Trust Me: I'm a Fashion Expert—These 7 Subtle Summer Trends Are Slowly But Surely Dominating My Algorithms

Working in fashion and the social media arena means I'm often glued to my phone.

Whether I'm scrolling Instagram, Substack or Pinterest (my trio of choice as a millennial), my phone is never far from reach. I daren’t track my screentime—I can only assume it’s at an all-time high. Despite this, constantly having my face in my phone does give me access to the latest breaking trends that matter right now, allowing me to weave together common threads of what’s in style in fashion’s leading cities, including New York, Paris, Copenhagen and my home of London, all from the screen of my smartphone.

All in all, the "trends" I'm personally picking up on are the kind that require a double-take. They're subtle, unassuming and don’t dominate the rest of the wearer’s look. I’m talking tweaks in fabrics, updates in cuts and silhouettes and vintage coded moments reworked for a contemporary feel; blink and you really will miss them. As someone who typically dresses in an anti-trend way with a self-proclaimed eagle eye, it’s the little things that matter the most.

To spare you from scrolling further into the abyss, I've collated seven wearable yet ultra-chic trends I'm noticing starting to bubble up. I guarantee it won't be long until they hit the mainstream, so browse and shop them now to get ahead of the curve.

Broderie Anglaise Blouses

Style Notes: As temperatures rise, so does the need for an easy-breezy shirt or blouse. Broderie anglaise is the pretty fabric trend I'm seeing on blouses, shirts and dresses right now. Bringing a sense of lightness and breathability to your outfit, it's far from old-fashioned—even the minimalists are getting behind it.

Silk Scarves

Style Notes: Fashion people have revived the silk scarf over the past few summers, and for 2025, we're not just seeing them tied around handbag handles, worn as bandanas or knotted around the neck; the silk scarf is now being adopted as a belt around the waist in a triangle formation. The key here is to choose a silky material with a classic, vintage-feel pattern to add a bit of visual interest to an otherwise simple, modern look, à la Coco Schiffer (pictured above).

Papery White Trousers

Style Notes: A trend I've seen emerging on the uptown style-setters of New York and now London, white trousers are getting lighter and more delicate than ever in feather-weight cotton and silk constructions akin to paper. They're the perfect solution for those seeking a modest option for summer, and also pack well for hot holidays.

XXL Raffia Totes

Style Notes: Who can blame a girl for wanting a summer-holiday-ready bag that carries everything bar the kitchen sink? The big-raffia-bag trend is exactly that: big. It's also super versatile, working just as well as a summer office bag as it does beachside; just swap out your laptop for your beach towel and book.

Lace-Trimmed Dresses

Style Notes: We have much to thank The Row for, but right now, I'm particularly grateful for the brand's chic reinvention of layering a lace slip, skirt or cami over trousers or jeans (see look 3 from its spring 2025 collection). As we head into summer, choose a classic lace-trimmed cami midi dress in a white or earthy hue, and layer it over loose jeans.

Mesh Ballet Flats

Style Notes: I'm typically a loafer, clog or trainer wearer, but the rise and rise of mesh ballerinas has me second-guessing my summer footwear choices. Pairing so well with pretty warm-weather looks and light enough to wear all day, these light-as-a-feather shoes are city-proof and weekend-ready.

Heirloom Pendant Necklaces

Style Notes: I've noticed this trend cropping up on fashion people with minimal and pared-back yet wealth-whispering style. That doesn't mean to say it's an exclusive trend for those in the upper echelons, though; rather, the beauty of this accessory trend is that it lends itself to a relaxed, DIY-esque look and feel. These are modern treasures.