Here's Everything I'm Not Wearing in 2021 – and What I'm Wearing Instead

This may sound counterintuitive, but I’m enjoying where much of the fashion collective is right now in the way of opting for boots with distinct character that feel like a statement against an understated outfit, versus a sleeker, more simple alternative.

The chunky, lug-sole silhouette is easier to dress up than you’d think, and of course, a breeze to pair with all of your casual looks. Their best attribute is the ability to provide an element of surprise to any get-up.

I’ve spent the greater half of 2020 wearing sweats, and needless to say, as cozy as they are, I’m missing the feeling of “put-togetherness” a slightly more polished pant can provide.

Such a thing does exist. Palazzo pants, knitted trousers, and even oversize suit pants are the quickest route to looking like you tried, without sacrificing comfort.

If I’m being honest, I haven’t touched an excessively high heel all year, but I’ve now made the decision to officially pass mine on to a happier home, and replace them with a decidedly more wearable alternative.

Mid-heeled mules have earned the hearts of most every fashion-girl on, and the love affair is well within reason. After discovering the style as the comfy sister to a pair of ultrahigh, strappy heels, I’m never looking back.

This wardrobe mainstay has reigned for years, but in the near future, I’m going for more refined layering options.

Oversize blazers come with the loose comfort of a cardigan, but have the ability to elevate your outfit in an instant. You’ll find me pairing them with everything from denim to those knitted trousers I mentioned earlier.

It’s the sunglasses trends we can’t ever seem to stay away from, but where functionality is concerned, the style is admittedly lacking.

Fashion’s return to trends of the early aughts have inspired an enjoyable range of shield sunglasses designs from new brands. Alternatively, you can go the vintage route when shopping out this style, too.

Probably to my parents’ dismay, I’m not without the obsession for ripped baggy, denim, but I’ll argue that other jean styles may give the remaining pieces of your outfit the much-needed room to steal the show.

Recent research (aka scrolling through Instagram, coupled with trial and error) has revealed that there’s not a top on the market straight-leg jeans won’t pair well with.

I love varietal color as much as the next person, but next year, I’m choosing to focus on a more uniform style of dress.

Something about a head-to-toe monochrome palette feels instantly chic. Plus, it’s so easy to style, and you can take the look into any season depending on the shades you choose.