A look back at FASHION’s favourite celebrity street style moments of the past year.
2021 has proven itself to be an explosive year for street style.
A taste of normalcy (whatever that means now) has driven us to dress more freely and unapologetically than ever — if only for brief moments here and there.
Could it have been an ardent longing to express ourselves through style in the wake of the turbulent year we left behind, and the equally uncertain future that lay ahead? Or perhaps, the nostalgic desire to participate in the return of trends gone by, from monogram mania to kitschy Y2K fashion?
Whatever the reason, we’ve embraced the opportunity to step up our street style in 2021 — and so have our favourite fashion icons. With eye-catching looks from runway models to major pop stars, each season of this past year was full of fashion to be remembered. Below, find FASHION’s top celebrity street style picks of 2021.
Winter
Bella Hadid, January
Spotted in Paris during haute couture week back in January, Bella Hadid kicked off the year layered up in this 70s-esque cotton-corduroy suit. The model was the very embodiment of business casual in her matching jacket and trouser ensemble by The Row. Hadid stacked a barely-buttoned white blouse and a khaki corduroy jacket (yes, more corduroy) by Brixton beneath the suit. Simple black sunglasses, square-shaped gold earrings and a black shoulder bag accessorised this look while keeping corduroy the main attraction.
Hunter Schaefer, January
Can you ever go wrong with all-black in the winter? If you’re Hunter Schafer, the answer is no. The Euphoria star was seen in SoHo early this year sporting a classic cropped leather jacket and cuffed jeans with an edgy pair of Maison Margiela x Reebok Tabi Instapump Fury Hi boots on display. Schafer brightened up her fit with a neon green mask — because why not turn this necessity into an accessory? Arguably though, the trendiest part of Schafer’s look is her wired Apple headphones, which have recently been revived as both a street style accessory and the aesthetic alternative to bluetooth successors.
Spring
Rihanna, March
In March, Rihanna demonstrated how running errands can double as a fashion event — especially in a year like 2021. On a grocery trip in Beverly Hills, Riri channelled her island roots with a tropical-print shirt from Celine loosely held together by a single button and baby pink shorts peeking out beneath a denim miniskirt. For footwear, she opted for a strappy pair of white Amina Muaddi heels that complemented her chunky gold jewellery and checkered sunnies.
Kendall Jenner, April
This spring, Kendall Jenner was papped in NYC wearing a minimalist’s dream. Effortlessly chic in cream-coloured wide-leg trousers, a plain white tee, an open button-down and slingback heeled sandals, Jenner absolutely nailed the model-off-duty look. Self-described in an Instagram post as “head to toe pt. 2” (referencing a previous post from 2020 captioned “The Row head to toe”), Jenner dressed entirely in Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen’s celebrity-favoured label, The Row.
Summer
Hailey Bieber, June
Hailey Bieber started the summer off in Paris, pictured in a trendy purple monochrome ensemble. The model paired a lilac knitted top by Raf Simmons with a stretch-wool mini skirt by The Attico and timeless loafers by Chanel. Ahead of the curve with Pantone naming Very Peri as 2022’s colour of the year, Bieber carried a periwinkle staple of hers — and current handbag holy grail —The Pouch Clutch by Bottega Veneta, courtesy of ex Creative Director Daniel Lee.
Zoë Kravitz, August
What would a street style roundup be without mention of Zoë Kravitz? This year’s summer of the slip dress (backed by Rihanna) saw The Batman actress in an awe-inspiring midi-length gown by Araks in bright blue. Understated gold jewellery, rectangular sunnies, mustard coloured block-heel pumps and an oversized tote completed the look in classically minimal Kravitz fashion.
Fall
Dua Lipa, September
In September, Dua Lipa stepped out in the ultimate Y2K (but make it Y2K ‘21) fall fit. The pop star’s chocolate coat and micro bag came fresh off the Luar Spring ‘22 RTW runway, while her croc-effect knee-high boots were Jimmy Choo. The highlight? Her plaid miniskirt by The Attico, which was right on trend with this year’s miniskirt reprisal — as seen on Miu Miu’s SS22 runway the following month.
Kim Kardashian West, October
It was indeed a year full of Kim Kardashian-Balenciaga moments, so our list simply wouldn’t be complete without this duo. After wearing the high-fashion brand to the Met Gala, KKW was seen wearing a series of Balenciaga street style looks while prepping to host SNL in October 2021. Our personal favourite was this tinsel coat and blacked out Balenciaga bodysuit combo. Go big or go home, right?
Be it on the red carpet or the sidewalks of NYC, celebrities gave us some much-needed wardrobe inspiration as we trudged (however stylishly) through another pandemic year.
Before curtains close on 2021, let’s toast to a year of enviable street style — and hope there’s more to come in 2022.
