Fashion trends are constantly shifting and changing, and at no time is this more apparent than at the start of a new season. After a long autumn and winter, most feel more than ready for sunlight, longer days, and new styles. Just because a new season is coming doesn’t mean that you need to change your entire wardrobe and buy a whole lot of new things (in fact, it isn’t a good idea at all because it’s not a sustainable or responsible way to approach fashion), but drawing inspiration from the styles that are expected to be popular this summer can bring a little more creativity to your wardrobe and outfits.
It can be helpful if you want to do some shopping as well, because the trends can help you figure out if there are some pieces that you genuinely miss from your wardrobe and which you could integrate. Let’s delve into the styles that you’ll most likely see everywhere this summer.
Boldness
It’s no surprise that people want to return to color and bolder designs after going through a pretty bleak winter. If you’re a fan of courageous hues and attention-grabbing patterns, this is the best time to let loose a little. Look into AfricanFabs for a bit of inspiration, as the shades and patterns they use can be used for scarves, headwraps, and other accessories that will elevate any outfit and bring a pop of color to your outfit. If you’re not keen on wearing a lot of color from head to toe but still want to get out of your comfort zone a little, this is the best choice.
Focus on the feeling
Apart from the colors, unique textures are coming back in style, too. Dramatic, statement skirts, fringes, and tiered pieces are expected to be popular this season because of their charm and softness. Wear yours with simple bottoms or tops in order to provide a contrast. Lightweight knits work too, especially because of the difference between the fabrics. You can add a headwrap too, since they’re versatile pieces that can be tied in many different ways. They can protect your hair and scalp from the harsh sun rays, too.
Take it easy
What works perfectly with romantic designs such as ruffles, pleats, and embellishments? Leisurely styles, of course. Comfort has become a staple in the fashion world since the days of the pandemic, and it never left. Since then, both designers and fashion lovers began to shed the correlation between comfort and a very specific type of clothing (mainly activewear), broadening the scope of what kind of styles and fabrics can be used for loungewear, as well as what are the acceptable places where loungewear can be worn (turns out it’s most of them).
The type of comfortable clothes you’ll see everywhere this summer includes draped styles, robe-like silhouettes, and the kind of clothing you’d be expected to wear if you were relaxing on the deck of a luxurious boat somewhere, bathed in sunlight and surrounded by clear blue waters. Burgundy maxi dresses, demi skirts, silk trousers, and pleated satin dresses are the kinds of pieces you want to get.
Sporty chic
Just like loungewear has been a staple over the last few years, so have athleticwear styles. Over the years, there have been many iterations of this style that people brought to their wardrobes. From the classic athleisure and gymwear to the more technical gorpcore and cozy fleeces, so many people felt that this style represented them. You don’t have to be a professional athlete to feel that these clothes are amazing because they are designed to be moisture-wicking and comfortable on the body, meaning that they’re great to wear no matter what you do.
If you want to elevate your sportswear look this summer, look for pieces in bright colors. For the spring, when it might still be nippy enough for a jacket at times, look into citron-hued light nylon jackets. Pair it with a pair of wide-leg shell trousers in a vibrant royal blue. Technical skirts are more popular than ever nowadays, as they feel dressier than a pair of sweatpants but still come with an elasticized waistband, drawstrings, and pockets. Wear yours with loafers and a quarter-zip in a similar color palette, or even a simple, white ribbed tank top.
Mock or Perkins necklines are a great way to elevate sporty looks as well, as these pieces feel a little more structured and put together without losing any of their comfort.
Denim
Denim pieces will always be popular, but fashion lovers are beginning to see a divide between how the generations approach jeans (as well as denim jackets). Gen Z is gravitating towards lighter shades, proof that their love for the Y2K look is not going away anytime soon. They’re also much more likely to go for the low-rise fits. Most millennials shudder at the mere thought of this ensemble, though, as it reminds them of outfits they’d put together during their teenage years and which they might not have been super proud of.
Millennials are more likely to gravitate towards indigo shades and high or at least medium-waisted jeans. There’s one area that both they and Gen Z seem to agree on, though: oversized is better than skinny. Peplum denim is expected to make a comeback this year too, another late-2000s trend that will most likely be very well-received.
Conclusion
Trends remain important in the fashion world, but more and more people are focused on finding the styles that work best for them as well. While these are the styles that are expected to be most popular, there are several others that you will see around as well. Utility dressing, inspired by uniforms and emphasizing the need for strong, stiff fabrics, polka dots, lace, single-breasted, button-up styles, and tailored shorts, will be everywhere this upcoming summer, too.
As always, the clothes you buy and wear should be the ones you like most, not the ones that are trendy at the moment. Focusing on this philosophy will allow you to create a wardrobe that you love for many years to come.
Alex