I Spot Trends for a Living—Here's Every Single One I'm Buying for Summer
As a fashion editor, I'm acutely aware of all the current trends on the scene and have basically made it a pastime of mine to uncover emerging micro-trends about to make it big. Since I spend so much of my time trendspotting and reporting on the styles that are in and out, I tend to rack up a massive shopping list for the holes in my own closet. At the start of each new season, I keep a running tab of all the pieces I want to add to my wardrobe to hit on each of the overarching trends I'm seeing.
On my list of trendy clothes for summer 2021 are items such as ribbed tanks, shimmery swimsuits, and fashion-y flip-flops (just to name a few) that represent each of the larger trends I want to test out myself. By keeping a list like this, I'm able to avoid making impulsive purchases and ensure that each item I add to my virtual shopping cart is one that I'll be satisfied with in several months' time. With that, keep scrolling to see every summer trend I plan on buying into and the items I'm eyeing to do so.
Bare Midriffs
Summer Knits
Checkerboard
Shirt Dresses
Loose Denim Shorts
Bubblegum Pink
Puff Sleeves
Open Backs
Colored Button-Downs
Boxer Shorts
Underwire Bikinis
Terry Cloth
Shop the matching Fiji Shirt ($88).
Asymmetric Necklines
Retro Sunglasses
Lime Green
Tennis Skirt
Layered Looks
Relaxed Jeans
Retro Sneakers
Short Hemlines
Crochet
Shop the matching Openwork Knit Shorts ($30)
Ribbed Tanks
Pucci (and Pucci-Inspired) Prints
Colorful Jewelry
Halter Tops
Nostalgic Jewelry
Y2K Dresses
Cushy Flip-Flops
Gathered Details
Shop the matching Linen Paperbag Shorts ($78)
Up next, peruse my list of the best bikinis on all of Amazon.
Anna is an NYC-based senior fashion editor who has been a member of the Who What Wear team for over seven years, having begun her career in L.A. at brands like Michael Kors and A.L.C. As an editor, she has earned a reputation for her coverage of breaking trends, emerging brands, luxury shopping curations, fashion features, and more. Anna has penned a number Who What Wear cover interviews, including Megan Fox, Julia Garner, and Lilly Collins. She also leads the site’s emerging travel vertical that highlights all things travel and lifestyle through a fashion-person lens.
-
Kristen Bell Swears Her Nobody Wants This Character Is Cooler Than Her
But it’s safe to say she would have approved of the actress’s flawless Armani gown for last night’s Emmys.
-
I've Worked in Fashion for 15 Years—Here's What I Actually Wear Every Day
Trends come and go, but my everyday wardrobe is made of pieces that feel like me.
-
My Mom Only Shops Affordable Fashion—I Sent Her These 27 Chic Rich-Looking Pieces for Fall 2025
Everything is under $100.
-
My Mom Only Shops at T.J. Maxx and Marshalls—Here's What She Sent Me to Buy for Fall 2025
She had me at under-$100 Uggs and Levi's.
-
The New Elite Way to Shop Is Off the Grid and Invite Only
If you know, you know.
-
I Just Started Investing—31 Chic Pieces That Will Have Me Dressing the Part
Effortless and elevated is the goal.
-
I Shopped so You Don't Have to—the Ultimate Fashion-Editor Fall 2025 Wish List
It-girl fall has arrived.
-
The Refined Edit: 32 Luxury Finds on Sale at Saks
Starting at just $58.
-
Editor Instincts Activated: We're Grabbing These 18 Fall Pieces Before Everyone Else Does
Run, don't walk.
-
What to Buy for Fall If You Don't Want to Regret It Next Year (or the Year After)
Investments only.