Summer is a season full of fun, sunshine, and lots of opportunities to show off your personal style. As the temperatures rise, it’s time to put away the heavy coats and boots and bring out the breezy dresses, shorts, and sandals. This summer, be ready to make a fashion statement with the latest trends that are light, bright, and airy. Here are 20 fresh ways to update your summer style:
Breezy Summer Dresses
Nothing says summer style more than a chic and comfortable dress. Flowy, breathable fabrics like cotton, linen, and chiffon are perfect for staying cool on hot summer days. Some fresh summer dress trends to try out:
Floral Prints
From ditsy florals to bold blooms, floral prints are a staple summer style. Look for wrap dresses, maxi dresses, and fit-and-flare dresses covered in vibrant flower patterns. Pro tip: Pair your floral dress with neutral accessories to let the print pop.
Midi Dresses
The midi dress hits right below the knee or at the mid-calf, making it an elegant choice for summer. Go for form-fitting knit midi dresses or loose midi dresses with tiered skirts. Midi dresses work for both casual daytime and dressy evening looks.
Shirred Detail
Shirring is a hot trend for summer dresses. The rows of ruching and tiny gathered tucks creates visual interest while allowing stretch in the fabric. Shirred dresses are flattering on all body types.
Tie-Dye
Tie-dye is back in a major way. But forget the DIY tee – tie-dye dresses are having a fashion moment. Rock a tie-dye maxi dress for an effortlessly cool vibe or make a statement in a colorful tie-dye mini dress.
Off-the-Shoulder Styles
Show off a little extra skin while staying cool in an off-the-shoulder dress. This flirty shoulder-baring style pairs perfectly with strappy sandals or wedges. Go for smocked and ruched off-the-shoulder dresses in cotton, linen, or lace.
Slip Dresses
Slip into something comfortable (but still stylish) this summer with the return of the slip dress. Look for spaghetti-strap slip dresses with cowl necks and bias-cut silhouettes. Neutrals like white, black, and tan work well for daytime while bolder prints and colors make an evening statement.
Fresh Tops
Update your summer top collection with the latest trends in breezy blouses, eye-catching crop tops, and easy tees.
Puff Sleeves
The ’80s are back with the return of statement puff sleeves. Add drama to any summertime outfit with voluminous pouf sleeves. Cropped puff sleeves on blouses add a flirty touch while maxi puff sleeves on dresses really make an impact.
Cropped Tops
Beat the heat in abs-baring cropped tops. Look for cropped tee shirts, peasant blouses, tank tops, and button-downs that hit right above the waistband. High-waisted shorts, skirts, and pants balance out the crop.
Graphic Tees
Band tees and graphic tees are a key component of casual summer style. Look for tees with artsy prints, ironic phrases, logos, and even tie-dye motifs. Keep it fresh by pairing graphic tees with unexpected pieces like midi skirts or linen blazers.
Shoulder Cut-Outs
Bare shoulders are sexy and cool for summer. Look for tops with cheeky shoulder cutouts and cold shoulder styles that reveal just a peek of skin. Flirty shoulder cut-out blouses pair perfectly with denim for day and miniskirts for night.
Corset Tops
Corset-style tops cinch and define the waist for an instantly bombshell look. The corset trend comes in many forms, from Victorian-inspired lace-up tops to modern strappy styles. Pair corset tops with flowy midi skirts or high-waisted denim.
Wrap Tops
From kimono-style wraps to crossover wrap blouses, this flattering silhouette allows you to adjust the coverage. Lightweight wrap tops in breezy cotton or rayon are perfect for a day of summer fun.
The Return of Shorts
It wouldn’t be summer without shorts! Update your bottoms collection with the latest comfy and stylish shorts trends:
High-Waisted Shorts
Flattering on all figures, high-waisted shorts are back in a big way. Look for high-rise denim cutoffs, tailored Bermuda shorts, and relaxed-fit cuffed shorts. Tuck in a cropped top to highlight the waist.
Bike Shorts
Bike shorts transition effortlessly from spin class to street style. For a fashion-forward look, pair fitted bike shorts with oversized blazers, flowy kimonos, or graphic tees. Stick with black, gray, and neutral colors for daytime wear.
Paperbag Shorts
With their iconic crunched waistbands, paperbag shorts are uber flattering and on-trend for summer. Look for versions with drawstrings, buttons, or tie belts that accentuate the paperbag detail.
Culottes
The retro skirt-short hybrid known as a culotte is back in a big way. From denim culottes to breezy linen styles, this wide-leg tailored short provides coverage while still beating the heat. Dress culottes up with wedges or keep it casual with sandals.
Tennis Skirts
The tennis skirt isn’t just for the court anymore. Show off those legs in a pleated tennis skirt paired with an edgy graphic tee or cropped hoodie for street style points.
Bright Handbags
A great handbag can make any summer outfit pop. From tiny clutches to roomy totes, these are the hottest summer bag trends:
Straw Bags
Textured straw handbags epitomize breezy summer style. Look for bags with details like raffia, seagrass, and colorful stripes or gingham prints. Neutral straw bags work with any outfit while bright hues add a cheerful seasonal touch.
Bamboo Bags
Sustainably made bamboo bags and purses are on-trend this summer. The bamboo texture gives these bags a laidback vibe perfect for the season. Use a large hobo-style bamboo tote for the beach or market trips.
Beaded Bags
Accessorize with a touch of artisan flair by carrying an intricately beaded bag this summer. Colorful seed bead designs and patterns add eye-catching flair while straw or leather beaded bags provide a neutral base. Look for pouches, box bags, and mini bucket bags decorated with beads.
Crocheted Bags
Fiber artisans have been cranking out crocheted handbags for summer in fresh shapes like dainty drawstring backpacks, roomy bucket bags, and even micro purses. Add a handmade touch to any outfit by toting a colorful crocheted bag.
Clear Bags
See-through plastic and acrylic are an unexpected summer bag trend. Chic styles like the PVC beach bag, transparent box bag, and rounded lucite clutch are perfect translucent additions to your accessories game.
Airy Footwear
Keep your feet cool and comfortable all summer long with breathable shoes in fun warm-weather styles.
Sporty Sandals
From pool slides to hiking-inspired straps, sporty sandals are a top summer footwear trend. Styles like Teva and Chaco are back, along with futuristic looking athletic sandals in bright colors.
Espadrilles
The espadrille, that woven summer classic, continues to be a seasonal favorite. Look for jute and canvas platform espadrilles, casual slip-on styles, and wedge heel versions. Espadrilles add flair to any summer outfit.
Jelly Shoes
’90s jelly shoes are back in modern translucent styles as well as cool colorblock designs. These rubbery sandals are nostalgic, comfortable, and super on-trend for summer.
Outdoorsy Clogs
From classic Swedish clogs to sporty hiking clogs, these wooden soled shoes are everywhere this summer. Go for perforated patterns or neutral leather clogs to show off your outdoorsy spirit.
Metallic Sandals
Metallic shoes are heating up for summer with silver, gold, and rose gold sandals shining in every style – slides, gladiators, block heels, and more. Metallic sandals go with everything from sundresses to jean shorts.
Seasonal Accessories
It’s all about the details. Use these fun seasonal accessories to put together a fashionable summer look:
Big Sun Hats
A wide-brim hat is the quintessential summer accessory to keep the sun off your face in style. Look for oversized straw hats, lightweight canvas hats, floppy raffia styles, and don’t forget the classic sun visor.
Sunglasses
Go big or go home with your sunglasses this summer. Oversized and tiny “micro” sunglasses are the top eyewear trends. Look for updated takes on retro shapes like aviators or wayfarers. And don’t forget your sunglasses chain so you never misplace your shades again!
Bandanas
The bandana has gone high-fashion! Wear these classic neck scarves tied in your hair, around your neck, or attached to your handbag. Vibrant prints and paisley patterns are very on-trend.
Hoop Earrings
Bring on the bling with oversized hoop earrings this summer. The bigger the hoop, the better, so stack multiple hoops on one ear for a dramatic statement.
Bucket Hats
Half hat, half helmet, the fisherman-style bucket hat caps off any summer outfit with casual cool. Keep the sun off while making a style statement.
Breezy Cover-Ups
For those days when the air conditioning has you feeling chilly, you need some breezy warm weather cover-ups.
Kimonos
Flutter into summer in a flowy kimono-style coverup. Lightweight kimonos in breezy fabrics can be dressed up or down over your outfits. Large floral prints and bright colors suit the season perfectly.
Crochet & Lace
Intricately crocheted and lacey cover-ups lend artisanal flair this summer. See-through cropped crochet cardigans or finger-looped lace dusters allow you show off your tank or dress underneath.
Embroidered Denim
Jean jackets get a boho summer makeover with hand-embroidered details and motifs. Look for whimsical floral designs, phrase embroidery, and even full-on vintage “crazy quilting” patterns to add eye-catching flair over dresses and tanks.
Maxi Cardigans
Cozy up in an oversized, longline lightweight cardigan. Flowing maxi cardigans in knits or gauzy cotton provide effortless warmth during summer AC sessions. Neutral maxis suit any outfit.
Sheer Tunics
Layers don’t have to add heat. Light and breezy sheer tunics maintain coverage while still keeping you cool. Look for sheer caftans, embroidered poncho tunics, and shirts in flowy chiffon over tanks, swimsuits, and dresses this summer.
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about updating your summer style:
What are the best summer outfit ideas for women?
Some of the best summer outfit ideas for women include flowy maxi dresses, shorts or skirts with crop tops, high-waisted denim shorts with tank tops, printed swimsuits with sheer cover-ups, and linen pants with breezy blouses. Don’t forget fun seasonal accessories like big sunglasses, straw bags, and sun hats!
What clothing styles are trending for summer 2023?
Top summer 2023 clothing trends include puff sleeve blouses and dresses, crochet and lace cover-ups, tie-dye prints, corset and bustier tops, bike shorts and tennis skirts, oversized sun hats, beaded handbags, espadrilles, and jelly shoes.
What are good summer shoes to wear?
Great summer shoe options include sporty sandals, platform espadrilles, jelly shoes, metallic sandals, and clogs. Look for breezy, lightweight materials that allow airflow to keep your feet cool and comfortable all season long.
How do you dress cute but casual for summer?
To nail casual cute summer style, pair distressed denim shorts with a cropped graphic tee, flowy midi dress, or blouse. Add fun seasonal shoes like flat sandals, sneakers, or espadrilles. Throw on sunglasses and a sun hat for an effortlessly cool finish.
What tops are trendy for summer 2023?
Standout summer 2023 top trends include the return of the corset, tie-dye prints, underboob crop tops, puff sleeves, graphic tees, shoulder cut-outs, wrap styles, and shirt jackets.
Conclusion
With the heat rising, it’s time to get your warm weather wardrobe in order. Update your summer style with the latest breezy dresses, cropped tops, lightweight shorts, and open-toed shoes. Statement accessories like sunglasses, handbags, hats, and jewelry add those seasonal finishing touches. With these fresh takes on summer fashion, you’ll stay cool while looking hot all season long. Don’t be afraid to take fashion risks and show off your own unique summer style this year!
