NUFS Modelling Director, Maddie Roberts, takes a look back at the best and worst fashion trends of 2020.

The majority of last year was spent in lockdown, living in loungewear and scrolling on our phones. This meant the fashion industry had to come up with new ways to showcase their collections and the art of digital runways was born. Apps like TikTok changed the way the fashion world works, with trends starting on the platform and subsequently ending up on the runways. Whilst high street stores took inspiration from social media, instead of the usual top designers. Despite these changes, there were many new trends that came out of 2020; some good and some really bad. Here I look at some of the most popular trends and decide whether they should carry on into 2021 or stay in 2020 with the memories of at home workouts and baking banana bread.

1. Loungewear

Arguably the most popular trend of the year, loungewear has become the best way to simultaneously get dressed but also stay as comfy as you were in pyjamas (which FYI is a very important factor to surviving a pandemic). Comfort came in all different shapes and colours, from wearing bright tie dye joggers with matching hoodies, to neutral toned leggings and sweaters. In my opinion, this is one of the best things to come out of 2020, although how hard can that be, considering the multiple lockdowns. Everybody has been wearing loungewear inside and outside, and it is a key staple in most people’s wardrobes by now to have at least one matching lounge set; you only need to scroll down your Instagram feed to see at least one influencer wearing one. Since the first lockdown, it has become acceptable to go to work and online uni in what can only be described as fashionable pyjamas, and the loungewear trend is one thing that I hope carries on for long after the pandemic ends; it will make my 9am lectures much less effort to attend!

2. Welly-style Boots

A trend that started towards the end of the year for the colder weather, these fashionable boots are something that can be worn with so many different outfits and look good on everyone. Whether you opt for ankle boots or knee-high, they are so versatile and are good for all weather. The welly style means they are ideal for cold rainy days were used to in the UK. After festivals were cancelled, trend setters had to find some way to incorporate wellies into the year’s outfits, so welly style boots for winter seem like the perfect compromise. Having invested in a pair myself, I hope that this trend carries on for the rest of winter and if festivals are cancelled again this year, I’m sure we’ll see the return of these welly style boot in winter 2021 too.

3. Mini bags

Another trend to come out of last year is the tiny bag, and I can only say that I hope this trend stays in 2020. Brought into popularity by designer Jacquemus, who retails the useless bags at £400, these tiny bags provide absolutely no function apart from making your hands look really big. Women’s clothing is already known for not having pockets, so why on earth would we want to restrict ourselves even more by carrying a bag that can’t fit more than a piece of chewing gum in it? I understand that sometimes they could look cute with an outfit and the colours might go nicely, but there are plenty of pretty, small bags (like the baguette bag trend of the year) that have the added benefit of being practical and being able to fit things in it. No matter which celebrities are seen with these bags, I just can’t seem to get behind this trend, and I hope it won’t be carried on in 2021.

4. Sweater vests

Just like marmite, you either love or hate the sweater vest trend, and I personally stand on the love side. The sweater vest was seen on several A/W 2020 runways after already being popularised by thrifty TikTokers, who turned the traditionally nerdy style into something that was fashionable. The trend can now be seen on everyone’s Instagram, with the high street brands making them accessible to suit everyone’s style. This versatile trend should last months into 2021 as the neutral coloured vests turn to bright colours and patterns ready for spring and summer. Whether it be cropped or oversized, these look good on everyone and can be dressed up or down for any occasion, which only makes me question why these haven’t been this popular before? One thing can be certain, the sweater vests have proven once and for all that girls do not dress for boys, as I don’t think there are many boys since Chandler Bing who are into this trend, but that just makes me like it even more.

5. Brown Tones

Honestly, I don’t know why brown hasn’t been everyone’s favourite colour even before 2020. But for some reason, it was always seen as an ugly colour . However to me, it is just another type of autumn tone that usually becomes trendy in autumn/winter every year. 2020 saw the rise of chocolate brown in particular, and this colour just looks good on everybody no matter what skin tone. I’m not sure how much the brown colour will survive as we start transitioning into summer, but I’m certain it will be around again for these seasons in 2021. One brown clothing item that has been particularly successful is the brown puffer coat after Kendall Jenner was spotted wearing it. These are now being sold on Depop for ridiculous prices, with the North Face version being sold for prices over £500 and for something that may soon go out of style, this is extremely expensive. The cheaper copies of these are sold out within minutes, and often resold on Depop for almost double the price, so as much as the brown clothes look nice, are these prices worth it?

6. ‘Reworked’ clothes

This trend originally began from people on TikTok deciding to put their free time in lockdown to good use and making old clothes into something fashionable. At first, the clothes were trendy and fashionable but, as with any new trend, it was quickly hijacked by fast fashion companies who wanted to create their own version of the trend. Missguided, Pretty Little Thing and even Oh Polly’s latest ‘Exposed Seams’ collection all copied this idea and by doing so, completely defeated the intention of the trend, which was to reduce waste and help the environment. When the trend started, I was a big fan and even wanted to recreate it myself, but the fast fashion brands stealing the ideas of small businesses completely ruins it for me. Hopefully in 2021, small businesses will be able to create things without their ideas being stolen by big brands. Whilst sustainable and innovative designs will be kept as just that, rather than being transformed back into the fast fashion we are trying to steer away from.

7. Y2K

Finally the Y2K trend. Becoming one of the most popular trends, it is extremely cute and pretty with the cami tops, baggy jeans, small bags and kitten heels and has been worn by everyone on TikTok last summer. However, as pretty as it is, I personally don’t think the styles are anything ground-breaking and it begs the question, is it really trendy or does it only look fashionable because it is typically worn by slim people? This question has been asked a lot in recent months on social media, as body image and fatphobia is something that is a massive issue in the fashion industry and people are starting to examine the skinny privilege, which this Y2K trend brought to light. Generally, this trend is no more than a top with jeans, yet people all over TikTok and Instagram were praising people like Bella Hadid and Kendall Jenner for being extremely fashionable with amazing street style. Overall, this trend is pretty, perfect for summer and hopefully will make a return in summer 2021, but it is also important that people are aware of the issues surrounding these types of trends and do what they can to help overcome them.

Overall, the trends from 2020 are versatile, can be worn by everyone and will likely carry on long into 2021. Hopefully this year will bring many new themes, and as the pandemic comes to a close these trends may move towards more dressed up and glamorous looks as people make up for the year they missed of going out and partying. One thing can be certain, as with every trend, some people will love it and some people will hate it. No matter what yours or anyone else’s opinion is, wear whatever you like and what makes you feel the best you, as that is what fashion is all about.

Written by: Maddie Roberts