I'm a Fashion Editor in My 30s, and These 11 Summer Trends Speak to Me
I'm a firm believer that you can dress in whatever makes you feel good no matter what your age. But that doesn't mean to say your style doesn't evolve with age. In my 20s, I wildly consumed an abundance of clothes and experimented with practically every trend under the sun even if they didn't suit me. Now that I'm in my 30s and feel more comfortable in my own skin, I have a better understanding of what I like to wear and what works for me—I'm a more self-aware, savvy shopper. And while I'm always game to try new trends (I am a style-obsessed fashion editor, after all)—I tend to favor styles that I feel comfortable in, that fit into my lifestyle, and most importantly speak to my personal style aesthetic.
So with the warm-weather season fast approaching, I'm sharing some of the chic trends that appeal to me the most and are undoubtedly getting me sartorially excited this summer. Curious? Keep scrolling to take a look.
Oversize Button-Downs
While I consider button-downs more of a wardrobe classic than a trend per se, I've been spotting oversize iterations on fashion people everywhere this warm-weather season—whether worn nonchalantly buttoned with a bra, bikini, or tank top. You can't go wrong with neutral hues, but I'm also loving the saturated colors we're seeing the silhouette in this summer.
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Modern Pearls
Modern pearl jewelry adds a fresh, polished, and luxe touch to every outfit—and is one of my personal favorite jewelry trends. Opt for a bold pearl necklace or pearls mixed with gold or craftsy beads for a fashion-forward look. This is guaranteed to elevate your basic summer tanks and tees.
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Fisherman Sandals
I don't know what it is about fisherman sandals, but there's something about the versatile and fresh silhouette that speaks to me. The caged sandals are not only practical and comfortable but thanks to The Row spearheading the trend, they exude a luxurious look that I can't get enough of.
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Miniskirts
I've always been a major fan of the mini, and summer lends itself perfectly to the trend. Spotted all over the fashion crowd, I plan on styling mine with a tank, button-down, and flat sandals for a fresh look.
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Orange
Summer is the perfect time to have fun with vibrant color, and this season I'm all about adding a slice of joyful orange to my look—one of this year's biggest color trends.
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Cropped Vests
If you want to look chic and polished in the sweltering summer heat then a cropped vest top is the way to go. Wear with effortless breezy pants.
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Dreamy White Dresses
Nothing says summer like an LWD. This season we're seeing dreamy iterations that have a modern-bride vibe.
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Shimmery Swimwear
There's nothing like adding a little sparkle to your days in the sun and sand. Shimmery and iridescent tones are trending for summer 2022 and are sure to incite all the compliments.
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Relaxed Pants
On cooler summer nights, I'll be opting for of-the-moment loose and relaxed trousers in lightweight fabrics and neutral hues that are the epitome of effortlessly chic.
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Preppy
From preppy tennis looks (a trend we saw all over the runways) to cute polos and lightweight sweater-vests, the fashion-forward preppy aesthetic is one of my favorites of the season—and a refreshing change to the Y2K styles that have been dominating.
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Crochet & Open Knit Dresses
This warm-weather season, I'm really drawn to crochet and openwork knit dresses in neutral hues that channel a bohemian Jane Birkin vibe—perfect for a beachy vacation.
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Up next, the world's best shoppers share the noteworthy trends to buy this summer.
Judith Jones is the senior fashion market editor at Who What Wear who specializes in shopping content and trend stories with high-affiliate impact. She shares the coolest, most desirable fashion market finds and brands for every budget. Previous to working in fashion, Judith worked as a TV host on the PBS travel show Globe Trekker (airing on Netflix and Amazon Prime) sharing her passion for travel and culture.
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