Written by Emma D'Arcy
It’s time. Time to finally dust off our finest stilettos, those show-stopping cocktail dresses that do all the talking, and reopen our glittering jewelry boxes.
2021’s autumn/winter fashion weeks, the Met Gala, and the red carpet for the premiere of the James Bond ‘No Time To Die’ film in London have confirmed what we’ve all been eagerly waiting for: the return of glamour. The more vibrant and the more fabulous the outfit, the better. As our calendars fill up with real-life engagements, celebrations and parties, we’re all collectively feeling excited at the prospect of gathering together in our finest in winter 2021.
Given the fact that we have all been based at home for the last eighteen months, it’s entirely understandable that so many of us have simply been waiting for the opportunity to open our wardrobes and reach for brightest, most shimmering outfit combinations we can piece together! Since the Autumn/Winter 21 shows back in February, we have had an idea of what to expect from the fashion set, but it’s only now that these outfits are finally making it to the outside world this autumn in all their IRL statement-making glory, that we can fully appreciate that glamour is back. Nothing is off-limits with entire outfits in bold, bright and beautiful colours (fuchsia or lemon, anyone?), or even dressing head to toe in glittering dresses, if that’s the sartorial shift you need to move into the new season.
As for inspiration – we have been spoilt for choices with outfits adorned by royalty, celebrities and industry insiders, with the flurry of stunning outfits from the recent Met Gala in September, to the much anticipated Bond premiere in London (think Lea Seadoux’s sparkling chiffon cape and custom Louis Vuitton gown), the Duchess of Cambridge’s golden sequinned Jenny Packham creation, or Billie Eilish’s dramatic Oscar de la Renta gown at the Met, to name just a few.
And stepping out, glimpsing fabulous outfits on Londoners as the city has re-opened – jumping into taxis, entering a restaurant or the theatre – I have enjoyed admiring outfits on display in the streets as much as in the pages of glossy fashion titles and social platforms. Now that we are meeting once again, attending events, parties, birthdays and social celebrations, we finally have the chance to enjoy dressing up again. Personally, whether it’s planning a wedding guest outfit, or simply heading to the office for the first time in a month, adding that touch of glamour or colourful accessories to an outfit adds the feel-good factor to my day.
For those of us who aren’t quite ready for full ‘out-out’ dressing, other trends from the autumn/winter 21 season is teaming glamorous wardrobe items with comfortable pieces, as a mid-way option depending on the occasion, and suiting up with oversized blazers and a more relaxed silhouette for an updating office look.
Whatever the occasion, the key thing to remember is to wear whatever you please and whatever makes you feel good, as the most exciting change to the season is that we now have the opportunities to get glammed up for!
