There's nothing better than a bold tropical print for a summer dinner party, a vacation outing, or a morning by the pool. Whether you decide to rock a tropical dress, coverup, or swimsuit, you'll be sure to look your very best. Bright colors and busy patterns scream summer! Because summer immediately follows the allergy-laden spring season, flowers and flowery prints are no longer a sore subject for your nose.
Big and bold prints ranging from traditional tropical to giant cherries. That's right! Now's the perfect time to bust out all the printed button-downs that are shoved at the back of your closet. If anyone makes fun of you, just point them to Vogue or any major fashion publication. Big prints are cheerful and joyous that embody the happiness of summer, perhaps in a silly manner, but you can't deny the fun of it all!
There's no better way to show off your summer pedicure than by wearing open-toed shoes. While sandals are always fashionable and trendy, platform sandals are everything this season. They're the updated version of your flat sandals. Not only will they give you a little extra height, but they'll also provide you with a little extra comfort.
Platforms tug on the heartstrings of retro fans in an inexplicable way because they can be paired with flare jeans and tinted sunglasses for the trendiest throwback outfit. But if the '70s aesthetic isn't quite your thing, espadrille platform sandals put a modern twist on a Spanish classic. Once you buy a pair, you'll never go back!
Denim shorts never go out of style—and you're going to love the newest way they're being worn. Instead of purchasing the shortest and tightest denim cutoffs you can find, look for a looser and baggier denim. Not only is this more trendy, but it's way more practical for the sweltering summer months.
Mom jeans have been back on the scene for years, and the high-waisted, long short followed in it's stride. A complete counter-movement to the uncomfortably short Daisy Dukes, the resurgance of vintage trends keeps your goodies covered while staying comfortable. Plus, platform sandals are a great piece to pair with your denim!
Linen is one of the most summery fabrics. It's lightweight, neutral, and so comfy. The only true flaw to linen is how easy it wrinkles. As long as you're prepared to iron or steam your favorite linen blazer, dress, jumpsuit, or trousers before wearing, you'll be so trendy. There's a reason why it's never gone out of style! Vogue writes about linen and why we gravitate to it during the hottest months of the year:
"But despite the supermodel appeal of the skimpy cotton tank top, lighter-feeling materials and large amounts of exposed skin don’t necessarily mean you’ll feel cooler. The strategy to beat when it comes to staying sweat-free is linen. After all, the material has been used for that purpose since ancient times. 'Linen fabrics have been reported ever since humans learned to make fabrics, and from many civilizations.'"
Sunglasses are a necessity on sunny summer days, and some researchers would say for most days of the year! But if you've yet to find a pair of frames that suit your face, try a pair of aviator-style sunglasses. They're universally flattering on both men and women, and we think the public will hold onto these classic frames for decades to come, not to mention the health benefits that come with protecting your eyes and skin from harmful UV rays.
If you want to spice up your sunglasses game a bit, get some aviators that are a little more colorful than the original frames. Color-tinted sunglasses have had their moment these past few summers due to a resurgence of retro trends. Vogue reported that colored sunglasses are “mood-boosting, so they'll offer a much-needed happy pop of color to your summertime wardrobe.”
If you're looking for a summer fashion trend that's fun and flirty, invest in two or three summer dresses. They're light, airy, and perfect for warm, sunny weather. Whether you prefer soft pastels, bright colors, or bold prints, you're sure to find the summer dress for you. They can be maxi or mini, linen or silk. It doesn't matter what dress or pattern you choose, they're the best option for those hotter -than-hot summer days.
Want to add some dimension to your ultra-sweet summer dress? One of our favorite trends is the combination of the angelic and punk aesthetics. Dainty florals styled with chunky combat boots give an edge to a traditionally innocent outfit. Life is all about balance, right? Look at it this way: after a year of complete darkness and confusion, regain the sense of “good” in the world, and flowy dresses with some platform boots are part of that mantra.
It's the season of picnics and skipping through meadows, so you know what that means: gingham! One of this season's biggest trends is gingham. It was huge last summer and will be huge again this summer. If you have lots of black and white gingham in your closet and are looking for a change, purchase a colored gingham clothing piece.
Most people love to sport their monochrome for the summer, especially the light nudes and bright whites, but why not give patterns a chance? Loud graphic prints of fruits and flowers are having a moment, but that style's for the most of the adventurous among us. So get some simple gingham, throw on cute strappy sandals, a wide-brimmed hat, and you're good enough to star as the lead character of a Hollywood rom-com!
One of the best ways to protect your skin from harsh UV rays is to wear a hat. Sunscreen is always a must, but a hat will add additional protection to your face. Fedora hats are the trendiest style at the moment and can be found at almost any clothing store or boutique! They're available in a range of colors, styles, materials, and sizes to fit anyone's style.
Perhaps the undercover-spy look doesn't quite fit your style; good thing there's another fashionable hat trend rising from the ashes of the '90s. That's right, bucket hats! From fluffy materials to beachy prints, These simplistic round outfit toppers come in an even wider range of colors, materials, and patterns for you to choose from. With these two hat trends under your belt (rather, on your head), you'll feel like a royal in your own way (just on a budget)!
A classic white button-up is a closet staple, especially for summer. They transition beautifully from straight-leg jeans and platform sneakers to denim shorts and platform sandals. There's no wrong way to style this iconic clothing piece. The most stylish of women have started embracing oversized pieces and repurposing them to fit a variety of looks. Ranging from DIY shirtdresses to a breathable basic, a white button-up is a closet essential for the summer.
Vogue writer Brooke Bobb clarifies the beautiful simplicity of the white button-down: "With the advent of Instagram-friendly fashion, we may have lost sight of the magic of this classic look, favoring eye-catching corsets and bra tops in place of its looser, more masculine silhouette... This season it’s time to recommit to the button-down shirt and use it to express your personal style."
It isn't summer without a crop top. With the warmer weather ensuing, wearing as little as possible while remaining legal is the summertime snag we all have to get past. Looks like crop tops are the perfect loophole! They look so trendy with denim jeans, denim shorts, midi-skirts, and loose-fitting trousers. We recommend buying two or three in neutral colors that can be styled with anything.
And as '90s trends make an unprecedented comeback, everything including crop tops, fanny packs, bucket hats, and (god forbid) low-waisted jeans are crawling their way onto fashion blogs everywhere. At least the high-waisted trend is still going strong because we're not sure we can get behind the ultra-low rise and G-string pairing again. Spare us, please!
High waist midi-skirts are the new maxi-dresses, and for good reason. They're comfortable, stylish, and easy to wear. Just pair yours with a summer knit or a slouchy tee and you're set. Some of the best skirts come in breathable linen fabric that can survive a long walk on the beach without flying up and exposing you to the world.
Remember what we said about crop tops? Try pairing one with a midi skirt for a uniquely balanced summer look. The trend is to reach for the booty shorts to complement the crop top, but the bohoemian-inspired look of a short top and long skirt counteracts the summer heat while remaining modest, if that's important to you.
If you'd rather wear pants during the summer months instead of shorts, try a pair of wide-leg trousers. They're loose and flowy, which will keep you cool in the summer heat. Wide leg trousers combine the comfort of loose pants and the drama of statement pieces. Anyone can rock this style, but it's especially flattering for tall or curvy folks. the cut balances figures characterized by wide hips and thighs. The high-waisted aspect creates the illusion of a taller and leaner body.
The silhouette of wide leg pants compliments anyone's figure. On top of highlighting the waist, it balances out wide hips and thighs with the rest of the body. Make sure to get the high-waisted variety to further the illusion of a taller and leaner body!
Rompers are the playful versions of dresses, haven't you heard? They can be fashionable and dressy while allowing for more movement and comfort than mini dresses that always put you at risk for exposure at any gust of a summer breeze. They're perfect for nights on the beach, luncheons with friends, and so much more. Lightweight summer rompers probably aren't the best option for a weekday meeting, depending on the fabric, because they're made with the weekend in mind.
Who What Wear agrees, saying, "When it's 80-plus degrees out, the last thing you want to put on is tight, constricting clothing, especially when it's the weekend and you know you'll be running from early morning farmers markets to afternoon brunches to evening beachside picnics. Finding attire that suits a full day's worth of activities is a definite must, and one piece we think is always a great option is a one-piece—i.e., the stylish and easy-to-wear romper."
While summer temperatures are usually warmer than normal, some states don't experience super hot summers like the southern U.S. Northern states usually stay a little cooler after a winter and spring of sub-zero temperatures, so it's only natural that the crop tops and mini skirts aren't doing it for you. If that's what you're used to, invest in lightweight knits. They're thin enough to still be breezy, but also warm enough to keep out the chill.
The key is investing in knits that are breathable and loose, or you'll start to feel claustrophic during the months that are supposed to be about maintaining maximum relaxation. Who What Wear gives some valuable advice: "Yes, it might sound like an oxymoron or a misguided option of a morning's getting-ready routine, but this cross-species intermingling has created a hybrid of elegant dresses, tank tops and skirts—all instantly elevated when rendered in a fine knit... it's important to get the right fit with this look. Also, opting for a ribbed knit or wrap-around style are good ways to ensure some shape is retained."
The right accessories make or break an outfit. If the metals of your jewelry clash anythwere, it can immediately make the entire look imbalanced. It's a small detail, but it's important! Go ahead and streamline your accessory game by sticking to gold for the summer. Gold accessories can range from rusty to pale to rosy for any mood. Hoop earrings, chains, and chokers are especially trendy right now that reflect summer sunlight for a beautiful glowing effect.
The summer season is all about happiness and leisure, so gold accessories are the best option for effortless style worthy of the vogue front cover! Well, at least a Pinterest board or two. We recommend hoop earrings because they're playful, attention-grabbing, and draws the eye to your face. This draw of focus naturally makes you appear more open and attractive. Plus, gold accessories can be dressed up or down for all occasions.
Your grandma's favorite trends are coming back, and they're coming back hard. Look no further than the Victorian-style puff sleeves. For the vintage-inclined folks, these styles of sleeves blouses are wearable for a shift at work and evening parties alike. A step up from traditional blouses, without all the ruffles or embellishments, puffy sleeves can be adapted for any style of top.
From crop tops to jackets to flowy sundresses, if you ever feel like standing out from the sea of white button-down blouses in the summer, try out puffy sleeves! will make you stand out from the crowd. This style's popping up on runways everywhere. And in this day and age, "the bigger the better" is the foundation of chic fashion.
Remember what we said about bucket hats? Well, the bucket-shaped fashion item trend is taking over runways everywhere. We're not sure how or why this obsession with barrel-type things originated, but this type of bag is definitely a step up from the hype for ultra-small handbags that celebrities like Lizzo sported on the red carpet. While you probably shouldn't tote around a house's worth of stuff in your day purse, some of us need some room to breathe!
These chasm-like purses look so chic because they're so new. The concept of the bucket bag isn't revolutionary, but the materials used and variety of sizes and colors to choose from changes the game drastically. What was once a statement piece that only A-listers could wear without stares, the bucket bag has become a summer staple for walks in the park, on the beach, or relaxing by the lake. Throwing a full water bottle in your bag while you're racing out the door has never been so easy!
Popular historical and fantasy TV shows like Game of Thrones and Vikings have clearly inspired our favorite summer hairstyles. Intricate braids might not be the easiest style to pull off, but after enough practice, they definitely are worth the time spent! From fishtail to French, there are plenty of tutorials on YouTube to learn how to get the perfect braid! Even better, try a braid updo for those particularly steamy summer afternoons.
Plus, working from home means that people with long hair everywhere need a fun way to get their pesky hair out of their faces in order to maintain a sliver of concentration. The wrap-around and milkmaid braid is both practical for work, professional for meetings, and uniquely adorable. It’s just one step past a normal braid, so it doesn’t take up any more time than it needs to besides using some extra bobby pins and strong hairspray!
Everyone knows that sunshine naturally lightens hair depending on how much you're exposed to it's rays, and the summer is the best time to get the free highlight treatment. But if you're not willing to risk the UV damage, try the salon staple “foilayage,” a popular balayage technique where the color is hand-painted onto individual sections of the hair and wrapped in foil for processing. This technique gives highlights an extra boost of shine while remaining the sun-kissed look that everyone adores during summer vacay.
Yeah, traditional highlights are a valid option, but repeatedly treating your hair with any kind of chemical can damage it as much as the sun, and quicker! So what's the alternative? That's right: babylights! This hair trend adds delicate highlights into your lovely locks to make it look as though your hair was naturally lightened by the sun—without all that damage or chunky blonde sections! Golden babylights add depth on any hair color, especially warm brown or blonde shades. Plus, the sublte golden sheen complements a variety of skin tones, making you appear healthier while out in the summer sun.
Though not an overly trendy style in recent years, the square-toe silhouette has quickly elevated into a go-to shoe style for both casual and dressy affairs. The shape of the toe can apply to any style of heel, but we're specifically hyping up strappy silhouttes for the summer. There's a reason why sandal and flip-flops are summer staples -- nobody wants to suffocate in thick socks all season. And square-toed heels that are close-toed might be more appropirate for business professional environments, strappy shoes reign supreme for any other event.
Vogue reports that the square-toed trend is rapidly replacing shoes, “with pointed or round toes" because “the season's flagship footwear plays with volumes by opting for graphic lines anchored in the minimalist trend," which is inherently more modern. Plus, they report that it's an accessible trend for "every style and budget" to be chic in the summer. If you won't listen to us, at least listen to the fashion experts!
