Baggy loungewear has never seemed as prevalent as when the coronavirus pandemic swept across the world in 2020. Dressing up began to feel like an ancient concept, except for perhaps during the creation of a TikTok video. With everyone stuck inside their houses, fashion took a seat on the backburner, which unveils the question: What’s in store for fashion in 2021?

The long-awaited coronavirus vaccine is finally in distribution, which could potentially open the door to fashion’s comeback. Will the oversized sweatshirt and t-shirt trends cling to the spotlight this year? Or will people, with their newfound ability to go out, transport back into the world of fitted crop tops and bodycon dresses, even if a coordinating mask is a necessity?

Stores appear to have mixed feelings about what is up and coming in the world of fashion. The new arrival pages of popular brands like Nordstrom and Free People have a variety of clothing, including comfortable but stylish loungewear as well as form-fitting options. It appears that they are covering the bases. Ripped jeans and tie-dye clothes are also commonplace when browsing through fashion websites.

With all of these mixed signals, it’s time to hear what students at the University of Miami have to say about what fashion they think is going to stay for the long run or crumble to pieces. UM student Chloe Beach thinks the loungewear trend will stick. “They’re classic, they’re iconic and also comfortable, and I feel like more people are understanding that comfort is kind of more important than looks at this moment in time, especially because of quarantine,” she said.

While it may be in the odds for sweatsuits to stay relevant, will the tie-dye trend that goes along with it continue to stay afloat as well? UM student Kathleen Valent gave her comment. “I don’t believe that tie-dye is going to stick around like it did in 2020. However, I do believe that accessories like bucket hats and streetwear are here to stay,” she explained.

Celebrities still appear to be embracing the funky and fabulous oversized clothing vibe. TikTok star Addison Rae recently posted videos of herself dressed in loose-fitting sweatshirts and sweatpants. Along with these outfits, she continues to record herself in fancier, form-fitting ensembles on her Instagram, which are likely for more formal events.

Tayshia Adams, recent winner on “The Bachelorette,” took to Instagram this January to show off her elevated sweatshirt look, rocking a dark tan sweatshirt, cropped jeans, white sneakers and a winter jacket. Supermodel Bella Hadid also flaunted her oversized sweats on Instagram this January.

There are even more interesting trends to consider when adding men’s fashion into the equation. High fashion runways can provide some insight into what’s happening in the constantly evolving business. Vogue published an article including photographs by Acielle / Style Du Monde depicting “The Best Street Style at the Fall 2021 Menswear Shows in Paris.” This article proves that even at the very top of the style pyramid, streetwear is still thriving.

While models may still be donning sweats, what about college students? Walking around campus, male students can mostly be spotted in t-shirts, sweatpants and shorts. Just like with female students, the question remains — Is this only a pandemic phase? UM student Matt Vinsko predicted the 2021 fashion trends as “definitely looking like brand t-shirts and shorts.” He said he further suspects a footwear fad of “some sort of Vans-like shoe.”

UM student Dylan Barron made additional predictions on what’s on the rise for menswear in 2021. “I feel like men’s fashion will continue this chill vibe we’ve been in since March of last year,” Barron claimed. He appears to be onto something, as TikTok stars like Noah Beck always seem to go for a “chill” outfit vibe starring baggy sweatshirts and pants.

Barron continued beyond the near future and made his predictions for the rest of the year. “Men will want to show their gains and dress for the beach and pool for summertime,” he said. Barron also said he envisions a comeback in style, with people showing up in the outfits they planned during quarantine for the fall and winter months. “I don’t think this laziness in outfitting will keep up because I think people are over it and just want to go back to normal.”

Whose forecasts will emerge correct? Only time will tell. 2021 has a lot in store, and the fashion industry is sure to come in stride.

words & design_ainsley vetter