2020 Fashion Trends That We Are Leaving Behind

Though I have never personally bought into the idea of global fashion trends, I have always been an avid observer. Personally, I prefer not to go out and find that I am adorned in the same outfit as ten other people. However, this is not to bash anyone who chooses to follow fashion trends. People should be free to embrace their concept of style and individuality and wear whatever they please without being scrutinized. This isn't to say that trend onlookers like myself don't have questions. It is beyond me why people will spend their hard earned money to be a part of these trends especially if it's primarily for an Instagram photo-op. Like many, I like to flaunt jaw-dropping outfits, but I also like to spend my money on things based on their usefulness.

The five fashion trends I have highlighted are not based on aesthethics but rather their practicality as far as price and comfort goes. According to the Wall Street Journal, "Americans spend $1.2 trillion annually on nonessential goods—in other words, items they do not need." Some of these are fashion items that are bought only to be used once or not serve a significant purpose. As far as sustainability goes, these are not good options, so I have suggested alternative trends that will still leave you looking stylish and ready for the camera.

Let's Ditch Tiny Handbags...

I won't lie, I tried really hard to like this trend. Why? I have an odd obsession with miniature replicas that results in me frequently visiting Instagram pages such as @dailymini, @workshopminiature, and @myminiaturelife_yt. However, tiny handbags that lack functionality just did not have the same effect on me. I know what you're thinking... "but they're so cute!" And you're right. But, the most you'll be able to fit in these are some coins if you're lucky and if you're into designer brands then these bags will cost you at least $500. Imagine carrying around an empty mini purse and having to keep your essentials like your phone and keys in your hand.

...And Replace Them With Oversized Totes

Can you guess what is better than having a bag that holds nothing? A bag that holds everything! In 2021, most of us will continue to travel with hand sanitizers or antibacterial wipes. Plus, if you are anything like me, you'll probably want to have hand cream with you at all times to prevent your hands from becoming super dry (after using moiture-leeching sanitizers). Traveling with these and other essential items will require a bag that is on the roomy side. As such, you cannot go wrong with an oversized tote bag and it doesn't need to be a market bag. There are very stylish oversized tote bags that are up for grabs such as the one pictured above.

Let's Ditch Latex Dresses...

Latex dresses scream "HOT!" and are dripping with sex appeal. With it's cinching effect, latex became a top trend among stylish females. This Kardashian shape-releaving trend looks like a second skin and offers a very limited range of mobility making it difficult to walk for some folks. If that isn't enough to convince you to ditch this trend, imagine the thigh chaffing you'll endure especially if you have thick thighs or how long it will take to wriggle out of this dress during a trip to the washroom. All in all, I think we should leave latex outfits in the bedroom.

...And Replace Them With Crochet Dresses

Is slow fashion your thing? Then this is definitely for you! Not only are crochet dresses cute, they are also made of comfy and breathable materials. Additionally they provide an opportunity to support more fashion designers with small businesses such as @artfitbyzakyla. Crochet dresses whether form-fitting or fit-and-flare unquestionably provides more mobility and won't have you taking oddly tiny steps in an effort to pull off the look. I know your mind might automatically drift to the crochet sweater your grandma once made for you when you think about this trend. Though you liked it and it was super cozy, you probably wouldn't wear it to make a fashion statement. However, this is not your gradmother's crochet. This trend features chic and sexy sustainable dresses that are sure to turn heads!

Let's Ditch Micro Sunglasses...

Let's admit it; micro sunglasses are cute and stylish AF! They are undoubtedly Instagram-worthy, but that is as far as they go. I'd never purchase micro sunglasses for the same reason I wouldn't purchase tiny handbags; they are not functional. I like to look trendy, but I also like to be financially responsible. Living amid a pandemic means thinking twice before purchasing items primarily for aesthetics. How do I even wear micro sunglasses? Do I look above it, through it or under it? Or were they only meant to be worn when I am in a static position? I am already clumsy at times and I feel like these would just confuse me and exacerbate the issue.

...And Replace Them With Oversized Cat-Eye Sunglasses

I wear sunglasses to shield my eyes from the sun. Period. However, I do think it is possible to have sunglasses that are trendy yet useful. Though there are many options available, my money is on oversized cat-eye sunglasses for 2021. On the one hand, cat-eye sunglasses are a long time favourite but I think making them smaller was a bad call in 2020. On the other hand, oversized cat-eye sunglasses will definitely stand out in a crowd and most importantly, protect your eyes (granted that you get one of quality that isn't made of toxic materials). If you like to mix and match then you can simply purchase coloured lenses which will give your outfit an extra pop!

Let's Ditch PVC Heels...

In 2020, I caved a bought myself a pair of clear PVC shoes. I was convinced it was a smart decision as clear shoes go with everything. A bonus was being able to wear enclosed shoes while simultaneously flaunting my freshly pedicured toes. Unfortunately, I was only able to wear it once as it was ridiculously uncomfortable. The edges of the plastic pinched my feet with each step, and I had painful shoe outlines all over my feet as proof. I know they say "beauty is pain", but this was NOT worth it. Upon reading countless reviews on PVC shoes, I noticed I wasn't alone and that other females felt the same. It also doesn't help that these shoes provide an ideal environment for sweaty feet.

...And Replace Them With Kitten Heels

Continuing on the theme of comfort, kitten heels are the poster child for comfort when it comes to footwear with heels. Now, I know this might remind you of unflattering and unattractive versions you may have owned in the past but some really cute ones have been released for 2021. I used to think kitten heels were a weird combination of heels and flats with a pointless short heel. Regardless, they are still the only type of heels that I can manage to wear for hours on end without looking like I am walking on ice. 2020 was a terrible year that caused significant discomfort for most. My goal for 2021 is to feel as good as I possibly can and that includes wearing clothes and shoes that makes me feel confident and comfortable simultaneously.

Let's Ditch Biker Shorts...

As you can imagine, this trend from the 90s made a comeback when Kim Kardashian and her sisters started wearing them. This athleisure trend is typically paired with sneakers (especially dad sneakers, which are also questionable) or heels and has been around for a couple of years. Biker shorts were created to improve efficiency and comfort during long bike rides. I am impressed that someone was able to transform such a practical garment by glamming it up, but I think this is one trend that has run its course. Generally speaking, athleisure may be here to stay because let us be honest, it can be comfy as hell. However, a good compromise would be limiting this look to perhaps supermarket trips rather than brunch with the girls. Let's go back to having a clear distinction between items that were made for fitness and sports and items that were made for us to wear out. For folks who work from home, we already have blurred lines between home and work attire and that is all the obscurity we need.

...And Replace Them With Linen Shorts

Linen shorts have been a favourite of mine since I first discovered them a few years ago. Though they are more suitable for summertime fun, you can't deny that they are nifty, affordable and the perfect addition to a cute and flirty outfit. Also, because they aren't skin tight, you won't feel as exposed as you would in biker shorts or any other skin-tight garment. My lower half is on the thicker side so wearing linen shorts allows me to feel sexy without having men ogling my body because they can see an imprint of every crack and crevice. Plus, don't you want to look different when you're at the gym and when you hit the streets? I know I do.

I hope you all found these suggestions useful for your 2021 fashion purchases. If not, just know that it is perfectly okay to wear whatever the heck you wanna wear; I am not a fashion police. We all had an interesting year in 2020, and I think this year we should commit to making ourselves feel good on both the inside and outside. If that means wearing a neon green latex dress with a pair of PVC heels and a teeny-tiny handbag, then go for it!

After all, fashion looks better when you feel good on the inside 💖