It’s My Job to Spot Trends—These 5 Are My Picks for Summer

This summer turned out a little different than we all thought it would be. But that’s okay! It doesn’t mean we can’t still get dressed up and keep our eyes on trends, even if we're a bit more strategic about what we’re adding to our wardrobes. I’ve always been a big believer in effortless style, so it excites me to no end that this season's coolest trends involve just that: Fun, dressed-up basics with no going-out-of-style date in sight.

This summer, I know we’re all looking forward to pieces that can take us from our at-home office to social-distanced get-togethers with a few of our friends. These trending items all have one thing in common: They’re made with cotton. The fabric has always been an essential part of dressing for summer, but this year, in particular, it plays an even bigger role in beefing up our wardrobes because, let’s face it, the quality of the fabric equals longevity, and we're all here for pieces that last. So, without further ado, here are the five trending items to know this summer.

Simplicity is everything, which is why the ribbed tank is making a comeback as the season's hottest commodity. Think about it: We’re spending a lot of time indoors, which means you need casual pieces that you can dress up and down. Still working from home but have a day full of Zoom meetings? A ribbed tank is the perfect top to style with gold jewelry and something as easy as a pair of knit shorts and cool socks. One day soon, we'll be styling these tanks up again, adding a little athletic edge with belted relaxed-fit trousers or seamlessly layering them under our summer blazers.

Hemlines are getting a little longer this season with Bermuda shorts taking over our lower halves. Whether you opt for a dressier pair as half of your summer suiting or choose raw-hem denim, this shorts silhouette is defining summer. Personally, I love a belted look worn with a structured blazer and *ahem* a ribbed tank top. Keep the footwear low key: Minimal leather flip-flops give it that elevated vacation vibe.

Still trending after a big street-style moment at fashion week last September, the voluminous dress pays homage to early '00s bubble hems we can all agree were the highlight of the decade. If you had to pick one trend you wanted to buy into this season that requires minimal effort, I’d say this is the one. The flowy silhouette is so easy to wear and style, it’s almost a no-brainer. One tip: Make sure you look for options that are, or close to, 100% cotton. The fabric is breathable, which, of course, is necessary during the summer, and it looks more expensive than synthetic fabrics (which don't always do a great job of maintaining the integrity of their bold silhouettes). These are some of my favorites right now.

I’m a big believer in a button-down for any occasion, especially if said shirt is in a bold pattern. So if you’re like me, then you’re in luck this season. For summer, the classic white shirt gets an upgrade with fun prints and patterns that make statements on their own. I love switching it up and going for a short sleeve to really play up the '90s dad vibes, especially when worn with a pair of high-waisted jeans. Seriously, keep an eye out for this major trend this season—you’ll start seeing it trickle in on your feed soon.

You didn’t actually think we’d have a trend report without denim, did you? Earlier this year, I was on the hunt for a perfect pair of ivory-hued denim that wasn’t too white but also wasn’t too beige. It was a mission, but finally, summer has hit and there’s a slew of options to choose from. Mind the fabric content here as well: Stretchy and skinny silhouettes in this color often look cheaper than they really are, so when shopping for a pair, make sure they’re close to 100% cotton. The stiffer the fabric, the wider the leg opening, which means a truly chic pair of jeans this season.

Return to The Summer Issue.