Wear Your Basics Every Other Season—Just for Summer, Try These Fun Statement Items Instead
Throughout fall, winter, and even spring, I live in my tried-and-true basics, opting for a great pair of jeans and a crisp white tee more often than not. A statement pair of earrings or a cool jacket might occasionally be subbed in to keep things interesting, but for the most part, I'm a fashion minimalist for three seasons of every year. In the summertime, however, those same understated wardrobe items get packed up, and in their place go all the statement fashion items that belong only in warm, sunny weather. Think stripes, bright colors, bold jewelry, and voluminous silhouettes. Essentially, if someone might have to do a double-take to "get" my outfit between the months of June and September, I've done everything right.
Ahead, you'll find everything you need to follow my lead for the next few months, opting for clothes, shoes, and accessories that make a bigger splash as opposed to a perfect—clean and quiet—diving entry. I'm talking about crochet pieces made of gold metallic threads, mesh stiletto boots, mirrored dresses, and turquoise silk trousers. There are fringe dresses, genie pants, and sequin swimsuits. Wear your basics every other season. Just for summer, try these 39 fun statement items instead.
If you really want to make a statement, pair these striped blue trousers with this clashing red striped top.
I always tell people that J.Crew has the best bang-for-your-buck bikinis, and this adorable eyelet option is all the proof I need.
Shop the matching Eyelet '90s No-Tie String Bikini Bottom ($49).
Genie pants are summer's new favorite statement trend.
Say yes to statement sandals this summer. The more beads and shells the better.
No, I don't recommend wearing this sequin bodysuit in any body of water. Instead, pair it with cool drawstring pants.
Add some fun to your handbags with a bag charm… or five.
I'm calling it—these are set to become as viral as Bottega Veneta's Drop Earrings.
I highly suggest buying the entire set.
Shop the matching Striped Ramie Pants ($100).
Eliza Huber is an NYC-based senior fashion editor who specializes in trend reporting, brand discovery, and the intersection of sports and fashion. She joined Who What Wear in 2021 from Refinery29, the job she took after graduating with a business degree from the University of Iowa. She's launched two columns, Let's Get a Room and Ways to Wear; profiled Dakota Fanning, Diane Kruger, Katie Holmes, Gracie Abrams, and Sabrina Carpenter; and reported on everything from the relationship between Formula One and fashion to the top runway trends each season. Eliza lives on the Upper West Side and spends her free time researching F1 fashion imagery for her side Instagram accounts @thepinnacleoffashion and @f1paddockfits, watching WNBA games, and scouring The RealReal for discounted Prada.
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