Show of hands: Who else has a summer mentality? If you're like me, you're already building your dream summer wardrobe, and I'm happy to tell you that this year's dominant trends are leaning towards nostalgia of all kinds. In fact, you may even already have some of these among the leftover items from your childhood closet.
Early styles that entered the mainstream included: Lizzie McGuire's orange platform sandals (the same pair her miniature avatar is wearing) and cool-girl crop tops. Even a trompe l'oeil dress inspired by Jean Paul Gaultier's 1999 show is sure to be a hit on the streets, thanks in no small part to the Kardashian/Jenner sisters, who favor the design The designer and his illusion pieces printed with human shapes.
One of the brightest trends this season is chartreuse (second only to Barbiecore, which will continue to dominate). This bold hue has appeared on countless fashion week runways, and while it hasn't quite saturated the market yet, come summer, that's all set to change.
Of course, not all summer trends are brand new—that's great for those who've already invested in the recently popular denim maxi skirts and retro rosette looks. Their suffocating effect will only get stronger in the coming months: longer, ankle-grazing hems will appear in a variety of fabrics (not just denim), and Carrie Bradshaw-approved rosettes The knot will appear on any necklace.
Here's the lowdown on the top 10 summer trends.
SATC -era rosettes have been everywhere over the past few months, blooming on red carpet suits, street style and runway shows. But perhaps the best trend for summer is to decorate your neck with flowers. Enter: the rose necklace. Go the classic route and opt for a small yet practical silk silhouette, or indulge in decadence with a beaded or metallic design.
Rose Rope Necklace Urban Outfitters
I believe Gen Z will be attracted to accessories that double as sleeping bags and portable pillows, such as the popular Coach Pillow Tabby tote. The puffy accessory aesthetic is growing in popularity, giving jackets, bags, shoes and more a puffy look. It's a bit cartoonish, but NGL, I'm all for it.
Mimii Wu Quilted Bag Urban Outfitters
It's official: Hems will brush your ankles this summer. The denim maxi skirt trend is set to continue this year, however, other styles of maxi skirts—like parachute, crochet, and leather—are also available now. The maxi skirt of yesteryear is about to make a comeback, with designers like Bottega Veneta, MSGM, Ferragamo and Pat Bo introducing long silhouettes on recent runways.
Feel The Heat fishnet maxi bodycon skirt Redbolls
Where is my thousand-year-old girl? Similar to other controversial trends of the 2000s (the revealing thong trend comes to mind), the naughty-era microcardigan is back. This lightweight cardigan covers just the arms, making it an easy summer option. Opt for rainbow hues, crochet knits or playful materials to add a modern edge to your look.
Cowrie Bolero in blue and magenta plaid KKCo
Swap black, gray, and other boring colors for this season's most popular color: chartreuse. From Christian Siriano and Kate Spade (New York) to Elie Saab (Paris), vibrant yellow/green mixed looks graced many runways during February Fashion Month.
With stars like Sydney Sweeney, Lola Tung, Paloma Elesser, Camila Mendes and Winnie Harlow embracing kiwi, the color is set to become more common. Nothing screams summer like bold citrus hues.
Talia puffy sandals JW Pei
Lizzie McGuire's favorite platform sandals are trending on TikTok as we speak, and will be the hottest shoe of summer 2023 (her influence). Today’s versions – like the ones Fendi debuted on the runway – feature even the most millenarian materials, like clear plastic and foam.
Feel the nostalgia with your candy-colored sandals—if they belong in a bag of Skittles, you're on the right track. These are definitely the stuff dreams are made of.
Wild Fable Alanna wedge slippers Target
Jean Paul Gaultier may have introduced his trompe l'oeil (optical illusion) dresses in the late '90s, but the KarJenners are keen to revive his retro looks, bringing body print back into the zeitgeist. In addition to the Kardashians, Olivia Rodrigo and Minha Kim also sported the mind-bending style.
Long Sleeve Body Thermal Print Maxi Dress Ego
You may have seen TikTok's viral Puppets & Puppets Cookie pack on your FYP, as novelty wallets have been a hit with influencers lately. Follow in their footsteps and go down the path of weirdly shaped bags (hearts, planets, animals—you name it) that are also loved by the likes of Julia Fox, Doja Cat, and Lil Nas X.
Carrie Bradshaw may hate Judith Leiber's signature, but there's no denying that the glitzy, kitschy accessory is back. Let your weird flag fly, babies.
Kitsch Shake It Up Crossbody Bag Silver Betsey Johnson
Kim Kardashian's favorite shield-shaped sunglasses are becoming mainstream. Opt for colorful translucent lenses in the style of Missoni and Givenchy for a playful touch, or go the Kardashian route with mirrored lenses. Anyway, please sign me up.
Le Specs Le Fame 137mm Mirrored Shield Sunglasses Nordstrom
Whatever’s leading you (read: Season 4’s dark academic vibe) Or "Gossip Girl 2.0", which incorporates a nostalgic schoolgirl skirt into a preppy aesthetic. Dua Lipa and Hailey Bieber are both big fans of skirts, often opting for short hemlines.
Billie pleated denim miniskirt Reformation
