The trends I'm not buying this summer

And what I'm gravitating to instead

In last Sunday’s newsletter I mentioned the summer color palette that’s been singing to me, which has led me down a style rabbit hole. When it comes to trends I like to think of them as additional options to play around with in my wardrobe. Something fun to spice things up in a way that feels authentic to me. And, as with most things, I find it easier to understand what is working for me by understanding what isn’t.

So let’s take a look at the trends I think are fab and the ones I wouldn’t waste my money on!

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Passing: Powder Pinks

Wearing: Tomato Red

This one comes down to my complexion and the fact powder pink (and pale colors in general) wash me out. If you’re someone who tans naturally then this color would look gorgeous on you. Instead I’m eyeing the warmer, brighter hues like tomato red, the it girl of last summer who’s still sticking around. I’d opt for rocking this color with accessories or going all in on a fun smocked top or a breezy linen dress. OR if you want to go full in on the trends why not try the nostalgic jelly shoe resurgence (love) in a pop of red?

top, jellies, dôen dress

Passing: Summer Plaids

it's a no for me

Wearing: Polka dots

Calling a spade a spade here: I’m simply not cool enough to pull off the grungy plaid look and for that alone am passing on this trend. I don’t gravitate toward plaids in general and wouldn’t feel like myself trying to rock a plaid summer dress. Instead I’m loving polka dots! I think they’re way more wearable for most people and would look so classy as a wedding guest number. I mean come on look at that skirt from Sezane!

top and dress from reformation, skirt Sezane

Passing: Sheer staples

if i were to dabble in the sheer trend I'd opt for subtle pieces like these

Wearing: Scarf tops

Practically wins out in this trend area. There is nowhere I’d wear a sheer top in my current day-to-day (I wfh and am asleep most nights by 10 pm). No way in hell am I wearing a sheer top on a Zoom. However I *love* the scarf as a top look. It screams a beachy, Greek vacation and I’m picturing the scarf-top also functioning as a cute accessory to tie around a tote when not wearing as a top. In fact I may have just talked myself into investing in one while writing this sentence…

From left to right: Doen, J-crew, Rixo

Passing: Boho vibes

Dôen skirt on the left

The boho life is one I admire from afar. It just doesn’t work for me but I love it on so many others (the Dôen lookbook alone is drool worthy). I’ve dabbled in the boho chic world before and always end up donating those pieces later on, so it’s a pass for me. The coastal ‘mother mermaid’ vibes though, I’m here for. Like with the pops of red, I’d mostly incorporate this with accessories. A sardine bag, shell earrings, and beaded necklaces to dip your toes in the water.

Wearing: Coastal vibes

the bag!!!

Earrings, bag, layered necklace

What do we think? Are we loving the style trends this summer or passing on them like me?? Is there a trend I missed that you love?

And know that this post was made for fun and with zero intentions to get you to buy anything (I don’t use affiliate links either). I do hope it gave you some inspiration and a jumping off point when evaluating if you want to shop for a trendy piece this summer or not 🌼

Until next time,

MacKenzie