So far this year has been an absolute train wreck. With the coronavirus taking over our lives, many of us have settled comfortably into our quarantine lifestyle and have given up going out and dressing up for the summertime. Yet while staying home, we are still figuring out ways to enjoy fashion — so we’re saying hurray to summer style and getting ready for a new season, and an even newer look.
If you’re interested in summer dressing beyond your pajamas, well you’re in luck because you’ve found the right place. We’re eyeing silk scarves, sweater vests, low-waisted jeans inspired by our favorite early 2000’s icons, and pastel hues to make our everyday clothes, even more, summertime fine. Some of the looks inside may be longing for a night out in the city (which they’ll hopefully get soon!), but until then, any of these styles is something that you could wear in the solace of your own home, garden, or on a stroll around the block. They’re simple and sweet so there’s no need to wait — here is your ultimate summer fashion guide:
Scarves & Neckerchiefs
Scarves have always revved up bland outfits — consider Princess Diana doing up a cardigan with a neckerchief and a strand of pearls. Currently, with the re-emergence of vintage scarf styles from the 2000s including the tri-fold scarf frequently tied around their head by Christina Aguilera and Beyoncé, it seems like the floodgates have opened up countless possibilities for scarf-styling. A lightweight extra is best suited for summer. Select one made of natural fiber such as cotton, rayon, or linen that is soft to the touch. Silk scarf tops are another early 2000s trend that megastars embraced when it first got famous, frequently combining it with low-rise denim and mini skirts.
“My favorite summer trend would be scarf tie tops! They add such a unique touch to an outfit and can make you stand out,” said Andie Taylor, a full-time Depop seller.
Today, modern fashion models like Bella Hadid have brought the style back to the streets. Thanks to a gathered halter neck and billowy shape, the classic silk scarf gets a timely upgrade. Pair this with jean shorts for a relaxed day look or wear it over a black mini skirt, and for a vintage-inspired look wear with high heeled booties.
Sweater Vests
Sweater vests are another style that is emerging again (and you can thank the 90’s/early 2000’s for that too), back then vests were seen as a needed layering necessity and now they’ve made a massive comeback.
“I predict sweater vests being worn as tank tops to be a future trend, not just with tees underneath but smaller ones on their own. My favorite summer items I personally wear would be either slip dresses on their own or sweater vests as crop tops,” said Taylor.
A colorful sweater vest paired with similarly vibrant booties will make your look really stand out. Couple your sweater vest with a chunky loafer for the ultimate laid back look of the weekend. If you’re looking to ease into the trend, then pair a cream sweater vest with a white long sleeve. For a polished approach, base the remainder of your outfit around the same beige color palette for a cohesive look.
Slip Dresses
Nothing defines easy summer dressing more than a slip dress. If putting together a cute outfit seems too much to handle right now, the perfect answer to that would be slip dresses.
“I have so many aesthetics I am into from street style to classy chic. If I can’t choose between the two I like to incorporate both. For example, if I want to wear an elegant slip dress but still want to embody the edgy street style look I would throw on a leather jacket,“ said Sarah Roh, an upcoming senior and fashion TikTok user.
Whether layered-up for a day with tights and a sweater or paired-down with a T-shirt and boots for your off-work day-to-day look, the slip dress might be the most adaptable attire in your closet.
Miniskirts
It’s safe to assume that when you see or think of pleated miniskirts, school uniforms and cheerleaders might come to mind, but once you see the various ways that fashionistas have been styling them recently, you won’t even remember what your school uniform used to look like. Here’s a brand new way to style all your graphic tees. Take your favorite one, tuck it in a pleated mini-skirt, put a belt on it, and voilà. Your closet during the summertime would reward you for that one. Need to go on an errand run? Pair your pleated mini with a crew-neck sweatshirt and the Nike socks every fashion influencer has been rocking and you’ve got a cool casual outfit.
“My top favorite summer trends right now are def hair scarves and pleated tennis skirts. I can also notice trends being recycled from the 2000s which are baggy jeans which I love,” said Roh.
Denim lovers should load their carts online with the hottest trend of this season: baggy, wide-leg jeans. Oversized denim looks great when paired with classic pieces, like a crisp button-down top and flat sandals or a white t-shirt and sneakers. Baggy jeans are convenient and simple to spend summer days relaxed or shopping around the neighborhood. A nice low-rise pair of denim doesn’t require you to do too much either, adding a cropped tank top and cool heels make for a perfect combination.
The Sensational Colors of This Summer
The New York Fashion Week Spring / Summer 2020 color trends have included pastels as soft as pistachio green, baby blue, and orange sorbet following a summer of bright neon hues.
“Pastels are so in style right now, especially in the summertime. Wearing pastel colors not only makes you feel girly, but the color radiates special happy energy compared to neutral tones. In other words, when to see or to wear bright pastel colors it links to my memories of me enjoying ice-cream, a carnival, and cotton candy,“ said Roh.
Whether you choose to experiment with the trend by following a monochromatic theme, or by utilizing bright accessories to add a pop of color, it’s guaranteed to immediately transform and liven up any outfit. Pale pinks are a wonderful alternative to an all-white ensemble and are far less likely to wash out paler skin tones. They get even more flattering as you move toward the ubiquitous millennial pink along the spectrum.
To add greater scope than the usual monochrome statement, combine and match pieces in a range of shades. Ice blue with sea-foam green is another perfect pastel pairing — these shades are ideal for flowing fabrics such as silk, chiffon or lightweight cotton, as opposed to heavy leather, denim or wool. You should turn to one of the oldest fashion techniques in the book regarding which hue to use: exploit darker colors (sky blue) anywhere you want to lessen, such as your sides, and lighter colors (seafoam green) anywhere you want to attract somebody’s attention.
“I always gravitate towards green, black, and cheetah and especially green and black in the summer. This is because when I’m tanner I love the way green compliments my olive undertones,” said Taylor.
When playing around with a large print like cheetah it’s better to have some balance. You don’t need to pair up your leopard print clothes all at once! Think about combining it with striking colors for example. Often it fits best to wear statement pieces like a bracelet, watchband, or dress! Animal prints will bring to your style a stunning splash of color and fun, which can look very chic when styled in the right way.
