7 Understatedly Chic Ways to Hit Refresh on Your Style for 2021
With the new year in full swing, there’s no better time than now to press reset and embrace something different for 2021. Last year was ruled predominantly by loungewear and had us going back to basics. And if you’re like us, you’ve probably curated quite an assemblage of knitwear and minimalist pieces already. But refreshing your wardrobe doesn’t have to mean you have to completely sever ties from the cozy garbs you’ve become accustomed to. Instead, leave a door open for experimentation and for exploring certain styles you’ve never tried or even thought of wearing. Never been a fan of brights? Maybe a flattering bow puff sleeve will change your mind.
Whether you’re productively ticking off to-do’s on your list or getting started on your resolutions, the beginning of the year is a chance to dedicate your attention to a sartorial revamp—perhaps even as far as enhancing your spaces at home. From fun colors to trendy textures and whimsical prints, here are seven different ways to get your style overhaul jumpstarted.
1. Level Up Your Lounging
Click here to shop the DB Sunday Hacci Jogger Pant ($24.99)
Gone are the days when we saw athleisure as less essential pieces. With the amount of time we’ve spent at home, it has quickly turned into the staple we’ve reached for since the inception of the new normal. Upgrade your sweats and favorite loungewear basics with some colors and textures by going for soft Hacci knits and tones outside of the usual neutral palette. For ladies on the go, a flattering pair of bike shorts or versatile high-rise trousers will be your secrets to conquering active or errand days effortlessly.
Click here to shop the DB Sunday Hacci Marilyn Neck Top ($32.95)
Click here to shop the Westport Signature High Rise Pull On Jegging ($45.95)
Click here to shop the Tummy Control Bike Short ($29.95)
2. Play With Whimsical Patterns
Click here to shop the Roz & Ali Purple Tie Dye Jacquard Popover ($36.95)
Prints might be a scary avenue to venture into for the minimalists but the best approach is to incorporate them slowly. Try a dress silhouette you’ve always loved but stylized with solid-colored patterns or an easier classic—such as banker stripes—but in a multicolor scheme. And while we’re at it, why not go big? Choose your lane with two of our favorite modern trends: tie-dye and patchwork or swerve to the classics by picking romantic florals in a fiery shade with your favorite wrap skirt.
Click here to shop the Silvia Embroidered Midi Baby Doll ($54.95)
Click here to shop the Wine Tie Dye Floral Jacquard Popover ($39.95)
Click here to shop the Westport Patchwork Wrap Blouse ($39.95)
Click here to shop the Westport Chiffon Peasant Top ($39.95)
3. Make It Pop With Striking Colors
Click here to shop the Westport Scallop Neck Jewel Pullover ($29.99)
No matter if you’re team jewel tones or full-on vivid brights, there’s no wrong way to bring in a pop of color to your looks. Punch up your knits a notch by picking a head-turning but still wearable hue (we can’t lie, we’ve always had a thing for royal blue!). On the daintier side, try a feminine and flattering scoop neck with decoratively detailed sleeves in a sunny shade. It's perfect for picnics or afternoon garden parties with a flowy midi skirt. When it comes to work, trust a light and airy blouse to keep you cool and comfy for busy days. Wear it with sleek tailored pants and you’re set to boss up.
Click here to shop the Westport Tie Sleeve Button Front Blouse ($24.99)
Click here to shop the Westport Crochet Yoke Peasant Blouse ($24.99)
4. Spice Up Your WFH Set-Up
Click here to shop the White and Black Pillow Cover With Down Insert ($154.95)
Revamping your style doesn’t stop with the clothes you wear—it also trickles down to your interiors. After all, we’re all at home these days, making it even more vital that we make it both exciting and comfortable. Spruce up your work-from-home environment with accent pillows. Choose from fun, geometric shapes that you can add as playful details or cozy fuzzy textures that you can place at the back of your seat. If you think you’ve got enough color, balance it out with timeless prints like checks and two-tone stripes in neutrals.
Click here to shop the White with Blue 3D Shape Star Pillow ($72.95)
Click here to shop the Casual Square Dark Mauve Shag Accent Pillow ($94.95)
Click here to shop the Grey Pillow Cover With Down Insert ($154.95)
Click here to shop the Square Tropical Accent Pillow ($94.95)
5. Diversify Your Knits
Click here to shop the Roz & Ali Textured Scallop Trim Pullover Sweater ($39.95)
More than the feeling of a soft cloud-like hug, what we love the most about knitwear is its versatility. The possibilities are endless when it comes to styling it for small events or even on casual weekends. With the amount we’ve accumulated during lockdown, it’s a good idea to add in cozy pieces that have a little extra flair. These are brights or pastels, fanciful cuts, and even multi-functional accessories. Consider a scallop trim neckline that you can show off at intimate gatherings or a chic utilitarian scarf that you can adjust for any look to keep you warm when the temperature drops.
Click here to shop the Stripe Tunic Sweater ($36.95)
Click here to shop the Roz & Ali Textured Scallop Trim Pullover Sweater ($39.95)
6. Safety in Style
Click here to shop the Wild Thing Fashion Face Mask ($4.99)
Start the year off right with a new mask, especially since it’s the most important thing to grab before we head out the door. Make dressing up more fun by coordinating your face masks with your outfits or adding prints as a highlight to a monochromatic look. If you decide on an animal printed handbag or sandals to an evening soirée, match it with a mask in either the same or similar print for a subtle but chic mixed pattern style. You can even choose a specific hue from the mask and build your outfit’s color palette around it. The sky’s the limit!
Click here to shop the Suki Fashion Face Mask ($4.99)
Click here to shop the Houndstooth Fashion Mask ($4.99)
Click here to shop the Sukiso Fashion Mask ($4.99)
Click here to shop the Floral Print Face Mask ($4.99)
7. Experiment With Your Accessories
Click here to shop the Evil Eye Necklace ($55.95)
Anyone can easily elevate their looks with the right accessories. Add some details to spruce up your basics and consider looking into styles outside of the normal. Geometric pendants and bangles brighten up an indoor date or getaway outfit instantly, especially when layered. Color-wise, mixing and matching light and bright tones is key for spotlight-grabbing ensembles. Try a colorful mini bag or a neutral but subtly-printed hat, and you’ll instantly fill in that seemingly missing piece in your whole get-up.
Click here to shop the Parker Mini Bag ($148.95)
Click here to shop the Leopard Print Soft Knitted Beanie ($20.95)
Click here to shop the Gold Knot Bangle Bracelet ($12.95)
Embrace Something New
Fashion is certainly powerful in the way it gives us confidence. Even the most casual of outfits can uplift a mood in a flash. Whether you’re starting on a clean slate or just adding to a trusted collection, the best way to approach this refresh is to put the focus on doing it for yourself especially during a time when matters of beauty might be a low priority.
With every restart naturally comes a bite from the new year bug to inspire us to make little tweaks or enhance what we have. So don’t be afraid to be adventurous and celebrate changes—big or small this year. You’ll never know how an unconventional piece might be your new essential until you step out of the box.
