With summer on the horizon, I’ve been looking around to see what spring styes are sticking around and if there are any new summer trends I want to incorporate into my working wardrobe.
We don’t usually see anything dramatically new in the fashion world as we roll into summer, but the mainstream retailers invariably introduce some new colors and micro-trends that we might want to be aware of.
Quick Links
7 Wearable Summer 2024 Fashion Trends to Try
When I’m sharing seasonal trends, I try to focus on styles that are wearable for everyday women in their 40s and 50s and beyond. I look at stores like Evereve, LOFT, J.Crew, Anthropologie, etc. and see what styles and colors they’re featuring and how they’re putting them together.
I also read some of the trend reports online to see what the “experts” are saying, and then I put it all together to come up with a list of trends I think you might like, and the ones I want to try. With all that said, here are some of the most wearable summer trends I’m seeing for 2024!
Skirts
Banana Republic Linen Blend Pleated Skirt // KUT from the Kloth Bristol Utility Skirt
After years of being pushed to the back of the fashion scene, I’m seeing a huge resurgence of skirts this year. Denim skirts are having a moment, especially midi and maxi lengths, and I’m also seeing a lot of cargo details on denim and twill skirts, just as we are with jeans and pants and shorts.
Plus, we are seeing a lot of more feminine midi and maxi length skirts — both slip skirts and fuller styles are taking off right now. Mini skirts are also popular, and I used to love a short skirt, but these days I’m really enjoying the midi lengths.
Shop Skirts for Summer 2024
Woven Bags
J.Crew Cadiz hand-knotted rope tote // rag & bone Belize Straw Bucket Bag
I featured these in my 2024 Summer Handbag Edit, but I wanted to include it here because it’s a huge trend this season. Whether it’s straw, raffia, leather, or neoprene, woven bags are everywhere this summer. This is a great way to update your wardrobe without having to get used to a new silhouette, or figure out how it’s supposed to fit.
As far as styles go, the clutch is making a comeback this season, and it’s such an easy way to elevate a date night or special occasion outfit. Oversized totes and slouchy hobos are still going strong, as are bucket bags and these little crescent shape bags.
Shop Woven Bags for Summer
Thong Sandals
Thong Kitten Heels // Dolce Vita Banita Heels
I’ve started noticing thong sandals, especially heels, popping up and more and more in the stores where I shop, both in their shoe departments as well as on the models when they are featuring other items such as dresses or jeans. Then I read it in a trend report, which confirmed my suspicions! I think it’s safe to say, the thong trend is back.
We are seeing thong straps on kitten-heels, block heels, wedges, as well as elevated flip flops. I just got these Staud lambskin leather flip flops in the black during the last Saks sale, and they are super luxe and beautiful. With the contrast wood footbed and slightly squared-off toe, these are such a nice classic-yet-trendy look to level up casual summer outfits!
Shop Thong Sandals for Summer 2024
Shades of Red
Gauze Shirt // Poplin Dress
So far, red seems to be the predominant color trend this summer. We’re seeing everything from bold classic hues to warm cayenne, as well as pinker tones such as strawberry and cherry red.
You can go all out and wear head-to-toe red, or just incorporate red into your accessories. If you don’t feel like you look good in red, red pants are a good way to participate in this trend without wearing it near your face, and a red shoe is easy to wear with neutral outfits.
Shop Red Clothes & Accessories
Open Stitch Fabrics
Crochet Mini Dress // Open Stitch Open Front Cardigan
This is a carry-over from the spring, but I’m including it here because it’s really taking off for summer. Open stitch fabrics are light and airy, so perfect for the warmer months.
Yes, these can sometimes be see-through, so you may need to wear a cami or top underneath, and a lot of open weave dresses come with their own lining.
I’m also seeing lots of cardigans in open stitch knits, which is a great way to incorporate the trend without worrying about giving everyone a peep show! Plus, it makes the cardigan look more current.
Shop Open Weave Garments for Summer 2024
Pedal Pushers & Capri Pants
Maeve Bombshell Capri Pants // Madewell The 90s Capri Pant (I call these Pedal Pushers)
I’ve been hearing rumblings that capri pants and pedal pushers are coming back, and I’m starting to see them in some of the stores where I shop.
What is the difference, you may ask? The terms are sometimes used interchangeably, but I differentiate them this way.
- Pedal Pushers are slim-fitting bottoms that end right at the knee, maybe an inch above or below, and they often have a slit at the hem. They are shorter than capri pants and longer than Bermuda shorts.
- Capri Pants are cropped pants that end right around the middle of the calf… not a good look for most of us, however, if you find a pair that is just above or below the widest part of your calf, they can work.
I doubt these will take hold in a major way because they carry a negative connotation for most women in our age group… and for good reason. They are very hard to wear without looking frumpy, but it can be done if you style them intentionally.
Whether you go for pedal pushers or capris, it is the slim-fitting styles that are trending right now, and they are styled in an elevated way. Think sophisticated and elegant, not casual clam diggers for weekend errands.
Shop Pedal Pushers & Capris
Tennis & Golf Inspired Styles
TNUCK Sport Americana Piped Boyfriend Tee + Americana Plaid Golf Skirt // Varley Court Mini Dress
I noticed a section with sporty, tennis and golf-inspired garments when I was shopping at Evereve last week, and since then I’ve started seeing similar styles everywhere. This plays into the polo neck tops and other preppy styles that have been trending for a while, but it’s more of a summery vibe.
Shop Tennis & Golf Inspired Styles
As I said above, these are just a few of the summer trends I’m seeing out there right now. This is certainly not an exhaustive list. Of course, wide leg silhouettes and flowy dresses are still going strong, and we will continue to see micro trends popping up, like the suit vest that I shared yesterday.
Which of these trends are you most excited to incorporate into your wardrobe this summer?
