9 Random Things Women Are Buying to Look Fashion-Forward in the 2020s

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It’s 2021 which means that we’re already 20% through the 2020s, which is plenty of time to tell what types of fashion items will define the decade. I obviously can’t see into the future and say exactly what people will think of fashion in the 2020s, but I think it’s safe to assume that this decade will be defined by the global pandemic—both what we wore while getting through it and what we wear coming out of it.

All of that said, fashion is partly shaped by the random things that people collectively buy. Some of those things are very clear already, even in the early days of the decade, and they’re trends that are too big to drop off anytime soon. For this reason, adding these stylish items to your wardrobe would be a smart use of your shopping budget, as you’ll most likely still want to wear them as we go deeper into the 2020s. So keep scrolling to shop the random items your closet may be missing.

Oversized Blazers

Oversized blazers have become the cover-up of choice this decade, both out and about and via Zoom. The slouchy fit makes them both polished and comfortable, so win-win.

Shop oversized blazers:

Violeta by Mango Peak Lapel Suit Blazer ($120)

Madewell Caldwell Double-Breasted Blazer: Two Button Edition ($158)

Veda Bowery Leather Blazer ($398)

Cardigans

Cardigans of any and every form (but especially slightly cropped ones that you can wear as a top or an extra layer) have become quite the wardrobe staple in the 2020s. Let’s keep it that way.

Shop cardigans:

Reformation Gilda Ribbed V-Neck Cardigan ($98)

Violeta by Mango Button Knit Cardigan ($60)

Madewell Broadway Cardigan Sweater ($88)

Loose Jeans

One of the biggest revelations to come out of the 2020s will undoubtedly be that it was the decade in which loose jeans overtook skinny jeans. No explanation needed (just check TikTok).

Shop loose jeans:

Eloquii Distressed Wide Leg Jean with Roll Cuff ($90)

Agolde 90’s Mid Rise Loose Fit Jeans ($198)

Reformation Zoe High Rise Loose Jeans ($148)

’90s Sunglasses

Many of the trends that are already popular this decade originated during other decades, such as any and all ’90s-inspired sunglasses. That’s fashion for ‘ya.

Shop ’90s sunglasses:

BP. 52mm Oval Sunglasses ($15)

Le Specs Recovery Sunglasses ($79)

The Row x Oliver Peoples Edina Acetate Sunglasses ($310)

New Balance Sneakers

New Balance sneakers are still going strong as the reigning It sneakers, and I fully expect that to stick for a while longer. Luckily, they’re comfortable and pretty inexpensive.

Shop New Balance sneakers:

New Balance 990v5 Sneaker ($175)

New Balance 996 V2 Sneakers ($100)

New Balance Made in England 991 Leather Trainers ($180)

Chunky Gold Necklaces

Gone are the days of dainty jewelry (for now). Bold jewelry trends like chunky gold chains are dominating stylish women’s jewelry boxes. I love this trend because even something as simple and boring as a white T-shirt becomes instantly special with the addition of a gold chain or two (or more).

Shop chunky gold necklaces:

Missoma Lucy Williams T-Bar Chunky Chain Necklace ($420)

Aurate Gold Herringbone Chain Necklace ($280)

Laura Lombardi Rosa Gold-Plated Necklace ($155)

Logo Accessories

With the average price point of a designer bag hovering around $2k these days, it’s any wonder that we’ve all become so taken to small logo accessories as an alternative. Additionally, there are just so many chic logo accessories to choose from—hair accessories, baseball caps, scarves, and logo socks, to name a few.

Shop logo accessories:

Jacquemus Le Bob Gadjo Hat ($100)

Gucci Lamé GG Socks ($185)

Prada Logo-Detailed Nylon Hair Scrunchie ($260)

Thong Sandals

While flip-flops of all heel heights may have been met with some resistance in the beginning, they’ve officially become one of the biggest shoe trends of the decade thus far. There’s just no denying it.

Shop thong sandals:

Staud Audrey Sandals ($133)

Jacquemus Les Tatanes Lin Leather Platform Sandals ($465)

Zara Tied Flat Leather Sandals ($80)

Crew Socks

Since we’ve all been staying home a lot more thus far in the 2020s, socks have become the new shoes in many cases. And luckily, they look just as cool when worn with shoes.