Before we get to our essential street style pieces for 2021, it’s important to acknowledge that this year has us running around like Chicken Little yelling at the top of our lungs that the sky is falling. With everything going on in the world and news of new tragedies popping up on our feeds virtually every time we check, you might think that the last thing any of us are concerned about is the world of fashion and streetwear culture.

In many ways, it does feel like our society is coming apart at the seams (pun intended) but giving ourselves permission to take a much needed mental break from all the distractions, despair, and destruction going on around us to focus on the passions that bring us joy and inspiration is probably one of the best things we can do. And for us, one of the coping mechanisms that helps drown out the outside noise and bring us back to our happy place is diving into the latest in fashion, in particular street style.

While industry “experts” continue to promote the idea that 2021 is the death of streetwear, while fashionistas and influencers alike are tiring from the lack of originality that has consumed the space the last couple of years, we thought it would be a good idea to take a look at a few upcoming pieces that we are juiced about. If you can’t feel it already, we are witnessing a shift as we inch our way towards the new year. 2021 will be the year of experimentation and freedom where we are all searching to define ourselves as individuals in this new world.

From casual to bold, militant to sophisticated, wherever you fall in the spectrum these 6 essential street style pieces will have you covered for whatever comes your way in 2021.

Get ready.

Street Style Pieces for 2021

The Carlton Cardigan

This preppy retro classic style made famous in the 90s by legendary designer Tommy Hilfiger and featured by sitcom stars Steve Urkel and Carlton Banks is making a strong comeback in the new year. Vibrant colors and natural tones will be on display providing you with the flexibility of wearing this piece in a Kirk Cobain-esque way with a graphic tee and jeans or dressed up with a tailored plaid shirt and cargo pants. No matter what, you’ll be ready for the occasion.

Nice and Puffy Puffer Jackets (and vests)

Winter is coming and whether you are facing the brutal ice winds in downtown Chicago or a sub-50° thunderous day near the piers in San Francisco, a puffer jacket (or vest) is built to weather just about any storm. The bulky yet stylish outwear is a must-have in your wintertime rotation. With an array of hues and prints to choose from along with elongated or cropped versions, you won’t have a problem picking one to fit your aesthetic. Keep an eye out for collabs by Supreme and The North Face as well as NikeLab and Sacai dropping towards the top of the year.

Into Leather (coats that is)

If you’re not into leather then this portion may not be for you. All kinks aside, leather coats are resurfacing and bringing back the Michael Jackson Thriller flair of the 80s and the Neo in the Matrix futuristic vibes of the 90s in a major way. Enhance your go-to hoodies, jeans, and sneakers ensemble with a sleek camel trench, or top off your business casual attire with a charcoal blazer to accent your style. Regardless of which piece you prefer, there’s something about leather that adds an extra layer of coolness and edge that takes your fashion game to the next level.

The Bold and The Beautiful Pants

By now we should all be tired of wearing dingy gray sweatpants from dusk to dawn while we work from home only changing our shirts for the multiple zoom meetings throughout the week (or maybe that’s just me). It’s time to retire our favorite pair of lounge pants and slide into a pair of bold, fashionable, yet easy to wear patterned pants and add some spice to our mundane work week. There is an abundance of flamboyant all-over looks from stripes to animal prints to tie-dye that will put you in a colorful mood forever. These pants will have you feeling and looking like a certified pop star. Just ask Beyonce and Bad Bunny.

So go ahead grab a pair and get busy.

The Monochrome Minimalist

Maybe you’re someone who’s not into bold and animated patterns. Maybe monochrome tones and a less-is-more approach is more your thing. No worries, we’ve got you covered. If you favor darker shades or are in the mood for crisp whites and subtle greys this head to toe outfit keeps you looking cool, calm, and polished. Maximize your color blocking skills and go against the grain by keeping things simple yet as stylish as possible. Anytime you feel like dipping one toe out of your comfort zone just add a versatile military bomber or denim jacket similar to hip hop fashion icons The Weeknd and Kanye West to play up the look.

These Boots Are Made For Walking

If you’re like me, a sneakerhead through and through, and the thought of not rocking a fresh pair of kicks every time you step out just seems inhumane, it might be time to consider kicking off those sneakers and stepping into some designer boots to switch it up. A fashionable pair of boots can take you from average streetwear connoisseur to certified fashionista just like that.

With multiple styles to choose from, ranging from the trendy Leather Chelsea boot and Doc Martens 1460 original boot to the hip-hop staple Timberland boot you can’t go wrong. Or, try our underrated favorite, the Captain lace-up boots, for size and hit the streets. No matter what pair you choose we’re sure you’ll be stomping into the new year with style.

So there you have it, our top 6 street style pieces for 2021. As you can see we have some classics making a triumphant return along with trends from 2020 remaining in the mix and sliding with us into the new year.

The question remains what will you be rocking in the coming year? Drop a comment below and let us know.