As a new season approaches, we always see shifts in the fashion industry and trends of what is in versus what is out. As the weather warms, especially in bipolar Michigan, those trends are circulating into the Midwest summer.
In terms of shoes, the immersion of flip flops is back in style. While recently the summer shoe choice has been Birkenstocks, they are not the only sandal in style. For men and women alike, flip flops are becoming more and more popular. The gaining popularity of the brand Rainbow and their flip flops are also becoming one of the omnipresent trends as the weather warms.
Jean skirts are definitely returning after last summer’s rise in popularity. They are a great piece to dress up or down and are comfortable while still being appropriate. They fit the warming weather rather than jeans in boiling heat, and are also a perfect staple item. It is something you can definitely rewear for numerous occasions.
In terms of patterns and colors, there are new styles popping up. Polka dots are a very popular pattern to add to your wardrobe, right behind the previous, yet still popular stripes. The patterns are usually minimalist but add a ‘cute’ aspect to the style. For colors, the preppy faze is still in retirement, and basics are still in. The simple colors, whites, tans, creams, greys, continue to reign the fashion color wheel, along with soft pastels like pinks and yellows, and multiple shades of blue from light to navy. A newer addition, though, is brown. I have seen many more brown items or even accents flood my feed. Aside from the basic colors, many stores, including Garage, Aritzia, and Brandy Melville, have incorporated items in a royal blue color, which in turn has gained popularity.
Accents can usually be the thing to tie an outfit together, or even enhance it. For accents and accessories, belts are becoming more popular, usually consisting of simple brown and gold ones, but varying in styles. While similar to a belt, I have seen the use of belly chains specifically for occasions where you may need to dress up a little bit, like concerts. I saw a lot on spring break and throughout different posts. If you are more inclined to stick to jewelry as your sole accessory, pearls have been gaining much more popularity. Their classy, elegant, and timeless appearance allows them to become the perfect piece, fitting with nearly every outfit, and allowing an enhancing splash.
If you’re longing for a more comfortable trend, athletic sets continue to gain popularity. Sets from stores like Free People, Lululemon, Garage, and even Amazon have dominated the style world, creating a cute and put-together outfit that is ready to wear the second you purchase it.
Trends can be liked and disliked based on the person, and so obviously, I have some personal preferences I’m incorporating into my summer wardrobe. While it may not be an everyday thing, my for you page on TikTok and Pinterest feed has been covered with fashion posts, including ponchos. I keep seeing the same teal one, and I’m dying to buy it. I don’t exactly know when I’ll wear it, but the lightweight, flowy knit fabric is perfect to give a unique item to your outfit and stay cool in summer heat. As I’m going to Lollapalooza in July, I may add it to one of my outfits for that. Another thing I have been really eager to buy has been a linen skirt. This is another item that has been all over my feeds. The simplicity of it is a perfect light item to pair with a variety of different tops.
