The Summer 2021 Starter Pack: Every Cool Trend, Period

Welcome to the Starter Pack series, a Who What Wear column that dives deep into the seasonal trends everyone's talking about.

Summer is quickly approaching, and as usual, there is a lot of sartorial newness to be discussed. We've been tracking spring/summer 2021 trends for quite some time, and now that the season is so close that we can almost taste it, it's time to start shopping for them. If you're already familiar with our ongoing Starter Pack series, then welcome back. If you're new here, get ready for a shopping experience unlike any other

Below, you will find a curated list of trends to know as you embark on yet another stylish summer season. No, not every trend under the sun is mentioned here, but that's kind of the point. The list of eight summer trends ahead is here to start you off on the right foot when it comes to your new-season style, and according to us, these trends are the most important ones to know now. So get ready for full carts and hearts because every item below is sure to spark joy and anticipation for the days to come. 

summer-2021-starter-pack-292818-1619040861152-main

(Image credit: @michellesalem)

Bright, bold, and beautiful is the sandal theme for summer 2021. The more saturated and fruity the shade, the better, and if you happen to find a pair that incorporate more than one color at once, more power to you. We love this shoe trend for many reasons, but my personal favorite is that even if you live your life in jean shorts and white tanks, saturated sandals will take your 'fit to the next level with little to no effort. 

Shop the trend:

summer-2021-starter-pack-292818-1619040912418-main

(Image credit: @laurenlicup)

The recent resurgence of all things Y2K has been quite overwhelming (in a good way). While Gen Z has certainly taken the lead on a majority of those trends brought back from the early aughts, kitschy Y2K-inspired dresses have managed to find a home in everyone's closets. The retro prints and throwback silhouettes make this dress trend prime real estate for summer, so get your hands on a couple ASAP. 

Shop the trend:

summer-2021-starter-pack-292818-1619040852797-main

(Image credit: @dananozime)

Speaking of trends that are a major throwback, this season, floral prints are looking more retro than ever. From swimsuits to dresses, there has yet to be a summertime staple I haven't seen this trending print on, so stock up and enjoy a floral print that finally feels pretty groundbreaking. 

Shop the trend:

summer-2021-starter-pack-292818-1619040906313-main

(Image credit: @matildadjerf)

If you have an Instagram and follow fashion girls, there's no way you've missed the transparent sunglasses that everyone's been wearing. Lexxola is, undeniably, the most coveted and popular brand churning out the trend, but we found a couple of others that will get the job done as well. 

Shop the trend:

summer-2021-starter-pack-292818-1619040836048-main

(Image credit: @aniyahmorinia)

Does it seem like we've been talking about cutouts forever? Well, that's probably because we have been. This trend has been growing for quite a while now, but as we begin to enter the summer season, we're seeing no sign of a trend slowdown. Instead, cutouts are ramping up, and we see no reason why we shouldn't continue buying into and wearing the trend. 

Shop the trend:

summer-2021-starter-pack-292818-1619040843679-main

(Image credit: @alyssainthecity)

Platform sandals are officially everywhere. The go-to style is definitely the platform thong (and no, you don't have to have a pair quite as high as the one pictured above to be on-trend), but we're also seeing platform slides and lace-up styles hit the market. 

Shop the trend:

summer-2021-starter-pack-292818-1619040894776-main

(Image credit: @janicethitran)

This just might be one of my favorite summer trends of all—the summer suit. No, this isn't suiting in the traditional sense but is instead a way to enhance your already-cute swimsuit. Brands have been selling sarongs, shirts, hats, and more that match your swimsuit exactly, making summertime dressing easier than ever. 

Shop the trend:

summer-2021-starter-pack-292818-1619040826012-main

(Image credit: @devapollon)

Last but not least, we bring you the belly chain. We've been watching this trend bubble for a little while now, and summer 2021 is when we're anticipating it to finally dominate the scene. Wear one of these delicate chain belts over your bare stomach with everything from low-rise jeans to bikinis. Trust me. It will be the summertime accessory you didn't know you needed. 

Shop the trend:

Lauren Eggertsen
Editorial Director

"Copy (200 words): Lauren Eggertsen is currently the editorial director of Who What Where and has worked at the company for nearly seven years, where she started as an associate editor and has since worked her way up. Lauren has over 10 years of experience in the fashion editorial space, starting her career with internships at Marc Jacobs, Marie Claire, and The Zoe Report, where she was later hired as their editorial assistant. Lauren has worked in the Los Angeles and New York Who What Wear offices but currently calls L.A. home. It is here where she leads and manages Who What Wear's fashion team and oversees all day-to-day editorial content and large tentpole moments. This includes all of the runway, trend, and shopping-driven content that ultimately helps to build a strong brand reputation within the industry. Lauren's role also includes helping to set the fashion direction for all original photo shoots and often styles many of the celebrity cover shoots, including big names like Sydney Sweeney, Lindsay Lohan, and Megan Fox. 


She has also attended multiple fashion weeks, including New York, London, and Milan, where her personal style has been featured on sites such as Elle.com, HarpersBazaar.com, and Vogue.co.uk. She prides herself on discovering and supporting small brands and on her knack for a good vintage shopping find. When she isn't working, she enjoys researching and dining at reputable restaurants around both her neighborhood and the globe.