If you were wondering what the theme of the summer is, the word “versatile” would make the cut.
While it can be difficult to put together a clever outfit and stay cool at the same time, these trends will make it easier than ever.
First, no outfit is complete without a good pair of shoes. Whether it’s partnered with a flowy maxi skirt or a sportier ensemble — perhaps inspired by Luca Guadagnino’s “Challengers” (2024) — this summer has claimed the Adidas Samba shoe as the number one choice for daily adventures.
This shoe is the perfect way to incorporate a pop of color into a simple outfit, as well as dress down any look without too much clashing. Although these have been popular for the past few months, they are sure to remain a staple footwear option.
If these aren’t exactly your first choice, no worries. For anyone wanting to add a delicate touch to their attire, opt for your favorite ballet flat. Comfortable yet elegant, these shoes will take you where you need to go.
Unlike the classic Sambas, this next trend seemed to appear out of thin air— the balloon skirt. Nearly every season, the world sees the appearance of a piece that absolutely rocks the fashion world. As it encompasses the perfect mix of funky and high-class, this skirt is sure to do just that.
The past few months have seen the reign of chunky everything, starting with earrings and sweaters, and now finally making its way to skirts.
According to The Costume Institute in The Metropolitan Museum of Art, the idea of the silhouette has been a fashion staple since the 1900s, when corsets became popular. This does not mean, however, that it has become less important over time.
If anything, the emergence of the balloon skirt proves that shapes within fashion are more crucial than ever. Color and texture have been in the spotlight; maybe it’s time for the silhouette to take center stage.
When looking at boxer shorts, we see not only a beautiful revival of the vintage stripe pattern, most often seen in classic pajama sets of the past but also the transition of the linen shorts of past summers, simply taking a new form.
These shorts are playful and light, and when their white base is matched with a soft red or blue accent, they can be worn with nearly any other piece you would like.
Coming to the end of the list, it’s time to bring back a bit of class. So new that it doesn’t even have an official name, the so-called “long tube top” can take any shape, style or color.
This summer, it is more likely to see this piece in a clean white or sage green, the colors paying homage to the refreshing feelings of the season. You can match this piece with any length of skirt or a pair of pants, making it extremely multifaceted. The top stirs enough interest all on its own its often bold angles and extreme asymmetry.
Saving the best — or at least, the most controversial — for last, we’ve got a real ringer. After trudging through life in the accurately-dubbed “puddle pants,” which tend to drag across the floor and be incredibly baggy, it is now time to shake off the dust and lift up your best pair of capris for the world to see.
Likely the most surprising piece to come out of the “hottest” trends of Summer of 2024, these tight, short pants are going to take some warming up to. This isn’t to say they don’t have a place this season, though.
Like every other article of clothing included in this line-up, a good pair of capris can exude professionalism and mischievousness, as long as you do it right.
As always, fashion remains subjective. Follow your heart and trust your eye — even if you’re not following all of these trends, truly expressing yourself means you’re doing something right.
