Fashion returned to full force in 2021, and there was no better display of pre-pandemic opulence and extravagance than on the red carpet.
While for many Australians 2021 was merely a painful repeat of 2020, (we have new variant strains, outbreaks and lockdowns to thank for that), elsewhere the celebrity style set enjoyed a big year of red carpet appearances, award shows, movie premieresโpretty much any excuse to dress up and look luxurious.
Between the socially distanced Grammy Awards and mandatory masks at the Met Gala, we noticed that the stars tended to gravitate towards certain trends and styles.
Whether that be the return of old school glamour or vibrant post-COVID colour play, read on below for our annual red carpet fashion roundup including all the looks youโll be sure to spot next year.
Old School Glamour
At this yearโs Met Gala, many celebrities took cues from the golden-age of cinema for their interpretation of the theme โIn America: A Lexicon of Fashionโ. Between the tufts of tulle and taffeta styled into mid-century gowns, Billie Eilishโs custom Oscar de la Renta number was a highlight for us, and countless corsets and A-line skirts, we have a feeling that this nostalgic style will be back in a big way.



Sexy Silhouettes
Considering we spent the last year in sweats, the celebrity style set has returned with a vengeance to the red carpet, showcasing their enviable bodies and greatest assets via figure-hugging dresses. In case you missed the memo, long gone are the days of oversized tailoring and relaxed suiting being red carpet appropriate.



Statement Accessories
Go big or go home. Well at least thatโs what Bella Hadid did when she stepped out the Cannes Film Festival wearing an anatomical Schiaparelli Haute Couture accessory on the red carpet, and boy did we eat it up. But it wasnโt just avant-garde accessories that were covered by the A-list crowds. Mighty millinery was spotted on our favourite up and comers Anya Taylor-Joy and Emma Corrin at red carpets around the world.



Bold Colours
While in past years, weโve gravitated towards neutrals and earth tonesโyou can read about why Ecru will be big for summer hereโbut since the rise of dopamine dressing (the one where you wear certain colours and clothes that make you feel good), the celebrity style set have taken the trend in stride, donning neon hues and vibrant shades for their publicity appearances.



Triumphant Trains
While trains arguably make a statement on the red carpet, theyโre also a great way to ensure youโre staying socially distanced, because thereโs nothing like a 1.5 meter train to remind us all to keep just that little bit further apart. Itโs easy to see why the celebrities adore this trend, not only is it show stopping look (ร la Kim Kardashianโs Met Gala outfit), itโs extravagant, dramatic and oh-so over the top.


