Summer fashion moves fast, with yesterday’s must-haves quickly becoming today’s fashion faux pas. As temperatures rise, knowing which looks still sizzle and which have fizzled can save you from outfit regret. Ready to refresh your warm-weather wardrobe? Here’s your guide to what’s in and what’s out for this summer season.
1. Oversized Tie-Dye Everything
Remember when everyone was creating DIY tie-dye during lockdown? That explosion of rainbow swirls on oversized tees and hoodies has officially reached saturation point.
Fashion insiders have moved on from these technicolor creations, leaving them feeling distinctly 2020. Time to retire those psychedelic pieces to sleepwear status.
2. Tiny Sunglasses That Barely Cover Your Eyes
Those ultra-slim Matrix-inspired sunglasses had their moment, but they’re now firmly in the rearview mirror. Not only did they provide minimal sun protection, but they also flattered very few face shapes.
Celebrity endorsements couldn’t save this impractical trend from its inevitable demise. Squinting through summer is officially out.
3. Chunky Dad Sneakers
Those enormous, orthopedic-looking sneakers that dominated streetwear have finally lost their cool factor. The exaggerated proportions and deliberately ugly aesthetic have grown tiresome.
Fashion has moved toward more refined footwear options that don’t look borrowed from your father’s closet. Your ankles will thank you for the lighter load!
4. Prairie Dresses With Puffy Sleeves
Those ultra-feminine, Laura Ingalls Wilder-inspired frocks with their high necks and billowing sleeves have lost their prairie charm. The cottagecore aesthetic peaked during our homebound days.
The overly romantic, fussy details now feel costume-like rather than fashionable. Time to hang up these pioneer-style dresses and embrace more modern silhouettes.
5. Neon From Head to Toe
Head-to-toe highlighter hues had their moment in the sun but have since burned out. Those eye-searing yellows, greens, and pinks that once dominated Instagram feeds now look like fashion overkill.
The all-neon approach feels dated and lacks the sophistication of current color trends. Even traffic cones are wondering if you’re trying too hard!
6. Plastic Jelly Sandals
The nostalgic ’90s jelly shoes revival has finally melted away. Those colorful plastic sandals that promised childhood memories delivered only blisters and sweaty feet in reality.
Their uncomfortable, non-breathable material makes them impractical for hot weather. Even nostalgia couldn’t make these plastic foot-traps worth enduring through another summer season.
7. Uncomfortable Bike Shorts as Everyday Wear
Remember when everyone was wearing cycling shorts with blazers and oversized shirts? That awkward athletic-meets-office look has pedaled out of fashion’s favor.
The compression-wear-as-outerwear trend created strange proportions and rarely felt appropriate for actual social occasions. Let’s return bike shorts to their proper place: actual biking or the gym.
8. Tropical Fruit Prints on Everything
Those pineapple, watermelon, and banana motifs that once adorned everything from shirts to swimwear have gone from fresh to overripe. The cutesy fruit prints that screamed “vacation vibes” now feel childish and overdone.
Fashion has moved toward more sophisticated patterns. Your wardrobe shouldn’t look like a fruit salad exploded all over it!
9. Ultra-Distressed Denim
Jeans so ripped they’re barely holding together have finally fallen apart in the fashion world. Those denim pieces with more holes than actual fabric now look like fashion victims rather than fashion forward.
The excessive distressing that once signaled edginess now just signals a lack of imagination. Time to invest in denim that actually covers your legs!
10. Elevated Linen Separates
Linen has evolved beyond basic beige into sophisticated matching sets. Today’s linen comes in rich earth tones and unexpected pastels with thoughtful details like asymmetrical buttons and architectural cuts.
The natural texture brings instant summer vibes while the elevated design keeps things polished. Perfect for looking put-together while staying cool!
11. Crochet With a Modern Twist
Grandma’s craft has received a high-fashion upgrade! Today’s crochet pieces feature unexpected color combinations and contemporary silhouettes that feel fresh and playful.
From fitted dresses to statement bags, modern crochet balances nostalgic craftsmanship with current shapes. The handmade quality adds character while the updated designs prevent any doily comparisons.
12. Coastal Grandmother Aesthetic
Channel Diane Keaton in a Nancy Meyers film with this elegant, breezy look. Think crisp white button-downs, relaxed linen pants, straw hats, and minimal gold jewelry.
This sophisticated yet comfortable style embraces quality basics in neutral tones. It’s less about age and more about embracing that timeless, seaside elegance that feels effortlessly chic.
13. Statement Cargos Beyond Basic
Cargo pants have graduated from utilitarian basics to fashion-forward statement pieces. The newest iterations come in unexpected fabrics like silk or satin with refined details and tailored fits.
Paired with crop tops or structured bodysuits, these reimagined cargos create an interesting high-low mix. The practical pockets remain, but the overall vibe is intentional rather than casual.
14. Fisherman Sandals Reimagined
Those chunky, strappy sandals your grandfather might have worn have received a stylish upgrade. Modern fisherman sandals feature elevated materials like butter-soft leather and unexpected details like subtle metallic accents.
The practical, foot-securing design offers a refreshing alternative to flimsy flip-flops. Substantial without being clunky, they’re the perfect blend of comfort and current style.
15. Dopamine-Boosting Color Blocking
Joyful color combinations have replaced head-to-toe neutrals this season. Think unexpected pairings like tangerine with cobalt or fuchsia with emerald green for maximum mood-lifting effect.
The key is choosing clean, modern silhouettes to keep these bold color combinations sophisticated. When the shapes stay simple, the vibrant hues feel intentional rather than overwhelming.
16. Elevated Tennis-Inspired Looks
Court style has bounced beyond actual tennis matches into everyday fashion. The modern approach pairs crisp pleated skirts or dresses with unexpected elements like chunky loafers or oversized button-downs.
This isn’t costume-y athleisure but rather preppy pieces reimagined with contemporary proportions. The result is sporty sophistication that works far beyond the country club.
17. Sheer Layers Done Right
Transparent fabrics have evolved beyond revealing to architectural. The newest approach layers sheer pieces over solid basics, creating depth without exposure.
Think gauzy button-downs over simple tanks or transparent overskirts atop shorts. This thoughtful layering creates visual interest while maintaining wearability. It’s all about suggestion rather than revelation.
18. Bubble Hem Renaissance
The playful bubble hem has bounced back into fashion’s good graces with a sophisticated update. Today’s versions appear on midi-length skirts and dresses in substantial fabrics that create architectural volume.
Unlike their early 2000s predecessors, these modern bubble silhouettes are balanced with simple tops and minimal accessories. The result is sculptural and fresh rather than juvenile.