I'll admit, typically when summer rolls around, knowing about the latest trends are not high on my list of priorities. As someone who gravitates towards the knitwear and jeans outfits of colder months, my number one thought once the temperatures rise is how to stay cool and comfortable in sticky city summers—and still be prepared for the blasting AC whenever I step foot inside. But over the past month, I've spotted more and more of my fellow Londoners embracing trends that have caught my eye for both style and practicality reasons. Win-win.
Effortlessly cool, timeless yet fresh, these recurring summer trends perfectly capture the London fashion sensibility, yet would undoubtedly earn a place in your suitcase for the next getaway, too. Many of the top trends Londoners are embracing this season are based around colour and print—vintage-inspired styles like pinstripes and polka dots are high on the summer staples list, as are more muted tones, with brown coming out as a top contender for this season. Then there's the perfect hint of nostalgia, with silk-scarves-as-tops jumping out of the Nineties and into 2025. Bohemia is having a moment too, but with more of an elevated spin than the crochet tops and embellished headpieces that dominated the early Noughtes Glastonbury and Coachella scene. Instead, think of Isabel Marant and Chloé — floaty, ethereal dresses and tops balanced with suede, studded accessories.
Whatever you've got planned this summer, these trends are sure to have you excited for the months ahead.
SHOP THE TOP SUMMER TRENDS ACCORDING TO LONDONERS:
1. Summer Brown
Style Notes: We're all about neutrals in summer, but this season brown is coming out as the top contender. Think rich, chocolate hues in linen and breezy cottons, which can work just as well for the office as they can on holiday.
Shop the trend:
I'm in love with this skirt—and definitely want the matching top, too.
Such an easy, relaxed set for summer wear.
The kind of dress you'll happily throw on during the sticky month.
An easy, everyday summer pant.
Such a sophisticated summer dress.
2. Polka Dots
Style Notes: This season, the simple polka dot is back with a vengeance, with influencers across my feed sporting elegant polka dot dresses. From voluminous Fifties-inspired dresses to minimalist slips, there's plenty of options to choose from this year,
Shop the trend:
How cute is this set? Wear together or mix and match with white separates.
I love the timeless romance of this style
I predict this polka dot dress from Poppy Delevingne's collaboration with Nobody's Child won't stay in stock long.
Dôen always nails the classic, vintage-inspired charm.
The Scandi vibe of this skirt is irresistable.
3. Scarf Tops
Style Notes: The Nineties are calling. That's right, scarf tops are officially back this season. Keep it minimalist by opting for a simple print, or embrace the joy of summer with a more maximalist, vibrant style—just start practicing a few of the many ways to tie your scarf into a top.
Shop the trend:
This would pair so well with denim shorts.
So elegant.
Don't want to do the work of tying the scarf? Opt for this pre-structured piece—which also happens to tick off the polka dot trend, too.
La DoubleJ's vibrant prints are such a summer mood.
Pure summer fun, in scarf form.
4. Modern Bohemian
Style Notes: Floaty dresses, embroidered blouses, fringed suede bags—bohemian style is a top trend this season, and there are plenty of ways to embrace it. Give yours a modern update by going for simpler designs that are really well crafted, and pairing with modern, minimalist jewellery.
Shop the trend:
If you're looking to embrace the bohemian vibe this summer, you can't go wrong with a floaty, tiered white skirt.
Wear with jeans, shorts, skirts—everything.
The fringed suede shoulder bag is a bohemian staple.
An easy style you can dress up or down.
The perfect piece to wear with your blouses or dresses.
5. Bandeau Dresses
Style Notes: If you're looking for a versatile dress style this season, go for a bandeau style. Londoners are backing the strapless dress this season, which you can throw on with sandals and a pair of sunglasses for casual wear, or dress up with heels and jewellery for an evening look.
Shop the trend:
I plan on styling this dress exactly like this.
So elegant.
This one ticks two-in-one trends.
A great option for evening wear.
I love the drop waist silhouette.
6. Pinstripes
Style Notes: Competing with polka dots for top print of the season, pinstripes is the minimalist-approved design to own this summer. A classic for a reason, pinstripes strike the perfect balance between relaxed and refined—particularly when it shirt form.
Shop the trend:
Go on, get the matching shorts, too.
The kind of shirt that is well suited to work and weekends.
Style with a white tee and you're set.
This conveniently taps into the brown trend, too.
My kind of summer short.
7. Minimalist Sandals
Style Notes: If there's one sandal style to go for this year, it's the barely-there silhouette. Think simple straps, minimal embellishment and elegant lines—they're the kind of flat that goes with everything.
Shop the trend:
Russell & Bromley sandals are always expertly crafted.
These would pair so well with breezy linen styles.
A true, barely-there sandal.
So sleek.
The silver hardware is such a great touch that really elevates this otherwise understated sandal.
