These Unexpected Trends Are Really Winning Summer

As much as I'd like to think that I know everything on the fashion horizon, the honest truth is that trend prediction isn't an exact science. Some build up in a slow crawl, eventually reaching an apex, and other trends seemingly appear spontaneously without much warning. Whether it's a feeling in the air or a very intentional embrace, sometimes, there's really no reason why specific trends capture everyone's attention at once. But as a fashion editor, when this happens, it's something you tend to notice. And I've definitely noticed them. 

One of the biggest unexpected trends to really take off this summer is lucite heels. Years ago, I distinctly remember saving up all year to buy a pair of Maryam Nassir Zadeh clear wedges. They were the It sandals of the time, and every fashion editor I knew had them. Lucite heels haven't been on my radar since, but surprisingly, they've had a bit of a comeback in 2022. Now, they're everywhere. The same goes for the corded heart pendant. Looking at it gives me instant flashbacks to my childhood in the '90s, and never in my wildest dreams did I think it would become the cult accessory that it is now. More pieces are unexpectedly winning the season—keep scrolling to read about them all.

Soft Ruffles

Love it or hate it, the Y2K influence has reached a pervasiveness that's difficult to ignore. One of the consequences is the revival of the soft ruffle. The iterations that are popping up today feature sheer, delicate fabrics that turn up the romance.

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 Corded Pendant Necklaces

I've witnessed gold pendant chains become a thing as well as plenty of other necklace trends, but it's the first time I've seen the corded pendant necklace cause such a stir among fashion people. The hype arguably began with Sophie Buhai's Nautilus pendant necklace and Saint Laurent's $550 pendant choker, snowballing with a mass of affordable versions from there. It's a cool-girl trend that's easy to pull off. Just find a simple top with a great exposed neckline.

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Lucite Heels

It's a pleasure to see lucite/clear/Cinderella heels make a comeback for another moment in the spotlight. They're extremely versatile and don't distract from a cool outfit.

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Cargo Skirts

Off the heels of a cargo-pants summer, the cargo skirt has popped up as a staple of the season. It definitely falls more into the unconventional category, hence why I was surprised to see it resonate so strongly among the fashion set. Diesel's version quickly became an It-girl staple, so it was only a matter of time before other brands took note.

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Balenciaga Cagole Accessories

Almost 10 years ago, I bought a Balenciaga City bag. I carried it for a year straight, but since then, I have only periodically brought it out to play for a dose of nostalgia. After years of being a cult bag, post-2012 fervor over the signature bag slowly died down, dropping into the background. Fast-forward to 2022, and the iconic piece has been transformed by Demna Gvasalia into a collection of shoes and bags that have quickly gone viral. I never thought I'd see the day when my old bag would suddenly become relevant again, but I'm welcoming it with open arms.

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Next up: My Friend Does PR at Nordstrom—9 Chic Items She Told Me to Buy This Month