Summer’s about more than just nice weather, it’s about emerging from the comfort of our winter routines (and loungewear) and stepping out for some much-needed fresh air, Vitamin D, and constant on-the-go energy. Meaning we don’t have extra time to stress over the perfect ensemble. This is what leads people to lazy summer outfit choices (cue denim cut-offs and sandals). Luckily, we (*cough* I) have been ready with extensive research–and “light” shopping–on what styles and aesthetics will be top of mind all season, so you just need to throw on the looks and head out the door.
This summer, the biggest trends are stylistic contradictions: bold yet basic, sheer yet sophisticated, luxurious yet understated, and retro yet fresh. Think loud patterned shirts with relaxed trousers, trendy bucket hats with timeless denim, and retro sneakers with modern updates. The best part is we kept a typical summer schedule in mind when styling for our Summer Campaign, so that all of the looks you see can easily be applied to a variety of seasonal events. We even created specific occasion shops with a wide selection of curated products to give you all the outfit inspo you need. So whether you’re hosting a backyard party, planning that dream vacation, or heading to the beach, stay tuned for our ultimate summer style guides.
For now, let’s start with the big picture. These are the five summer trends you need to start wearing right now.
Match Point
From Netflix’s Break Point to brands like Sporty & Rich, it’s clear tennis is more than just a sport; it’s a lifestyle. What better time to tap into the luxury sportswear aesthetic than during the summer when racket sports are at peak popularity. Although tennis is a game that typically comes with a strict dress code, this summer’s all about breaking the rules and adding some flair to court-inspired dressing.
While pleated skirts and polo shirts are typical must-haves for any match point, the focus on this trend is capturing the essence of country club chic without being too literal. Think tennis inspired statement pieces but with colorful details, relaxed tailoring, and funky knitwear. French label Casablanca is the epitome of this vibe, describing their brand identity as a “modern reimagining of the timeless apres-sport aesthetic.” Their collections fuse classic silhouettes with youthful fabrics and fun color palettes for the perfect blend of luxury and athleisure. The Casablanca Navy Monogram Logo Polo Shirt is an elevated interpretation of tennis wear with its crisp cotton fabric and off-white collar and hem details. The knitted construction and funky button choice take this polo from old-school traditional to youthful, retro-infused chic.
BBE (Big Bag Energy)
BBE is the new type of energy winning people over this summer. And no it’s not what you think (get your mind out of the gutter). We’re talking about Big Bag Energy. The kind Saint Laurent Creative Director Anthony Vaccarello had in mind when he designed the brand’s Maxi Shopping Bag that has taken over our Instagram feeds lately.
To capture your own BBE this summer, the more ludicrously capacious the bag, the better (Succession fans where you at). Even if you don’t carry much in your handbag, the oversized build still makes any outfit instantly chicer. The good news is the Saint Laurent Icare Maxi Shopping Bag doesn’t have to just live in your saved posts on Instagram; StockX also has the iconic statement tote. The quilted lambskin gives this bag a quiet luxury touch while the maxi size is cool yet still practical for weekend getaways. If you’re looking for BBE that is more beach friendly, try the Marc Jacobs The Colorblock Tote Bag. The spacious interior and durable canvas material make the bag the perfect carry-all for any summer activity. While the sleek leather straps and minimalist structure also help bring this tote from day to night. So whether you’re out on the beach, taking a road trip, or meeting friends for dinner, this tote is more than just a summer fling; it’s a bag that’ll go the distance.
Runner’s High
Sneaker trends move faster than Usain Bolt at the 2008 Summer Olympics. And what a perfect reference to not only capture the speed of the trend cycle but also segue into the current footwear trend at the moment: the runner’s shoe. We’re talking about the sneakers people seriously sprint in, and dads actually hang in. ASICS – a brand that is known for its top notch performance running footwear – has been leading the charge on the running shoe trend right now thanks to its unique collaborations with streetwear brands like JJJJound, Awake NY, Brain Dead, and more.
So it’s safe to say: running sneakers are cool now. In our Summer Campaign, we styled the Asics Kayano 14 with a mix of high-lo fashion, from laid-back fits for a backyard barbeque to dressed up looks for a night out. Another trending running style is the Nike Zoom Vomero 5 in Photon Dust Metallic Silver. The uniquely layered build consists of textiles, synthetic suede, and plastic accents with a cool metallic silver colorway that will give any outfit a stylistic touch. The slimmer construction of the Zoom Vomero still plays into the normcore running trend but looks sleeker for summer nights out.
Limitless Lace
Lace used to be reserved for more feminine styles, mostly lingerie and wedding dresses. But now, the delicate textile has no boundaries as younger generations are embracing the fabric and its fine craftsmanship in just about any silhouette. This newfound love for lace emphasizes the ever-growing gender fluidity in fashion, with the webwork now trending in menswear looks on the red carpet to streetwear and luxury collections.
To get your flirt on with the fabric this summer, incorporate lace in unexpected styles and details. By its nature, lace is contradictory. The hand woven fabric covers your body yet still remains sheer and revealing at the same time. It manages to be both sophisticated yet statement making with its intricate patterns. So embrace the fabrics’s contradictory essence by focusing on the delicacy of lace in more structured, menswear staples. The Palace Lace Shirt shows off the limitless nature of lace with its relaxed tailoring and detailed meshwork. While the Aime Leon Dore Lace Linen Basketball Short is a modern update to the timeless textile, proving that lace really has no boundaries when it comes to summer dressing.
Summer Suiting
Outside of weddings, summer typically doesn’t scream “suit and tie” season. It just sounds hot and sweaty if you ask me. But the opportunity to channel your inner Don Draper is far more regular now for everyday wear than it was in previous years. With the rise of quiet luxury and more dress-coded events filling up our schedules, suiting actually makes sense for summer. And yes it’s possible to keep this trend looking hot minus the perspiration.
To make summer suiting as easy breezy as the season, it’s all about the fit and fabric choice. Opt for lighter, natural materials such as linen, cotton, and fresco wool. When it comes to sizing, leave the perfectly fitted tailoring for colder months. It’s time to favor loose, billowing fits for a cool, casual feel (Paul Mescal and Dua Lipa for proof). The Jacquemus La Veste D’Homme Square Jacket checks off all the boxes. It’s made out of 100% linen and has a padded shoulder structure that gives the jacket a retro-inspired, boxy fit. The beige color also plays into the effortless, neutral palette of the season, pairing well with denim or toning down bolder statement pieces. For any suiting piece, we recommend going a size up than your usual to really channel the oversized trend that the fashion crowd can’t seem to get enough of this season.
Shop the Summer Days Occasion Shop for more curated summer picks.
