A runway inspired gift guide for your most fashionable friend

The trendsetter on your list always has their eye on what's next, looking to the season ahead and to get in on the key trends before they're everywhere. One of the biggest sources of inspiration for the stylish set? The runways, of course. Each season, they serve as the stage for designers to share their latest visions and what's to come, while most of it is aspirational — only a select few truly wearable creations will become the must-haves for the season. Here's a peek at looks sure to be big for 2021, and great ideas for gifting them now.

The trench coat

The khaki trench made appearances at shows like Loewe, Louis Vuitton and Victoria Beckham, but that doesn't mean you have to pay designer prices to get one. Joe Fresh's topper offers all the ultimate khaki style without the steep price tag. 

Trench Coat, $89, Joe Fresh

The sporty look

At Balenciaga and Versace, the sporty vibe reigned supreme. So when loungewear fatigue inevitably sets in, Canadian designer, Mary Young's new Karena Evans' collaboration will no doubt make for a welcome gift. The biker short and bra top sets come in the coolest colours with striking white stitching. 

Karena Evans Exclusive Collection Crop and Shorts, $76 and $88, Mary Young

The oversized denim

While sweatpants have rocked our worlds lately, the runways at Chloé and Dior showed us all that comfort and denim can go hand in hand too. At the shows, baggier cuts of denim in every wash imaginable were designed for both max comfort and style. H&M's loose fitting mom jeans will definitely do the trick. 

Mom High Ankle Jeans, $34.99, H&M

The house slipper

If ever there was a time for the kind of house slippers seen at Coach, Simon Miller and Balenciaga, it's now. According to the designers, the ultra-cozy footwear isn't just reserved for home either. So, if you buy them these UGGS, know they can (and should) wear them just about anywhere and everywhere. 

Fluff Yeah Slides, $125, UGG

Baggy button downs

Seen at Sacai and The Row, the XXL top has the versatility the brands have become known for, in proportions that feel all new. Zara's silky style in pastel colours can be layered with a turtleneck for winter and worn on its own come spring.

Satin Effect Top, $39.90, Zara

The mini skirt

Less was more at Miu Miu and Dolce & Gabbana where micro minis took over the runways. Now the '90s style is back and better than ever in bold colours and cool prints. Aritzia's neutral plaid style in wool has a major cool factor when paired with an oversized puffer that plays on proportions that make it feel modern. 

Wilfred New Classic Mini Skirt, $98, Aritzia

Bubble gum pink

Bubble gum pink childhood dreams came true this season at shows like Chanel and Valentino. GAP's bright pink coat strikes the ideal balance between girly and cool. (Best of all, it's currently on mega sale. And isn't that the sweetest thing?)

Double-Breasted Wool Coat, $298, GAP

The jumbo bag

If your fashion fan seemingly likes to stuff their life into their bag, this season they have way more room to do so. Seen at Acne Studios and Sportmax, the jumbo bag came in all different colours and (big) shapes. So, if you're thinking about gifting a bag, you might as well supersize it. 

Teddy Fleece Shopper, $175, COS

Floral prints

Florals at Marni, Tom Ford and Valentino might not have exactly been ground-breaking, but that doesn't mean they weren't highly impactful. To make the most of florals for spring, choose bold and bright styles or pastels like this semi-sheer strapless yellow dress, which would best be layered under an oversized blazer. 

Charlotte Knowles Yellow & Black Rose Skinn Dress, $224, SSENSE

The must-have tie-dye

Thanks to designers like Dries Van Noten and Gabriela Hearst, we'll be seeing a lot more of 2020's top trend well into 2021. But this season, the tie-dye effect is not just for sweats and baggy tees, it's also for maxi dresses, denim and cover-ups. We suggest going for an edgy multi-colour dress like Young Fabulous & Broke's that's guaranteed to turn heads.

Young Fabulous & Broke Dax Midi Dress, $149.12, Shopbop

Carly Ostroff is a Toronto-based fashion and beauty writer, content creator and TV expert. Follow along with her @carlyostroff.