There are, in fact, trends that can and do stand the test of time, but this summer many trends haven’t hit the timeless criteria. As fashion editors, it’s our job to keep our fingers on the pulse regarding what's in and out for each season. Now that we’re finally in the promise of June’s heat, we noticed all the trends that have fallen wayside, but don’t worry, we’ve also discovered all the trends to wear instead.
Not to say that these trends we’re can’t ever be worn again; we’re all into wearing what you want at the end of the day. We’re just guides to the right fashion direction. These trends we’re over had their major moments, but were fleeting nonetheless. From trends like jelly shoes to polka dots, these are the trends we’re over. Keep scrolling to find the nine trends we’re over for this summer, and shop the ones we’re wearing instead.
Audry Hiaoui, Associate Shopping Editor
"Mini dresses will never be out of style, but this summer I'm reaching for other lengths, such as knee-length and midi. Especially with the heat in NYC, I'm looking for breathable, lightweight dresses made of natural materials. As for swimwear, I'm over regular bikini bottoms and loving different options like swim shorts, skorts, and even dresses."
Over: Mini Dresses
Wearing: Knee-Length Dresses
Over: Bikini Bottoms
Wearing: Swim Shorts
Shop Audrey's Picks
Sierra Mayhew, Fashion Editor
"Jelly shoes have been a divisive topic these past few summers, and it's taken me a while to come around, but I'm officially a convert...with one firm exception. The chunky fisherman platform styles that have dominated the past year or two will never grace my feet. They read as too bulky, too costumey, too much. What has stolen my heart? The feminine, dainty, barely-there sandal silhouettes rendered in jelly. Think delicate straps, a minimal aesthetic, and that signature glossy finish. For summer 2026, they have me completely wrapped around their dainty finger."
Over: Chunky Fisherman Platform Jelly Shoes
Wearing: Delicate Jelly Shoes
Shop Sierra's Picks
Ana Escalante, Associate Features Editor
"Polka-dot tops and skirts might be in my wardrobe due to last year's surge in the whimsical print trend but, this year, I've been noticing myself gravitate more towards stripes than anything. Across my Instagram, I've noticed striped bikinis, lined terry-fiber shorts, and streaked jeans rising up among the ranks of fashion girls. It might be a micro-trend flash in the pan but, hey, at least it's cute. It's an easy, no-brainer way to add color and fun back into my summer wardrobe."
Over: Polka Dots
Wearing: Stripes
Shop Ana's Picks
Allyson Payer, Senior Editor
"Bubble-hem miniskirts had their moment, and I gave the trend my best try, but I always felt kind of silly wearing one, and had trouble finding tops to pair with it. The '90s-inspired knee-length skirts that are everywhere right now suit my more classic aesthetic much better."
Over: Bubble-Hem Skirts
Wearing: '90s-Inspired Knee-Length Skirts
Shop Allyson's Picks
Anna LaPlaca Senior Fashion Editor
"Easy, flat sandals are a must in the summer but in 2026, I'm pivoting away from slides in favor of flip-flops. I'm especially a fan of my A.Emery Kinto Sandals that feature an elevated leather finish and square-toe shape—they look so much more modern with white jeans or midi dresses than slides do."
Over: Slides
Wearing: Flip-Flops
Shop Anna's Picks
Nikki Chwatt Associate Fashion Editor
"Barrel-leg jeans and trousers had a nice long run, but this summer I'm putting them to the side. Instead, I'll be prioritizing tailored pants, specifically slim-fitting bootcut jeans and capri trousers.
Summer is the perfect time to accessorize, and my favorite way to do so is with jewelry, particularly fun necklaces. This year, instead of long necklaces featuring shell or tassel pendants—which have become very overdone—I plan to complete my warm-weather outfits with short beaded necklaces. I’m especially drawn to those with extra-large, supersized orbs and unique colored beads or stones, such as tiger's eye or onyx."
Over: Barrel-Leg Bottoms
Wearing: Tailored Pants
Over: Pendant Necklaces
Wearing: Chunky Beaded Necklaces
Shop Nikki's Picks
Daniela Guevara, Assistant Social Media Editor
"I'm really into neons lately. I want this summer to feel like Addison Rae’s self-titled album, and that included hot pink, aquamarine, purple, and just playing with the same color palette as VS Pink had in the early 2010’s. Pastels are cool, but this summer I want to be as bold as possible.
Even though I love how they’re styled by others, the jelly-shoe trend didn’t last long in my wardrobe. I just recently sold a cute pink pair because I found myself not reaching for them enough. This summer I’m sticking to my basic shoes like flip-flops or loafers."
Over: Pastels
Wearing: Neons
Over: Jelly Shoes
Wearing: Flip-Flops
Shop Daniela's Picks
Why Trust Us
At Who What Wear, fashion is our speciality. Our editors have years of industry experience, from reporting on seasonal fashion trends seen at international fashion weeks to working with some of the most recognizable names in fashion. Every item we recommend is carefully selected based on current trends, quality, and real-world wearability.
We regularly try pieces ourselves, including everything from best-selling jeans to designer shoes; speak to external experts and fashion insiders; and stay closely connected to what our readers are searching for. Our advice is grounded in expertise and has to pass our exceptional taste levels, so you can feel confident in every recommendation.