8 Summer Fashion Trends – Thoughts?
We wrote about seven spring trends, and a bunch of readers have requested a summer version. Of course, it doesn’t really matter — life is short, wear whatever! — but I figured we’d share for those who find it fun. Here are eight summer trends to look out for…
1. Oversized button-downs. As an anchor piece, I always have an MVP shirt to throw over swimsuits/shorts/skirts all summer, and this linen number comes in 15 colors. I’d also wear this with the skirt or shorts below.
2. White midi skirts. They’re definitely having a moment. Last night, I was sitting outside playing gin rummy at a bookstore (as one does lol), and so many women were wearing pretty white skirts. They can get surprisingly expensive, but this 100% organic cotton one is only $50. And here’s another, if you like a drop waist.
3. Track shorts. Track shorts are forever cool and sporty for summer adventures. Also: scalloped!
4. Blockprint anything. A few years ago, we visited friends on Fire Island, and I wore the same blockprint cover-up with bare feet all weekend. Bliss! Now block prints are popping up even more than usual. How gorgeous are these pieces in a lilac print? These brown pants are great, too. (Emerson Fry also makes beautiful ones, and SZ Blockprints’ disco pants are fun.)
5. Jumbo ric-rac. The perfect dinner dress! Just add sexy sandals and salty hair. This one is so pretty and comes in a short version, too.
6. Leather flip flops. I went to a fashion party the other day, and everyone was wearing black leather flip flops. Reviewers say this pair is super comfy, so I’m curious to try them. Also, thoughts on jelly flip flops?
7. Matching sets. The summer equivalent of a jumpsuit — one and done. These beautiful sets are bonkers expensive, but you can also find cute ones here, here, and here.
8. A sexy swimsuit. Okay, a sexy swimsuit isn’t exactly a trend, but Andie Swim is a CoJ reader favorite, and once I tried their suits, I could see why. It’s rare that I put on a swimsuit and immediately feel good, but that’s how I felt with every style I tried. This summer, I’ll be wearing the cross-back one-piece and this suit with buttons.
Thoughts? What are you excited to knock around in this summer?
P.S. The 10 best beauty finds, and 13 readers share their best summer moments.
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Comments
81 commentsHi Suz, I think I have the same Teva’s as you with the slim stringy straps. They are comfortable for sure but my complaint is the straps don’t stay put. How do you keep the fit in place with your extremely picky specs?
Looking so beautiful
Love a good oversized button-down! I was looking through my closet yesterday and realized the majority of it is now 20+ thrifted men’s Polo Ralph Lauren button-downs and stacks of vintage Levi’s. At 40 years old, I finally found my signature style and it’s Seinfeld.
Crowdsourcing request! I am going to a FANCY wedding in Switzerland in August and need a full-length dress that won’t break the bank, won’t immediately show sweat, and ideally doesn’t hug my tum. So grateful for suggestions.
Wal G! I wore one in my bff’s wedding and it was 50 Euros, no alteration needed. Got loads of compliments! :)
I just want a basic cotton tank top. Any recommendations? Beware… I’m looking for a unicorn, it seems. (But why? Just a tank top!) J Crew had a great one a few years ago: lightweight, not ribbed, straps that aren’t too thick, neckline that’s not too high, loose-ish without being TOO loose, definitely not tight, hits at the top of the hips. Perfect! I have two, and I want more, but they don’t make them anymore. Everything I try is either too long or worse, cropped (blech, I was never in a phase of life where I could wear cropped shirts, and at 45, I’m moving ever further away from it). Definitely not fitted: I don’t want to think about whether my abs are engaged, so I need a little flow to my shirt, but I like my shape and don’t want it hidden under a voluminous shirt.
Lands End? https://go.shopmy.us/p-61403663
can’t vouch for it, but I just saw this in the Strategist: https://nymag.com/strategist/2026/05/aerie-no-bs-tank-top-sale.html
I’m a big fan of Duluth Trading Co’s No Yank Tanks! They are the perfect length (hence, no yanking), not too low cut (important for me as a big boobed lady), and a nice thickness. They might be more fitted than you’re looking for, but I find the material has enough stretch and is thick enough that I’m not too worried about lumps and bumps.
I love this specific tank from Loft. I got a white one last year and wear it so much that I bought 3 more colors for this summer. The fabric is somehow both thick/sturdy but also cool and breathable (I live in a hot place). The description calls it “a cross between a tank and a sweatshirt” which is terrible copy and not true, so ignore that! 😂 https://go.shopmy.us/p-61403786
ARQ has great cotton basics made with thicker fabric. And they are made here in Oregon! Have some of their other items and they really hold up https://shoparq.com/collections/tanks-and-tees/products/nina-tank-black
How would you feel about “muscle” tanks? Basically sleeveless tees? I have a couple of Quince’s white ones and like them! https://www.quince.com/women/tees/cotton-modal-muscle-tank
I was in your situation a few months ago and discovered the Quince cotton modal double scoop neck tank. It is perfection. Loose but not too loose, flattering neckline, arm holes at just the right height (not showing bra sides). I love it so much that I bought 4.
I think these meet your criteria! I’ve been wearing these for years, I like to order new colors every summer. https://www.jcpenney.com/p/st-johns-bay-womens-scoop-neck-sleeveless-tank-top/ppr5008552391?pTmplType=regular&geoZip=23218
I FOUND IT! Except it’s not cotton, so it might not be your unicorn. It is, however, my unicorn. I checked out the other suggestions and looking in way too many stores. Ultimately…Kohl’s…and currently $10! https://www.kohls.com/product/prd-5214280/nine-west-essential-easy-high-neck-tank-top.jsp?color=Black
So excited for color! I’m normally all neutrals and have loved the quiet luxury trends but, I don’t know what it is but I’m so ready for some BIG primary colors. I mostly thrift but I might not be able to resist that ric rac dress. So playful.
Last week, I ordered the Andie buttons-swimsuit during their sale. Can’t wait to hit the beach with it, will also go well with my newly thrifted white tailored denim shorts. Next on my list are a big straw hat, tennis skorts and a simple turquoise beaded necklace.
I love that flowy block print pants are back! I lived in those in the early 1990s.
If there are any other shorties reading this that also prefer to shop in person – there aren’t many petite stores in my area – do y’all remember the tankinis from the late 90s/early 00s? I don’t think I ever owned one at the time, but now I’m loving how they perfectly mimic a full suit on my abbreviated torso. I’m not a *super serious* swimmer, but I don’t find they roll up, either! At 4’11”, anything one piece is still likely to be a bit long, so it feels good to have found a hack.
I’m 4’11” too and tankinis are all I ever wear. I kayak and paddle board and they save me from constant wedgies!
Land’s End. They sell mix and match pieces in petite sizes.
I want to like the matching sets but then I try them and they’re pajamas! I’m definitely not wearing pajamas out and about 😂
I ordered what I thought was the *cutest* colorful red matching set last year, got on a teams call with my sister (we work together) and she goes ‘aw i love your fancy jammies’ and I said gosh darnit they *weren’t* going to be jammies…
I bought the black and white check set a summer or two ago and they 100% look like pjs. I stillw ear them though because they’re amazing at soaking up the water after a swim and thick enough to provide some sun protection… but year I look pretty awful, not the cute thing I imagined.
This summer, I will be embracing the Italian way and ditching all my one-piece swimsuits in favor of bikinis. Stretchmarks and postpartum pooch be damned!!
I encourage this! I just came back from Naples where my friend rents a house right on the Mediterranean Sea, and there were plenty of older women rocking bikinis with their amazing, soft bods! Not that you need to be old – but it was refreshing to see.
I live in Argentina and here every woman from puberty to 80 wears a bikini and often a thong. Same in Brazil and Uruguay. I challenged my daughter to find another grown up woman in a one piece (like I was wearing) and when we found one, she was from the Netherlands…hahaha. I say go with what makes you feel comfortable. I’m more and more conscious of the impact of sun on my skin and so am happily covering up while admiring the lovely women around me who are flaunting what they’ve got.
SAME! I am 40 and covered in stretch marks but have always loved bikinis….I have so many and mostly wear them in the hot tub but I love em! Every body is a bikini body!
My favorite swim cover up is one I discovered from an article here (a profile of a cookbook writer, maybe?): vintage men’s tuxedo shirts. The coolest!
I tried two swimsuits from Andie last year and both were an immediate no (they go so far up your butt! but, I do have a booty). However, this year they made full coverage versions in a few black suits and they fit great! Covers my booty without being frumpy.
For me, even their new “full coverage” suits are way too cheeky. Where in the world can I find a full coverage suit that actually fully covers my butt?!
Mal, if you can find an Esther Williams one piece (I think they’re out of business, but some sites seem to have some back stock), they are great. Full coverage for the booty, and make my flat chested, straight hipped, pooch belly figure look fab.
I am most excited to wear some of my beloved “old things” I altered for the first time by myself: a white lace shift dress into a blouse, a block print shirt into a top, striped culotte and a linen printed skirt into shorts. I am in no way an expert, but an interview with costume designer Ceci (A Different World, Wonder Years) really got me inspired to give it a try.
Oou, oou, a moment for this sewing ambition! Those sound fantastic. I just cut out a pair of shorts to transform an old block print cotton dress into a set. Hemming the top part into a blouse was pretty easy, but I’m still a touch befuddled by these shorts instructions. All the more rewarding when it comes together! I’m convinced that anyone who has fun getting dressed should take a crack at sewing some day.
I’ve had good luck finding Emerson Fry on resale sites like thredup and poshmark. I like to start there esp if a brand is new-to-me and I’m not sure how much $$ I want to invest in their stuff.
I’m seeing everyone wearing scarfs around the neck in a few various ways which I think is super fun and can add interest to just plain jeans and white t
Agreed! That’s something you can always thrift, too. I have a bunch of fun ones, and I’ve never paid more than $5.
I recently discovered that I really like a drop waist so I was excited to see this white skirt—but I don’t think it’s the same as the linked-to skirt, which doesn’t seem to have a drop waist? Any chance you can tell us where the skirt in the photo is from? Thanks!
Hi Rebecca! Thanks for the catch — looks like we accidentally cut the line that linked to it. We’ve fixed, but here’s the link for ya: https://gap.igs4ds.net/n4o1La 💛
The matching set is gorgeous – I have almost exactly the same set at a fraction of the price that H&M sells as muslin pyjamas… just saying…!
H&M is fast fashion, so you paid a fraction of the cost of the one mentioned here but there’s still a cost. I implore us to question the environmental impact of buying merch that is priced low. Shein, H&M,Zara, and now Everlane are companies I hope to see go out of biz in my lifetime.
The financial cost was low, but the environmental and human cost was astronomical.
Not jelly flip flops but the red jelly shoes I have been seeing *everywhere* look too much like french fry baskets for me to take this trend seriously. These:?v=1755707355&width=1946 vs
Hahaha 😆
HA! I have almost that exact pair and you are so right.
Ahahahahahaha now I can’t unsee it
I am so repelled by this shoe trend, but I didn’t realize why until seeing this connection!
i love this comment and the visual aids!
I couldn’t pinpoint it until now. This is why I’m having trouble with these shoes. They’re giving Dairy Queen.
I can’t do the flip flops due to foot arches and I would become trapped in the crossback bathing suit, but yes the matching sets are lovely and easy.
Archies are great—-flip flops with real arch support. Still don’t wear them for long periods, but they’ve allowed me to still wear them sometimes.
Vionic flip flops are great too! (I have the simplest Tide II ones.) They’ve got a very high arch. I wear them around the house b/c going barefoot makes my feet hurt after a while.
I got this block print dress from Etsy and it’s great. It’s not fully midi on me, more knee length, and I sized up from M to XL. But at $26, it’s a cheaper way to get into block print this summer: https://www.etsy.com/listing/4465892708/ajrakh-hand-block-printed-midi-dress-for
What a great find!
After losing 85 pounds ( and counting!) I’ve been adding to my wardrobe. I love my new Sidestroke swimsuit from Summersalt in pink, red and white…a color combo I didn’t think I could wear! Love the linen and soft fabric pants with elastic waist from Old Navy and Halara…and I’m really digging the lemon and tomato trend…have print shirts and earrings for both!
Sounds great, Martha! Keep having fun! :)
i’m a thrifter through and through, but i always get so much inspiration from these trend posts! feels like a great time of year to check out some men’s button downs on half price day. :)
I had the same thought!
Yes! I’ve already thrifted a couple of great ones recently!
I’ve got a thrifted white midi skirt…I think I first wore it as part of a suffragette costume!
Love that! Yes to thrifting, and how exciting that it’s now seen as ‘cool’ haha. As a Gen Xer I remember going to places like Buffalo Exchange or small thrift shops for my ratty/torn jeans, band t-shirts, skirts. Now my Gen Alpha neice is doing the same and it makes me feel hopeful for the trend.
Hit up the men’s dept of thrift shops like Goodwill and Salvation Army! I’ve gotten so many GORGEOUS, FANCY men’s dress shirts, for a few bucks!
Ok, here are my people! I very proudly thrift about 90% of my wardrobe, but for those who aren’t yet in the habit – don’t feel guilty if it seems too hard to convert your habits! Just start with small changes. I promise we’ll leave you some good stuff on the racks – there’s loads to go around. :)
It’s so fun to see what comes back around on the trend wheel. 2006 me was all about a tiered white skirt and black flip-flops. She wouldn’t have touched the track shorts. Fast forward 20 years and I’m all about a track short and button down as a mom of two athletic kids who took up marathon running at 42.
I got a pair of Mibo sandals in the spring and despite them taking way longer than expected to break in (got some great tips from Cup of Jo commenters!), they have become a staple. I can dress them up or down and they couldn’t be easier to put on. I love an oversized button down, these are so easy to thrift and I often steal them from my husband. Is anyone else incapable of wearing white. The moment I put on something white, coffee magically flings out of my cup and I’m a mess.
Yes on the white haha.
Hi Sarah, I live in NYC and 98% of my clothing is black. Just once, I splurged on a super cute baby pink T-shirt and wore it to meet my summer students at a welcome dinner. When I got off of the subway I had a huge black blotch that went all the way across my chest.
it’s been a miserable may here, so cold and rainy, and I can’t wait for true summer. my wardrobe staple this summer is my recently acquired 6 pack of men’s white undershirts which I have rebranded “wife appreciators”, cropped by me, with a black bra underneath. simple earrings and vintage denim. I’ve been very inspired by carries’ casual looks during my sex and the city rewatch.
This sounds so cool, and I love the rebrand of the “wife appreciators”.
This is so creative! I have a super short torso (short everything, really) and love cropping my own shirts; I also love the black bra under white shirt look. Good call.
Cute cute! I love the validation for cropping them, too. I’m quite short, but most Wife Appreciators are realllly long on the wives, right?
First read this as you had worked out to the point of having a six-pack….. Still commendable
My favorite summer trend is chasing after the ice cream truck with my kid, so header pic for the win 😂
Last summer I got a pair of black Tevas with the slim straps, and I think they’re just so perfect. I adjusted the fit to my (extremely picky) specifications, and then I never ever have to think about them! Combine that with my ever-growing collection of stretchy a-line dresses, and that’s my summer uniform! Oh, one other fun thing – I got a pair of samurai pants from Siamurai on etsy, and they’re way cooler than I am! Blockprint koi – love!
Suz, where do you get your stretchy dresses? That’s my vibe and I have yet to find what I’m looking for! xox
Another cool resource for pants made in Japan is Sou Sou. https://www.sousou.co.jp/en-us/collections/keii-shitagoromo My very tall partner wears these exclusively. Elastic waist with a flowing quality fabric. :)
Oh my gosh, I just ordered the koi fish samurai pants from Siamurai – thanks so much for the rec!
Karen – I search “Eileen Fisher Medium” on ebay. From there, it’s just looking carefully at the pictures and descriptions. That’s been the source of over half of my wardrobe purchases over the past few years, and I’m very happy with the strategy. Occasionally something won’t work, but I happily donate those – a sacrifice to the thrifting gods! xox back atcha!
okay, we are kindreds, eileen fisher thifting forever! i have done this for some easy breezy shirts/pants, had not thought of doing it for dresses too, thanks for the reminder (and happy hunting!)
Hi Suz, I think I have the same Teva’s as you with the slim stringy straps. They are comfortable for sure but my complaint is the straps don’t stay put. How do you keep the fit in place with your extremely picky specs?
Hi, Maria I tried to reply, but I guess it got caught in a spam filter because I included a link? Anyhow, the tevas I love are called “original universal slim” and you can adjust them with Velcro just like regular tevas. I’ve also tried the ones with stretchy cords, and found them too tight! Hope that’s helpful. Have a great weekend!!