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While many consider the transition-weather weeks as one of the trickiest time of year to get dressed, I’m beginning to think that summer may be the real season that takes the cake. Not only are you figuring out exactly what trends to take on for the hottest months of the year, but also how to incorporate them into your ensembles in a way that feels chic, practical, and—perhaps most importantly—comfortable.
All that said, I’ll also make the sweeping statement that this is the best season to get dressed. Sure, it may be 100 degrees with humidity on some days, but with the freedom of days (mostly) filled with sunshine, along with the carefree attitude that comes with the season and any vacations you have in the books, summer 2025’s best fashion trends will encourage you to play with your personal style—and what’s more seasonal than that? From eye-catching prints and flouncy skirts to a continuation of fashion’s hottest trends of the year, there’s no doubt you’ll be dressed the part. Scroll on for the need-to-know trends to sport all summer long.
Summer Plaids
I know, I know—gingham is the unofficial print of the season, but hear me out: Opting for a warm-weather plaid will give your wardrobe an unexpected edge of cool. It doesn’t have to feel grungy, either. Our team spotted iterations of the print on the runways of Tommy Hilfiger, Miu Miu, and Kallmeyer, to name a few, proving that this print can be as preppy, cool, or sophisticated as you make it.
Fenced Plaid Paneled Midi-Dress
$498.00 at saksfifthavenue.com
Ford Plaid Funnel Neck Plissé Top
$65.00 at nordstrom.com
Plaid Shorts
$6.00 at mytheresa.com
Printed Tulle Skirt
$35.90 at Zara
Draped Plaid Stretch-Cotton Midi Skirt
$1995.00 at Moda Operandi
Flouncy Skirts
Twirl girls, prepare for the return of the flounce hemline. Bias-cut circle skirts that swayed with every step were present on the runways of Chanel and Alaïa, so there’s no doubt you’ll be seeing these all summer. Airy, breezy, and incredibly versatile—what more could you need?
Gwyneth Flounce-Hem Slip Skirt
$138.00 at jcrew.com
Esra Mini Skirt
$200.00 at Revolve
Lace Detail Liquid Satin Flounce Miniskirt
$416.50 at nordstrom.com
Soffiano Skirt
$168.00 at revolve.com
The Sway Denim Skirt
$268.00 at nordstrom.com
Polka Dot Prints
To be clear, these are not your grandmother’s polka dots. This playful print has made the rounds for the spring/summer 2025 runways, and it’s already becoming a popular choice for those who want something with a little added oomph this summer.
Rita Polka-Dot Off-The-Shoulder Gown
$1590.00 at neimanmarcus.com
Thalia Ruffle Sleeveless Top
$320.00 at nordstrom.com
Tira Polka-dot Silk Maxi Dress
$528.00 at Saks Fifth Avenue
Karina Dress
$185.00 at miaou.com
Areza Polka-Dot Midi Skirt
$255.00 at mytheresa.com
Bohemian Romance
If there’s one trend that stands out for the trend of the year—it’s the bohemian aesthetic. From slouchy suede hobo bags and chunky clogs to ethereal ruffled dresses, this look isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. Channeling your inner boho girl might just be the best way to embrace the summer spirit.
Lolitel Ruffled transparent Lace Blouse
$1.00 at neimanmarcus.com
Shiny Balloon Trousers
$220.00 at massimodutti.com
Felipe Skirt
$721.00 at fwrd.com
Traveler Top
$188.00 at shopdoen.com
Ruffle Mini Dress
$169.00 at & Other Stories
Ultra-High Hemlines
If there was ever a season to show some extra leg, it’s summer. Micro miniskirts and minidresses are nothing new to the trend cycle, but there’s something about this year’s iterations that seem to have taken the industry by storm. Let these be your go-to when you want an easy and fun alternative to your everyday skirts and dresses.
Andi Metallic Tweed Cocktail Minidress
$450.00 at saksfifthavenue.com
Jewel Skort
$98.00 at aritzia.com
The Cami Slip Dress
$90.00 at Revolve
Micro Denim Logo Skirt
$1650.00 at bergdorfgoodman.com
Charli Crinkled Chiffon Mini Dress
$900.00 at modaoperandi.com
transparent Staples
At this point, I think we can all consider the transparent trend a movement that’s here to stay. Considering that the summer months require dressing with the lightest possible materials, this is your easy styling trick to look put together (and undeniably cool) without weighing yourself down. And if you’re stumped on how to style it, I suggest approaching it with the idea of balance: You’ll be showing some extra skin in one area, so stay covered in others.
Modern Mist Top
$395.00 at Moda Operandi
Trenton Drawstring transparent Pants
$1480.00 at bergdorfgoodman.com
Vina transparent Overlay Minidress
$161.20 at nordstrom.com
Auber Organza Button Down Shirt
$198.00 at Rue Sophie
Mesh Skirt
$165.00 at nordstrom.com
Crisp Cottons
There are few things in life I enjoy more than a crisp cotton piece for summer. Whether it’s in the form of a cotton button-up shirt, a linen dress, or even a pair of pants, these are the effortlessly chic staples you’ll wear day in and day out.
Natalie Elasticated Cotton Midi Skirt
$145.00 at aligne.co
Lydia Stripe Poplin Midi Wrap Dress
$1.00 at neimanmarcus.com
Cotton Poplin Pull-On Pant
$100.00 at bananarepublic.gap.com
Linen-Blend Crop Shell Tank Top
$49.95 at Gap
Riviera Lori Open-Back Linen Maxi Dress
$450.00 at Moda Operandi
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