Wearing & Pairing 2021 Fashion Trends
By: Mishaal Jamal
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5. Mesh has come in and out of style for a while now, but this time it’s coming back BETTER. I’ve been seeing so much mesh and sheer clothing with bright colours, patterns, and even in combo with patchwork pieces!
Pairing:
Because this is material and not a clothing item, your pairing possibilities are essentially endless. I think this delicate material looks best in contrast to something heavier, like leather or denim.
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1. These boots have been circulating Pinterest for a little while now, and the retro vibes are immaculate! Though they can be found in a variety of styles, the most commonly worn ones I’ve seen are black leather, white patent leather, and red patent leather!
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Pairing:
These boots should be the star of the outfit! They would look best with a mini dress or mini skirt, tights, and a knit sweater or cardigan.
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2. I CANNOT wait for this trend! Fishnets made a moderate comeback when worn underneath our ripped jeans, but that trend was short-lived. 2021 is the year we bring back fishnets and tights, but with some spice through colour and pattern! Coloured fishnets or patterned tights can be a great way to elevate a simple outfit and add an extra layer.
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Pairing:
A pair of patterned/coloured tights or fishnets can look great under a plain black skirt, a dress with a trench coat or oversized jacket and a pair of combat boots or those chunky heeled boots! With so many colours and patterns available, the outfit possibilities are endless.
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3. Though this isn’t a “new” concept, it has changed slightly. When we think pantsuit in 2021, we no longer think “workwear.” Instead, we are now thinking classy, put together, and empowered! If you are a fan of co-ord sets and love the idea of not having to worry about putting together outfits every day, this trend is just for you.
Pairing:
My favourite thing about these sets is that they can be dressed up with some jewelry and a pair of heels, or dressed down with a hoodie under your blazer and a pair of sneakers. Because pantsuits are already an outfit, you’re all set!
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4. To continue on with the preppy vibe, blazer dresses are a new favourite of mine for a slightly warmer day. Though “blazer dresses” are sold in stores, you could simply get an oversized blazer from a thrift store and wear it as a dress! A simple statement piece that can be dressed up or down.
Pairing:
These dresses look great with a button up or hoodie underneath, but I personally love how a turtleneck looks! With a statement belt or a corset and a pair of sneakers or boots, you have the perfect effortless look.
How Fashion is a Part of My Identity
By: Mantika Mehra
All of my life, I have used creative forms like theatre and art to express my identity. However, fashion is one expression I use daily to feel confident and embrace myself.
Fashion plays a crucial role in composing my identity. I believe personal style is a great outlet to showcase personality and distinguish yourself among others. Style has a personal connection to everyone, as each day what we choose to wear is our own personal choice; that choice makes me feel powerful and free. When I step out into the world, it is stepping into the unknown. In a world of strangers and new friends, the first thing that will represent me is what I wear. Hence, it is very important to me to express myself through clothes because I am able to create a walking visual of my creative self.
Since I come from a South Asian background, a career in fashion is not a conventional pathway. However, I have not let this act as a barrier between me and my goals, but rather it has inspired me to work even harder. No one in my family has taken this non-traditional route, so I really resonate with fashion because it makes me unique and symbolizes how passion and dreams are better than being “normal.”
I have been told the fashion community is toxic, but expression through clothing is what led me to my new welcoming family at RANI. This kind of love for fashion is what brought creatives from all over the world together in order to share their passion and create something beautiful. Not only does fashion improve my self-esteem but it gives me opportunities to connect and communicate with others, which is very important to me. Fashion plays a vital role in my life; other than serving as an embarrassing and unchangeable Snapchat username, it is what makes me, me.
How Culture Changed My Style
By: Katy Bordonaro
Top Fashion Moments from Inauguration Day
By: Kelsi Lee
Before we close off the first part of 2021, it would only be fair to pay respect to the striking looks seen at the Inauguration ceremony and activities that opened an era of historical firsts. From memorable performances to handmade mittens, each individual was dressed to the nines while expressing their own sense of style, and incorporating many symbolic American messages as we start off the Biden-Harris administration. Here is a recap and some of my most loved fashion moments seen at the 2021 Inauguration events:
Dr. Jill Biden
All eyes were on Dr. Jill Biden as she sported a striking blue gown and coat made by New York designer Alexandra O’Neill of Makarian. Reminiscent of Jackie Kennedy’s iconic light blue coat and pillbox hat in the 60s, Dr. Jill Biden welcomes a new era of presidency with cozy details, dark blue velvet cuffs, and a matching collar worn over a tapered dress with a scalloped skirt. To add another layer of class, O’Neill hand-embellished the dress with Swarovski crystals for some bling. Makarian notes in a press release that the colour blue was chosen to show off Dr. Biden’s strength, while also symbolizing “trust, confidence, and stability.” Finally, it wouldn’t be 2021 without a matching mask to stay safe!
Bipartisan Purple
Kamala Harris wore a royal purple coat and dress designed by Christopher John Rogers. In an interview with Vanity Fair, the New York based designer explained that “The people who initially reached out to me for interviews and pulled my stuff and actually used it were Black women. Black women understood why I didn’t shy away from color.” This was a perfect way to celebrate the first female vice president, first Black vice president in such a bold manner. Purple can also be understood as a combination of Democratic blue and Republican red, symbolizing bipartisanship. Dr. Jill Biden was also seen wearing a purple dress and coat combo by designer Jonathen Cohen on the eve of the inauguration. Michelle Obama captured attention wearing a magenta-hue monochrome suit. Hillary Clinton, another former first lady, sported a purple pantsuit at the ceremony and joined the ladies in style with purple hues. Harris’ campaign colour also gives cues to Shirley Chisholm, the first Black woman to be elected to Congress, suggesting that her outfit for the Inauguration is another nod.
Bernie Sanders
Mittens
Bernie Sanders has become a beloved internet meme for his power stance during the Inauguration ceremony. The mittens he is spotted wearing have a heart-warming story as they were made by a Vermont teacher by the name of Jen Ellis. Ellis has been a supporter ever since he ran in the 2016 election, and even slipped a note into the mittens when gifted encouraging him to run again in the future. If this hasn’t warmed your heart yet, these mittens were made from repurposed wool sweaters and recycled plastic bottles, embodying the shift towards eco-friendly consciousness and addressing the need for environmental sustainability. It was no surprise that Ellis would receive thousands of requests for a pair of mittens, but unfortunately she had no more pairs to sell after the Inauguration. It wasn’t until a few days after the ceremony Ellis decided to make a few more pairs that she could donate to a few charities, one of them being Outright Vermont, an LGBTQ+ youth organization. Ellis’ hope is to show LGBTQ+ youth that she “sees” them amidst the pandemic.
Maisy Biden’s Jordan 1s
Embracing the sophisticated style of streetwear, granddaughter of President Biden, Maisy Biden, styled a pair of Air Jordans in both her inauguration ceremony outfit, and in her look for the “Celebrating America” ceremony. During the day, Maisy rocked a navy and black suit with a pair of Air Jordan COJP “Midnight Navy.” A combination of Jordan 1 “Sisterhood” sneakers with an eclectic, statement gown from Rodarte for the night time festivities made for a stylish appearance while swearing-in her grandfather’s presidency. Maisy’s eye for inauguration-fashion-meets-streetwear took the internet by storm, many speculating she had on a pair of Air Jordan 1 Mid “Sisterhoods,” which was later corrected by a Twitter user. It wasn’t too soon before this rumoured appearance drove the prices of Air Jordan 1 Mid “Sisterhoods” on StockX to new highs. StockX tweeted that in 24 hours, trades for these Nike sneakers doubled, and bids went up 200 percent.
Amanda Gorman’s Custom Yellow Coat
Amanda Gorman, National Youth Poet Laureate and youngest inaugural poet in history, presented “The Hill We Climb” in a beautiful, custom yellow coat and red headband both designed by Prada.
Deb Haaland’s Skirt
The U.S Representative from New Mexico’s first congressional district, Deb Haaland, proudly sported a gorgeous yellow skirt designed by Aiukli Designs. Paying homage to her Laguna Pueblo ancestry, the ribbon details on the skirt were captivating.
Ella Emhoff’s MiuMiu Coat and Chunky Heels
Vice President Harris’ step-daughter, Ella Emhoff, rocked a pair of chunky heeled boots with a classy Miu Miu coat. Parson’s student Emhoff paired her embellished coat with a prairie-style dress from Batsheva for a look that was authentic, stylish, and avant-garde.
Meena Harris Goes Green
Meena Harris — niece of Vice President Harris, author, lawyer, and activist — kept cozy at the ceremony in a sage green shearling coat designed by the New York label Coach. She paired this chic coat with a ruffled, emerald green two piece designed by Ulla Johnson. Not only was this very on trend with fall 2020 fashion with the influx of green and earth tone colours, but also a reminder and symbol of the pressing need to consider climate change and environmental sustainability, and take it seriously to build a better future.