Curious to find out what they’ll actually be wearing once the warm weather hits, I asked our team to share the new summer fashion trends they’re eyeing for 2021, as well as the pieces that won’t be in their rotations. Predictable basics and hard-to-wear pieces aren’t making the cut this summer for our editors, but let me just tell you that the future of fashion looks bright. Our team is ready to embrace all of the bold prints and fun trends poised to take over this summer, and I’m already feeling really jazzed about all of the sartorial newness that’s just around the corner.
Skipping: Barely There SwimsuitsWearing: Three-Piece Swimsuits. While there are plenty of cool barely there swimsuits popping up with details like major cutouts and thong bottoms, I feel best in styles that involve a bit more coverage. Perhaps that’s why I’m really into the three-piece swimsuits that are set to be one of the biggest trends this summer. With coordinating items like a button-down top to match your swimsuit, you can easily transform your bikini into a full look.
Shop the matching Wavy Printed Bikini Bottoms ($120).
Skipping: Peekaboo Tops and DressesWearing: Miniskirts. “These peekaboo tops and dresses that Dua Lipa wears so well feel a little impractical for my lifestyle. But as someone who’s on the short side, I do love that miniskirts are so popular this season and intend to add a few to my wardrobe stat.”
Skipping: BasicsWearing: Beautiful Dresses. “With the world reopening, the last thing I want to be caught in is basics in any form—I want the excess. Give me all the beautiful dresses with colorful prints, cutouts, and colors. I want to be doing the most and wearing the most beautiful pieces all summer.”
Skipping: CheckerboardWearing: Retro Florals. “As much as I love all the checkerboard prints going on right now, it strikes me as one of those trends that will be played out in just a few months’ time. So instead, I’m reaching for retro floral prints (and retro prints of all kinds, really) because they already have a vintage look to them, so they have more of a timeless appeal.”
Skipping: Knit Shorts SetsWearing: Crochet. “While I love lightweight knit sets, I feel like I’ve worn them to death at this point. For summer, I’ll be leaning into retro and free-spirited crochet pieces instead—a trend I’m seeing everywhere right now that’s perfect for the warm-weather season.”
Skipping: Floss TopsWearing: Layered Tops. “I’ve tried to give floss tops a go, but since I have a bigger bust, they’re not as supportive as I’d like. Seems easy to solve, right? Just wear a bra. But often these tops are on the thinner side, so wearing a bra isn’t ideal for a seamless look. I’m putting them on the back burner for now and instead making a beeline for the layered-top trend. I just bought this one from Helmut Lang, and it’s genius because you can fasten it to wear it so many different ways.”
Skipping: Super-Tiny SunglassesWearing: Oversize Sunglasses. “I’m not as into the super-tiny sunglasses anymore. Instead, I’m favoring those bold, oversize sunglasses for a statement-making vibe.”
Skipping: Bodycon DressesWearing: Square-Neck A-Line Dresses. “Anything curve-hugging is just not for me this summer since I am looking for maximum comfort. I am gravitating toward fun midi dresses with square necklines and forgiving A-line silhouettes.”
Skipping: Thong HeelsWearing: House Slippers. “I love seeing the return of thong heels and fashion flip-flops on other people, but every time I’ve worn or tried to wear the shoes myself, I simply just haven’t felt like me. On the other hand, the house-slippers-outside-shoes trend feels right up my alley and more in tune with my style. I already own a few pairs but can’t help but want to add more to my wardrobe.”
