dress up an outfit.

Don’t wear anything fussy

For example, no long, fluttery sleeves or loads of jewelry.

Go festive!

Wearing red, green, silver, or gold feel a bit extra special and can go a long way in helping you feel like this is still a “normal” holiday. The same goes for more luxe fabrics like velvet and faux leather.

Don’t wear what you don't feel confident in.

You want to be in something you know fits you well. A special day isn't the time to debut an outfit you've never worn.

---

I've come up with several creative ideas for sharing special moments with your family and friends this holiday season – no matter how many miles may separate you. Thanks to modern video conferencing technology (i.e., Zoom and Google Hangouts), you can still "be together" in a sense. Believe me, I know that Zoom gets tiring, but it really is one of the best ways to connect with loved ones you can't physically be with. Personally, I always feel so much better actually seeing those people I love and miss dearly, even if it is through a screen. I'll take what I can get! Here are some of the things my family is trying out this year.  

Open presents together

Get decked out in holiday outfits

Share a toast or even a full meal!

Do holiday crafts together.

Have everyone purchase the same ornaments (or even better, send them out as early Christmas gifts!), then set a time to personalize them together. You could also do something similar with stockings, wreaths, or even cookies.

Have an ugly sweater contest

Send everyone scratch-off tickets.

Scratch them together to see if anyone is a big winner!

Remember, to get the most out of the holidays this year, get dressed – fully dressed, hair, makeup, the whole deal! Keeping up with traditions and even creating new ones has never been more important. I hope these tips are helpful, and I'd love to hear how you're celebrating the holidays! Connect with me on Facebook or tag me in your Instagram photos and stories @therealchachaolivia.

From my family to yours, I wish you a heartfelt happy holidays!

---

You Might Like These Similar Blog Posts

5 Ways to Dress for Fall When it Doesn't Feel Like Fall

I think we can all agree that 2020 has been flat-out wacky. I'm referring to several different things of course, but in this particular context, it's the weather. In early September, a huge snowstorm blanketed a large portion of the western United States, dumping as much as nine inches of snow in some areas. Meteorologists said it was "one of the earliest snowstorms on record." There were two weeks of summer officially left! Then last week, which was November, the entire Midwest experienced an unusual heatwave with temperatures reaching the upper 70s. And let's not forget the apocalyptic "firenado" in northern California in August. Even if you live in a place where you can generally count on crisp fall weather, things can change.

To be honest, I (and I'm guessing most of you) don't really mind the warm fall temperatures – but it sure does make it difficult to get dressed for the day. You need a full-blown winter coat when you leave in the morning but by 11:00 AM, it's too warm for long sleeves. As a former New Englander who now lives in Florida, I can relate to this all too well. I would love to throw on a chunky sweater and some tall boots, but that's probably not in the cards anytime soon. Knowing that so many of you are in the same boat, I've put together my best tips for dressing for fall even when it's pushing 80 degrees.

---

Skirts in fall fabrics

Nothing says fall quite like suede and corduroy, but let's be honest – those fabrics can be hot. If you're in a warm-weather climate, a great workaround for this is to wear skirts. They have that unmistakable fall look without being too warm. If a cold snap happens to come through, you can wear a pair of tights underneath or (finally) pull out your favorite tall boots. This season's fall skirts have fun details like pockets and tie-waists.

See My Picks

Sweater vests

Before you give me the side-eye, hear me out. Modern sweater vests have come a long way since the '70s. True, they’re absolutely retro, but in a decidedly chic sort of way. Sweater vests also complement virtually everything (really!), so it’s east to make them work for you. Go ahead – put on one of your go-to outfits, then top it with a sweater vest. I’m willing to bet you’ll be surprised by how much you like the result. I personally love the cable-knit details and button-up styles because they add interest and texture, plus they almost mimic “real” sweaters. View my latest IGTV video for different ways to wear this trend!

See My Picks

Lightweight kimonos

If you really can't get on board with sweater vests, give kimonos a try. As you know, I'm a huge fan of layering. Adding a third piece of clothing to any outfit really does make you look more put-together, even if you're wearing something as casual as a graphic tee and jeans. I especially love light, airy kimonos because they're chic yet comfortable and effortless and they can be worn all year. Opt for jewel tones for fall, then wear the kimono as a swimsuit coverup in the summer – voila!

See My Picks

Long-sleeved dresses

I love the balanced silhouette of a mini- or midi-dress with long sleeves. It has that classic sweaterdress look, but can be made of a much lighter material (remember, fake it 'til you make it!). Pair it with low booties and a statement necklace and you're done! This look can also be easily dressed up or down by pairing it with different jacket styles. Throw on a denim jacket or even vest for a more low-key look, or choose a peacoat or blazer for a dressier look.

Since a dress is essentially a one-piece outfit, balance is crucial. If your dress is a solid color or has a neutral print, wear statement shoes, like a pair of white ankle booties. And vice-versa, if the dress has a bold design, opt for neutral footwear.

See My Picks

Mules

I think mules must have been created by a fellow Floridian, someone who wanted to wear boots in the fall but knew they were way too heavy and hot. Whoever it was, I'd like to thank them – I love a good pair of mules. The whole front of your foot is covered so you feel like you're wearing boots, but mules are backless, so you stay nice and cool. This season, there are fabulous mules in all sorts of styles and heel heights. Pair them with cropped jeans, a skirt, or even a dress – just make sure it's something that shows off the mules' details.

See My Picks

I hope these transitional wardrobe tips are helpful, especially for my fellow warm-weather dwellers. Let me know which combos you try and be sure to tag me in your outfit photos on Instagram @therealchachaolivia! Stay (fashionably) cool my friends!

Happy Styling,

---

You Might Like These Similar Blog Posts

10+ Ways to Style White Booties

Fashion trends can be confusing because they are always changing and sometimes it seems as if we can't keep up. 

 I don’t personally like to invest in things that may look dated in a year or two, but life is short and sometimes it’s fun to try something different. Styling these trends is one of those things I like to play around with when I want to shake up some of my looks.

---

I was a little hesitant at first to try the white bootie trend, but they are back for a second Fall Season and I am really attracted to them. 

As with any item of clothing and especially when considering a new purchase, I don’t like to commit unless I can find several ways to style them. So, I created a quick styling video on IGTV to help encourage you to try them if these little white booties have been catching your eye too! 

If you haven't watched it already, head over to Instagram, I'm @therealchachaolivia (and be sure to follow me for more style tips). 

1-3. Pair with Denim

The first 2 style tips are all about denim! Denim is a “go-to” for me as I love dressing jeans up and down. White boots add that much more dimension to denim.

If you are shy at first about trying this fashion-forward trend, have it peep out the tip of a bootleg jean.

1. A bootleg jean. If you are shy at first about trying this fashion-forward trend, have it peep out the tip of a bootleg jean

2. A cropped jean will really draw attention to the bottom and show off the look.

3. A tapered jean can be adjusted to just the right length to work with your own personal bootie pick.

4. Pair with the Unexpected

Try your booties with a dress or outfit that you normally wear more dressed up.

This will make the dress or outfit more versatile and add to your unique style.

5. Try a Pair of Joggers

Not real sweatpants but the joggers that look more like leisurewear.

I paired them in the video with the Alice and Olivia vegan jogger.

6. Okay….we are back to denim!

I wore mine with a midi length denim skirt and loved the look.

7. A Monochrome Look

Wear variations of white and beige to add length. I have always loved an outfit made with different shades of color and white is no exception!

8. Style with a Shorter Dress.

If you love your legs, why not accentuate them? And if you don't, it's a great way to practice body positivity!

9. Try with a Patterned Pant

Especially one in black and white will give you a fresh new option from the typical “black and white” look.

10. Pair with an Asymmetrical Hem

This would be another fun option for showing off that new addition to your wardrobe. I used an asymmetrical dress but you could use a skirt too.

11. The Boho Change-Up

Adding white boots to one of your favorite boho looks will change the whole look around.

A cowboy boot in black would normally be the perfect “look” to wear with the dress in my video. It spices it up and mixes the style by adding the white bootie.

---

Those are my White Bootie Styling Tips, I hope they were helpful and that you'll try a few. If you do, don’t forget to share your looks with me @therealchachaolivia. I’d love to see the outfit combos you create with this fun style trend. If it's new for you and something you've been considering, take a chance, you might just end up loving it!

Not sure which boot to try?
Here are some of my picks hueandstripe.com/catalog/672H&S6gCL

Happy Styling Ladies,

---

You Might Like These Similar Blog Posts

10 Unique Ways to Wear a Graphic Tee

Graphic Tees are pretty popular and it doesn’t look like they are going anywhere anytime soon!  They add great spice to an outfit and are so much fun when chosen over a plain white tee. (Not that plain white tees aren’t important!) Graphic tees are always great under denim jackets and worn with jeans, however, there are many more ways to wear them. I created the attached video to show you a few of my favorite ways to style them. You can watch it here...IGTV video @therealchachaolivia 

Let's have some fun and shake it up a bit!

Pair it with a Printed Maxi Skirt.

Graphic tees are always synonymous with casual style. Glam it up a little bit by pairing it with a soft, feminine skirt. My personal favorite skirt pairings are Midi or Maxi lengths. Be sure to coordinate the colors!

Under a Blazer

Wearing a blazer over your tee will not only finish off your outfit (remember the 3rd piece rule?) but will take your graphic tee up a notch . Opt for a different fabric...Why not try velvet for the cooler months ahead?

Under a Duster

Pairing a graphic tee with a duster is a great seasonal outfit because it creates a layering opportunity for the cooler weather while adding interest to your look.

Layer Over Long Sleeve Tee

While there are long sleeve graphic tees, short sleeve tees offer more versatility because they can easily be layered and worn year round! Pair your layered look with jeans or a wide leg lounge pant to complete that look.

Glam it up

Add glamour and accentuate the waist with this tip!

High waisted pants can bring your graphic tee some glamour! It will accentuate the waist and create a defined look. They especially add some drama when paired with the perfect stilettos.

Under a Denim Blouse

Casual yet stylish, this look is perfect for the busy lady!

Where style meets comfort. A denim button down over a graphic tee is the perfect “on the go” look for any busy woman. Add some stylish sneakers and you are put together and ready to tackle the day!

Try a Different Type of Denim

Graphic tees are often paired with denim shorts or denim mini skirts. Why not try wearing it with a long denim skirt and a pair of boots for an effortless and stylish outfit.

Pair with a
Striped Pant

Looking for an anytime look? Pairing a graphic tee with a railroad stripe pant or jean can create a look that is perfect for virtually any occasion. Wear sandals for a more casual look. Add some pumps to level up the look a bit.

Under a Suit

Chique, Stylish and Glamorous.

Graphic tees can be instantly elevated when paired with the perfect suit. Choose a tee that adds a pop of color to your look. Keep an eye on material too, a softer, silkier fabric will add more glamour to the suit.

Tie a Plaid Shirt Around Your Waist

Easy, casual and fun!

Plaid shirts tied around the waist of your graphic tee is casual, fun and easily achievable for everyone! Be sure to coordinate the colors of your blouse and tee.

There you have it, 10 Ways to Style a Graphic Tee. If you try any of these looks, I want to see! Tag me @therealchachaolivia. I love seeing my style tips in action!

Fashionably Yours,

---

You Might Like These Similar Blog Posts