Summer is here, and with it comes a fresh array of fashion trends ready to infuse your wardrobe with style, sophistication, and a hint of nostalgia. As temperatures rise, it’s time to bid farewell to bulky layers and embrace the breezy elegance of summer attire. From retro revivals to contemporary chic, this season’s fashion trends promise to keep you cool and chic all summer long. Join us as we explore the hottest summer fashion trends you simply can’t afford to miss.
Tankinis
This 80s trend is making a comeback, and we’re excited about it. Ditch the bikini top because this summer, we’re wearing tankinis. This trend gained popularity on TikTok, and the bonus is that your tankini top can double as a regular summer tank. And this isn’t your mother’s tankini, because modern versions of this trend are seeing major upgrades.
Tankinis are great if you feel overexposed in a regular bikini top, and they’re perfect for women with larger busts. Similar to the plenty of bikini options on the market, you can select from tons of options to find the perfect style and fit.
Girlcore
While oversized looks add a masculine touch to outfits, we’re heading to the other side of the spectrum and tapping into our femininity with girlcore. Girlcore is about embracing romantic, delicate touches in your looks. Think rosette chokers and bows. Embrace the girlcore style and add a romantic touch to your look with rosettes, flowy dresses, and skirts.
Other ways to incorporate girlcore into your wardrobe this summer include wearing pastel colors and mixing high and low culture, i.e., combining high-fashion pieces with accessible everyday items for a playful juxtaposition. You can also customize your individual wardrobe items with embroidery for personalization.
Drop waists
Drop waists are a specific waistline that falls just below your natural waist, so around the hip area. This style was popularized in the 1920s, particularly with flapper culture. Typically, a drop-waisted silhouette is characterized by a straight or slightly tapered shape from your shoulders to your hips, creating a relaxed and elongated look.
We love drop waists because they look good on everyone. As long as they’re tailored to your body, they’re extremely flattering. For example, those with a shorter torso or smaller height might need to get their dress tailored in the waist area so the waistline doesn’t drop too low. Whereas plus-size or tall bodies may need additional length in the waistline to accommodate more room in the torso area.
Either way, this silhouette is beautiful, classic, and high-fashion and is the perfect addition to your summer wardrobe.
Slingbacks & kitten heels
Kitten heels and slingbacks are making a comeback, and they’re the perfect way to elevate any look. Slingbacks are characterized by the strap wrapping around the back of your ankle, leaving your heel exposed. Kitten heels are characterized by their short, slender heels, typically between 1.5 and 2 inches high in a pump style. Modern shoes combine the two fashion staples to create a beautiful, sophisticated, and elegant shoe.
These shoes go with pretty much everything, from jeans to dresses and skirts. They’re not limited to one type of style, as sneakers are in streetwear. Slingbacks and kitten heels have come in and out of fashion for centuries. They’re classic, beautiful, and, dare we say, more comfortable than other heels in our closets. Plus, if you want to curate your capsule wardrobe, they’re the perfect addition to your closet.
Fringe details
Fringe is a decorative trim made of strips of fabric or thread. Fringe has been used in fashion for centuries, coming in and out of popularity throughout different eras. Fringe actually dates back to ancient civilizations, often being associated with ceremonial garments to symbolize status or cultural significance.
When you think of fringe, you probably think of the 1960s and 1970s, when it became re-popularized as part of the hippie era. Fringe was commonly seen on suede jackets, vests, and handbags, solidifying its place in the era of free-spirited style. Other subcultures where fringe decorations are commonly used include Western aesthetics and American cowboy style.
Because we source so much inspiration from both of these eras, it’s no surprise that fringe is coming back this summer. If this look is for you, we recommend investing in high-end pieces that are built to last and are a small business’s specialty.
Drapes
Drapes aren’t just for curtains, we’re talking about getting all draped up this summer. In fashion, drapes are defined by the way the fabric falls on your body, creating folds, pleats, or gathers to add texture, movement, and visual interest to your outfit. They’re the perfect summer trend because they’re flowy, allowing air to move through your clothes to keep you cool. Plus who wants to feel constricted in a tight outfit when it’s scorching outside?
Drapes are also perfect for creating a formal look with some drama. Modern drape interpretations experiment with draping techniques to create asymmetrical shaped and avant-garde silhouettes.
To incorporate this style into your summer wardrobe, look for draped tops, skirts, and dresses. Maxi dresses with drape silhouettes are perfect for breezy summer days and special occasions. For tops, search for draped necklines like cowl necks and twisted fronts to add visual appeal and create a romantic look.
Summer fashion you have to get into
As we bid adieu to this fashion journey through summer’s hottest trends, we’re left inspired by the eclectic mix of styles, textures, and silhouettes that define the season. From the playful charm of tankinis to the timeless allure of kitten heels and slingbacks, each trend offers a unique opportunity to express your individuality and embrace the spirit of the season. So whether you’re lounging poolside in a draped maxi dress or sashaying down city streets in fringe-adorned attire, remember to stay cool, stay chic, and most importantly, stay true to your style. Summer fashion awaits—let your wardrobe shine bright under the sun’s warm embrace.