TikTok has become a cultural beacon for viral recipes, fire skincare and makeup routines and, yes, a hub for fashion and style. For this Spring and Summer 2021, here’s wardrobe inspiration that hopefully helps us shake off that current “basement troll” vibe and step into some fresh looks. Check out the gallery below for the clothes and accessories that are currently trending.
1. Straight leg jeans
@batulbazzitoday’s world hijab day!🖤♬ motive x promiscuous – george ᗢ
During the winter, Gen Z came for Millennials, specifically for their skinny jeans. A staple in every Millennial closet, this may have been a shocker, but thankfully there is middle ground: enter the straight leg “mom jean.” Universally flattering, relaxed in the right places and curve-hugging exactly where they should be, this style of jean is for everyone. Pair with a cute, cropped top or tucked in tee shirt and you’re set.
See also: The best TikTok beauty trends to try at home.
2. Sweat shorts
@moderncatwalkWhere are you going to buy your sweatshorts? 😍 #sweatshorts #kendalljenner #haileybieber #fashiontiktok #90saesthetic♬ For A Minute – WizTheMc
Say less! All of the comfort of sweatpants in a practical short for summer heat. Sweat shorts are a looser fit and are perfect for hot summer days. These shorts look great as a matching set or dressed down with a fitted tank. Sweat shorts are also a great addition to that athflow aesthetic we’ve all grown accustomed to…and daresay refuse to give up!
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3. 90s-inspired cropped cardigans
@preteapartirI don’t need a cardigan to be pretty 🙄 #cardigancheck #outfitideas #summerhaul #spring2021fashion #fyp #pourtoi♬ original sound – Micah Nicole
Like many of us here, you too may personally draw a lot of fashion inspiration from the 90’s/00’ movies. There was something very pulled together and chic about Elle Woods matching sweater sets in Legally Blonde and I am super glad this ensemble is back! Updated for 2021, these cropped cardigans and undershirts come in a variety of colours and fabrics so there’s lots to choose from for spring.
4. Bucket hats
@audreytrullingerI am she #buckethat #buckethatgirl #buckethats #influencers #influencersinthewild #chanel♬ original sound – Audrey
Anything that channels LL Cool J in his Kangol bucket hat days, we’re here for! Refreshed for 2021 with new fabrics and patches, the bucket hat will be the go-to accessory for summer. Bonus point for sun protection! Just be aware of where this cult favourite comes from.
See also: Style trends you didn’t know originated from Black culture.
5. Statement sunnies
@mana.ariesdrop a few places where i can get some. i’ll start @indy_sunglasses 😊⚡️💘 #sunglasses #springinspo #summerinspo #summeroutfit2021 #springoutfit2021♬ original sound – Alec Townsend
In a continuation from Summer 2020, statement sunglasses are on trend. Choose from aviators, tiny frames, oversized styles or tinted lenses to complete your look. There’s plenty of offerings from many brands at different price points, which means you can play around with this trend without hurting your wallet.
6. Shackets
@naomiboyer3 Easy Ways To Style A Shacket #shacket #howto #outfitideas #fashion #fallfashion♬ original sound – Naomi Boyer
A “shacket” is exactly what it sounds like: shirt jacket. It’s a perfect transitional piece for colder mornings and hot afternoons that tend to dominate the forecast as the warmish late-Spring months creep in. Not as heavy as a full-on coat but not as light as just a shirt making it the perfect in-between piece for right now. Get one in an oversized buffalo check or plaid for a play on grunge that is also back in style. Stream some Nirvana and channel your inner alt-rock queen.
Related: Get the grunge look with Trop Belle’s 19 product picks.
7. Mini skirts/pleated skirts
@billiexnewlandConfused how to #style pleated skirts?! Watch this! ⭐️ #fashiontips #styletips #tiktokfashion #fyp #viral #fashion #tips #bestandworst #WhereILive♬ original sound – Billie Newland
Miniskirts are having a moment on the FYP and no one is mad about it. Pleated minis are making the rounds and honestly, if it was good enough for Cher and Dionne in Clueless, it’s good enough for us!
Related: Style icons: fictional characters from our favourite films.
8. Statement sneakers
@nyc.yoel#shoes #sneakers #fyp♬ B.S. – Jhené Aiko, H.E.R.
Bright colours, chunky soles or crisp whites are all back for another round. The explosion of the Nike Air Forces 1’s last summer paved the way for the influx of cool sneakers flooding TikTok right now. Nothing ties a look together more than a great shoe and the fact that summer is all about the sneaker makes it even better.
See also: 5 dad sneakers that you’ll actually look cute in and how to style them.
9. Flowy dresses
@beingjuliaSpring outfit rainbow 🌈 🌈 #midsize #fyp #size12 #midsizefashion #springoutfit #fashioninspo #rainbow #midsizestyle #midsizegal♬ HAPPY – 𝘢𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘵𝘪𝘤🧚🏻♀️
Nothing conjures up long, lazy summer picnics more than the flowy dress. Tiny bloom prints to all out floral motifs will be the background to our airy dress phase for this summer. Bust out the excessively fancy charcuterie board (also all over TikTok) and get ready to lounge around in the grass.
You may also like: Spring 2021 style trends with inclusive style expert Meredith Shaw.
10. Summer Knits
@kalechngSpring knitsss #springhaul #tryonhaul #thrifthaul #foryou #xyzbca #summerknits #summertrends #fashionweek♬ original sound – vintage
Knitwear is having a moment outside of mittens and scarfs.
Think ribbed dresses or pants, lightweight knit sweaters and wide crocheted tops in bright colours. This fabric is also showing up in bags and accessories in case you’re too afraid to fully commit to knit.
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