When it comes to summer style, less really is more. But to get specific, we nailed down the exact runway trends that are inspiring the latest macro and micro looks that will be gracing our presence during everyone’s favorite season. Some are obvious, some are seemingly obscure, and others are ones we simply wish we thought of first. From Blumarine’s divisive Y2K revival to the skirt of the moment, see what’s on our radar below.
Micro Skirts
By now, you’ve probably encountered Miu Miu’s viral skirt. The ultra-mini has graced magazine covers and influencers alike, and while you might already be tired of its overexposure, we predict this hemline will continue to rise throughout the summer. And while you might think this item only works for hotter temps, you can carry into fall with a pair of printed tights with ease.
Saturated Shirts
Go big with solid shirts in bold hues, which we originally spotted at Valentino in Kelly Green. Keep shades of chartreuse, tangerine, and deep violet on rotation, making your transition back to the office a loud statement. Alternatively, test it out while OOO as a chic beach cover-up.
Baggy Jeans
Gen Z is trying to convince us to tweeze our eyebrows back to ‘90s lengths—we won’t—but they do have us on this trend from the same decade: super baggy jeans. Seen at Missoni, oversized denim works great with going-out tops, but they’re also a natural choice when you want to run around town in something inherently comfortable.
Y2K
Whether you support this trend or not, Y2K is back with a vengeance. Blumarine’s Nicola Brognano is leading the pack of designers reviving the early aughts, but we managed to find options at every price point. Think: butterflies on everything, asymmetric hemlines, and candy-colored sunglasses. Basically, anything that Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie would wear on The Simple Life is fair game.
Matching Swim Cover-Ups
Take the guesswork out of your beach day attire with a new crop of matching cover-ups, pictured here at Kenneth Ize. Designers and your favorite IG swimwear brands released a ton of options that stray from your typical sarongs, including printed shrugs, cardigans, and skirts, all to match your bikini.
Lisa Marie Fernandez Striped Seersucker Cropped Cardigan
Maxi Knits
Knitwear isn’t exactly the first thing that comes to mind as it gets warm, but designers like Chloé are cutting them with summer in mind. These crochet maxis provide just the right amount of airflow, so choose your level of opacity and wear one to everything from relaxed pool days to casual weddings.
NUFIWI Knit Cut Out Halter Dress
Cut-Out Dresses
We’ve been seeing cut-out dresses for a while, but somehow these slasher styles feel perfect for summer. The safest options come in black, but we’re particularly fond of LaQuan Smith’s white-out look, ideal for a hot summer night.
Justine Carreon is the market editor at ELLE.com covering fashion, Dutch ovens, and fashion again. When she isn’t approaching style through a modern, accessible lens, she’s scouring eBay for vintage Levi’s and pretending she knows how to surf. Before joining ELLE.com in 2015 she worked as a freelance writer and stylist in New York City.
