While my wardrobe is sprinkled with trends, I tend to approach them selectively. I prefer to order items I'll wear again and again, but often find that the trendy pieces that land in my shopping cart only last a season. So when it comes time to investing in trends each season, I try to find pieces that hit a sweet spot of fashion-forward but still long-lasting.
Right now, my phone is flooded with screenshots of fashion people who are wearing some of the coolest pieces of the moment that have me rethinking what I'll be buying for summer. While I tend to stick to neutrals, I'm suddenly inspired to wear some mood-brightening bold color in shades like turquoise and fuchsia—albeit in closet staples like wrap heels and oversize blazers. I've also been seeing market totes make a resurgence in both classic versions and updated styles finished with colorful trim.
Ahead, I'm highlighting my eight favorite summer trends to order right now from Shopbop, Nordstrom, and Net-a-Porter.
Bold Colors
All of a sudden, bright colors seem to be everywhere and are even catching my eye more than they have in the past. While neutrals are my comfort zone, the mood-lifting effect of fun color is something I'm very ready to adopt right now.
Shop the trend:
Wrap heels are the perfect summer piece and I'm loving this cobalt blue version.
This tangerine top from New Zealand–based designer Paris Georgia has been on my wish list for a while now.
I already have a huge section in my closet dedicated to blazers but want to add something fun like this bright pink one.
Straw Totes
Recently, I started noticing the comeback of the straw tote, so I dug one out of my closet that I bought years ago to pair with jeans and a tee (see the outfit pic here). Mine is a classic version, but I love how designers like Jacquemus and Loewe have been updating theirs with fun pops of color.
Shop the trend:
This bag has been selling out everywhere.
Loewe's basket bags are a staple among the fashion set.
This bag is similar to the one I own.
Tennis Prep
I grew up playing tennis and have been tempted to have my mom send me all of my old pieces since I've been noticing the rise of preppy tennis pieces all over Instagram. I promise this will be a huge trend as we move into summer.
Shop the trend:
Tory Sport is a go-to brand for cool tennis clothes.
I'd pair the skirt above with this cropped sweatshirt.
Perfect for on or off the tennis court.
Swimsuits as tops
Wearing a swimsuit as a top is such a fun take on summer style that it's been inspiring me to rethink how to wear some of the swimwear I own in a completely new way. I especially love the idea of wearing one with a pantsuit like the outfit here.
Shop the trend:
All of the swimsuits from WeWoreWhat are seriously incredible. I need to order one for myself.
Shop the matching Emily Bikini Bottoms ($95)
I can imagine layering this underneath a blazer or button-down top.
I'd wear this under a low-cut linen dress.
Shop the matching Chanzy Bikini Briefs ($110)
Bermuda Shorts
In my opinion, knee-length Bermuda shorts are one of the chicest upgrades you can make to your summer style this year. Whether you go for a denim pair or a linen version, they are endless ways to style them.
Shop the trend:
I'll be investing in a pair with a loose fit like these ones.
Breathable linen is all I want to wear this summer.
Frankie Shop is the cool brand every fashion insider owns.
Shop the matching Julie Blazer ($265)
Ribbed Tank Tops
When it comes to staples, ribbed tank tops are what you'll want to own. With a little added texture, they're an easy upgrade to your closet basic.
Shop the trend:
You can't go wrong with this scoop version.
For a fun pop of color (and great price point).
Imaging dozens of ways to wear this one.
Tie Tops
Nineties-inspired waist ties are the detail I'm seeing on all of the cool summer tops dropping at retailers right now.
Shop the trend:
NY-based brand Orseund Iris can do no wrong.
Love that the tie detail is on the back here.
This top comes in three colors.
Colorful Sunglasses
While my current sunglasses wardrobe consists of black, tortoiseshell, and white, I'm very ready to add some color for some fun.
Shop the trend:
The perfect cherry red.
I'd wear these with other sunny shades like yellow or tangerine.
Dreamy pastel pink.
Next, shop my 15 holy grail wardrobe basics.
-
Don't Pack Up Your Sweaters Just Yet—Cool Fashion People Are Repurposing Them in the Chicest Way for SummerAll the outfit inspiration is inside.
-
Goodbye, Boring Basics—This Is the Elegant Trend New Yorkers Are Wearing With Tank Tops This SummerObsessed.
-
3 Aesthetic Pairings to Try If Your Wardrobe's Starting to Feel StaleFoolproof solutions.
-
I Can't Stand It When People Follow These Fashion Rules to a TIt's time to break the rules.
-
10 Style Tips That Will Make You Look Rich This SummerNumber four is already trending.
-
Brand Layering: The Art of Knowing Which Labels to Pair With Each OtherThe ultimate styling hack.
-
The Simple Styling Trick That Turns Pencil Skirts From Corporate to Chic in 5 Seconds or LessIt's completely free and ready to copy.
-
The Curvy Girl's Guide to Finding Pants That Fit FlawlesslyWaist gap, begone.
