I'm a Gen Z Fashion Editor Based in NYC, and I Love These 5 Summer Trends

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(Image credit: @gracejoshua13; Pictured: Afrm dress; Ray-Ban sunglasses)

Summer is officially right around the corner, and I couldn’t be more excited. I love everything about summer. The warm weather, the overall boost in my mood, outdoor dining in New York City, park days… I could go on and on. But what I love the most is that summer is my personal favorite season for fashion, and this year, I’m planning on having my most stylish summer yet. 

I’m a Gen Z fashion editor, so when it comes to looking for style inspiration, the options are truly endless. I have been looking at trends for summer on my Instagram and TikTok feeds, on my favorite It girls, and on people NYC, and I’ve been chatting with my fellow editors about what items they’re obsessing over and what trends are an absolute must for the upcoming season. I’ve narrowed it down to five trends that are approved by Gen Z and will guarantee this is the chicest summer yet. 

Keep scrolling to see the five trends I’m eyeing for the new season.

Cutouts

This is the perfect summer trend, as we’re all trying to look chic while staying cool. I’m loving cutouts in just about everything this summer, from one-piece swimsuits to bodysuits and dresses.

Platform Shoes

I can’t say it enough. I love platform shoes. I’m on the shorter side, so I tend to always gravitate toward higher heels, and I find that the platforms make things a little sturdier and are easier to walk in. They may look intimidating, but trust me—platform shoes are the way to go.

Cottagecore Vibes

The viral summer 2020 trend is back, and I’m here for it. I love the cottagecore aesthetic. All of the pretty dresses and dainty details are everything. I may not have a country house, but that doesn’t mean I can’t dress like it.

Bright, Saturated Colors

This is a major vacation trend. Bold, saturated colors are a luxe look that is perfect for those of us who have been wearing black and neutrals all winter long.

Midi & Maxi Hemlines

Normally, I am a huge mini-hemline fan. I love a micro miniskirt and a minidress, but this summer, I’m all about midi and maxi hemlines. You can wear them to basically anything—first dates, vacations, work events, nights out, you name it. Style with heeled mules or sneakers.

Next, check out these shopping guides.

Assistant Editor

Originally from Chicago, Illinois, Grace has always been a lover of all things fashion and beauty. Upon receiving her first degree in visual communications from FIDM in Los Angeles, she moved to New York City and continued her education at LIM College, majoring in fashion media with a minor in society and culture. Grace has worked for PhotoBook magazine, Insider, and Harper's Bazaar. As a writer, Grace has had pieces published covering topics including racial justice, fashion, politics, and current events. During her free time, she loves wine tasting, creating content for her social media, spending time with friends, traveling to new places, and Pilates, and has a love for reality television, especially The Real Housewives. Grace is the person in your friend group everyone goes to for recommendations for the best place to grab drinks in NYC on a Friday night or the best hotels and restaurants to try when traveling to a new city. While fashion is her main love, she loves all things wellness and lifestyle as well. Her ideal sunday is brunching with friends then walking around furniture shopping and listening to a podcast. As the assistant shopping editor at Who What Wear, Grace loves finding the best buys out there for the WWW readers.