When it comes to fashion, summer trends have to walk a balancing act of being cute and stylish but also comfortable to wear under a scorching sun. There's no use being fleek if you're also being roasted in your own clothes! Here are just five ways to stay ahead of the fashion curve without sacrificing your personal comfort.
1. Sandals
Sandals are always dragged from the back of the closet when the temperature starts to rise, but the good news is that they're actually fashionable this year. Gladiator sandals have been spotted with everything from denim shorts to jumpsuits, and wedge sandals can give you height in casual summer environments where heels just aren't appropriate. For example, you can't wear stilettos at the beach, but a pair of wicker wedge sandals will suit the atmosphere just fine. Kitten heels will look silly at the golf course, but a pair of open-toed wedge flats will do the trick.
2. Geometric Patterns
Combing big, bold colors with stark lines and zigzags, this "art pop" style has been dominating the runways during the spring/summer season. You can find it everywhere from the skirts of Chloé to the ponchos of Sonia Rykiel, and each designer is getting more explosive with their colors and shapes as they push the boundaries of contemporary fashion. It's almost vintage in the way that this style recalls the in-the-face kitsch of the '70s and '80s, so maybe we're seeing another throwback era for popular fashion? Don't bust out your bell bottoms just yet, but keep an eye on this trend and what it could mean for the future.
3. Layers
They're a staple of winter wardrobes, but did you know that you can utilize layers during summertime as well? Leggings can be worn with loosely-flowing tunics and maxi dresses. Layering tees can be combined with things like tanks, camis and other spaghetti-strap tops. If you need something that's equal parts fashionable and functional, consider some denim overalls with a flirty crop top peeking out underneath it. You can even re-use winter shirts by tying them off around your belly button and pairing them with shorts or miniskirts. It can be a fun way to incorporate old favorites in a new wardrobe.
4. Floral Prints
It doesn't matter if you wear tulips, lilacs or good old-fashioned roses. Floral prints are very "in" right now, so the sky is the limit when combing through your local nature magazine. Balenciaga debuted an uber-hip, throat-to-heel bodysuit with bright pastel flowers against a stark black background; Michael Kors went with white dresses and entwining flower patterns for a more traditional look. It doesn't really matter how you jump on the "flower power" trend as long as the design has petals and stems.
5. Flirty Femininity
Babydolls have become a huge fashion icon in 2017. Some models wear them as solo pieces with matching jewelry and sandals; others layer them to create full ensembles made of shorts, leggings and pashmina shawls. There's also been a resurgence in other fun, flirty accessories like hair tiaras and toe rings. Regardless of how you'd like to showcase your feminine wiles, the key is to keep everything light, bright and breathable in the summer heat. Think about lace patterns and gauzy fabrics; think about tiny adornments like bows, ribbons and fringe. If it rests too heavily against your skin, it'll be too uncomfortable to wear all day long in the sun.
These are just five ways to stay on top of the trends as the days start getting longer and the temperatures start getting hotter. Whether you're building a whole new summer wardrobe or just looking to accessorize your existing closet, use these tips to beat the heat without compromising your sense of style.
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