This summer’s outfit of the day theme is simple—have fun! The style rules are there are no rules, so feel free to mix trends, patterns, fabrics, and even decades, all in the same look. We are seeing a comeback of the early 2K’s preppy athlete look, along with vintage boho that was everywhere in 2005. Loose fitting “mom jeans,” synonymous with 90s-cool, continue to take over skinny jeans. Upscale designer pieces will be kept to a minimum in the form of classics and basics rather than trendy, just-for-now pieces, due to the climbing costs. Whether you want your summer style to be throwback, country, classic, or preppy, there will be tons of options for you, because this summer, fashion is all about mixing it up. Let’s take a look at the styles we can expect to see and wear while we embrace the season of ease and breeze.
- Tennis skirts and dresses – Already a hit for girls and women of all ages, these little numbers are the definition of country club cool. The skirts can be paired with a fitted tank or colorful fitted polo shirt and the dresses can be easily accessorized with a fitted hat for an even more laid-back look. These pieces are essential for the “I’m trying but I want to look like I’m not trying,” days.
- Western wear – Summer is the season for outdoor concerts and festivals and if you’re going to one with a country theme, finding the perfect outfit for honky-tonkin should be easy this summer. Wrangler is popping up on the mainstream fashion scene in the form of t-shirts sporting their name and logo as well as their cross-body purses emblazoned with colorful western patterns. Cowgirl boots are very on trend and the more colorful and sparkly the better. If you’re looking to keep your face shielded from the sun, cowgirl hats paired with classic denim cut-offs, or a vintage dress paired with those sparkly cowgirl boots is the way to go.
- Dresses – An easy way to look cute and stay cool is always a summer dress. This year, dresses are mostly long, midi, or knee length. Bold, colorful aesthetics with mixed patterns and fabrics are the rage, so don’t be afraid to try a color that is a little out of your usual palette such as lime green, sky blue, or even white. White dresses are taking over the LBD this summer and if you have one in an eyelet fabric, more style points for you. Tank dresses are still in, and you can continue to pair them with your Nike, Adidas, Golden Goose or Golden Goose dupe sneakers.
- 90s jeans – Skinny jeans might be so early Y2ks, but 90s jeans are so 2024. They are looser fitting and higher waisted than the jeans of the 2000s but they have been modified to incorporate some of the qualities of modern-day jeans. They are not as baggy as the 90s jeans of yore, and they are more fitted in the waist and hips, making them more flattering than the Levi’s silver tabs of 1995.
- Classic basics – Also known as “stealth wealth,” these are pieces that never go out of style. If you are going to buy a high-end designer item, it might be wise to look for a classic basic such as a tailored blazer, relaxed loafers, a purse in a neutral color, or a light sweater for those post sunburn summer nights.
- Shorter hair – Lately, the longer the hair, the better, but it looks like if you want to be really on trend this summer, it’s time to give it a chop. Shorter to medium bobs are making a comeback and the fringed and layered cuts of the 90’s will be heavily requested at our local salons. But be sure to keep your hair long enough to braid, because this classic summer look is still in vogue. Lots of volume, rather than a sleek straight look, will be trending, along with longer, face framing bangs.
We haven’t forgotten about men’s fashion, however for summer in the south, men like to keep it low-key due to the crazy heat and humidity. Skinny jeans or skinny pants of any kind are on the outs for men, with relaxed, straight leg pants taking over. Chinos, linen pants, and carpenter pants will be high fashion for men, paired with linen shirts or bright colored t-shirts. Chunky sneakers, frequently called “dad shoes,” are still going strong but slim sneakers such as the Adidas Sambas are acceptable summer 2024 fashion for men as well.
We’re looking forward to kicking off summer 2024 this month and seeing which of these styles prevail. Will “The Rachel” return to hair? Will the 90s beat out the Y2Ks for best denim? Will country cool be worn at the country club? Stay tuned all summer to find out.