7 Summer Trends I'm Breaking Up With

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(Image credit: @tamaramory)

I think about trends a lot (it's my job, after all), but the truth is I'm quite picky about the trends I actually buy. The reason? The sheer number of outdated, "trendy" pieces I remove from my closet each season. Don't get me wrong—I still invest in plenty of trends, but I prefer to wait a bit before purchasing to see if said trend will stand the test of time (no one-season wonders for me), as I hate having to donate something I only wore a handful of times. But it happens, so before I add to my closet each season, I usually weed out the expiring trends that I know I'm done wearing (for the foreseeable future, at least).

For summer 2022, I've been busy shopping for bubblegum pink, baguette bags, longer shorts, and much more, so a closet clean-out was imperative. Scroll on to find out which summer trends sadly didn't make it into the "keep" pile and which ones sparked enough joy to stay.

Retiring: Super-Short Cutoffs

Keeping: Mid-Thigh Denim Shorts

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(Image credit: @devapollon)

I'm very happy to do away with my short shorts and replace them with pairs that are a little more modest. That said, I'm going for pairs that hit at mid-thigh this summer rather than Bermuda-length.

Shop mid-thigh denim shorts:

Retiring: Bandeau Bikinis

Keeping: Underwire Bikinis

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(Image credit: @ali_tate_cutler)

There's a time and a place for bandeau bikinis (when you're going for those minimal tan lines, for instance), but every time and place is for retro underwire bikinis, in my opinion. 

Shop underwire bikinis:

Retiring: Shell Jewelry

Keeping: Colorful Beaded Jewelry

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(Image credit: @annawinck)

I wore so much shell jewelry over the past few summers that I've amassed quite the collection. I learned from that mistake and am now diversifying my jewelry archive.

Shop beaded jewelry:

Retiring: Neon

Keeping: Bubblegum Pink

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(Image credit: @amaka.hamelijnck)

I gave the neon trend the old college try, but I ultimately decided it's a little too loud for me. Luckily, I predict that it won't be around much longer. Shades of bubblegum pink, on the other hand, are all I want to wear this summer.

Shop bubblegum pink:

Retiring: Simple Knit Dresses

Keeping: Slip Dresses

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(Image credit: @tamaramory)

If I'm going to wear dresses this summer, I'd rather wear a versatile one. Even better is a '90s-inspired slip, which is a trend that continues to dominate. 

Shop slip dresses:

Retiring: Straw Bags

Keeping: Baguette Bags

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(Image credit: @annelauremais)

I strongly believe that straw bags will always be a major thing again, so I'm not getting rid of all of them to make room for under-the-arm baguettes, but I'm certainly reducing my collection of the oversaturated bag trend.

Shop baguette bags:

Retiring: "Tourist" Sandals

Keeping: Cushy Flip-Flops

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(Image credit: @tylynnnguyen)

I didn't think I'd care for this sandal trend, but I've already bought two pairs (and counting). I still have a few pairs of sporty Velcro sandals, but these cushy thongs feel so fresh this summer.

Shop cushy flip-flops:

Next: 9 Summer Trends We're Skipping and 9 We're Buying Immediately

Senior Editor

Anna is an editor on the fashion team at Who What Wear and has been at the company for over five years, having begun her career in the Los Angeles office before relocating to New York, where she's currently based. Having always been passionate about pursuing a career in fashion, she built up her experience interning at the likes of Michael Kors, A.L.C., and College Fashionista before joining the team as a post-graduate assistant editor. Anna has penned a number of interviews with Who What Wear's cover stars over the years, including A-listers Megan Fox, Issa Rae, and Emma Chamberlain. She's earned a reputation for scouting new and emerging brands from across the globe and championing them to our audience of millions. While fashion is her main wheelhouse, Anna led the launch of WWW Travels last year, a new lifestyle vertical that highlights all things travel through a fashion-person lens. She is passionate about shopping vintage, whether it be at a favorite local outpost or an on-the-road discovery, and has amassed a wardrobe full of unique finds. When she's not writing, you can find her shooting street imagery on her film camera, attempting to learn a fourth or fifth language, or planning her next trip across the globe.