There’s something about early summer that stirs the urge to go somewhere tropical or by the sea — or at least somewhere other than to the grocery store and back. Whether it’s a weekend escape to the coast, a long-awaited flight across the ocean, or simply a scenic drive with the windows down, this season invites movement, lightness, and a touch of spontaneity. With that shift in pace comes the perfect excuse to update what we’re wearing and packing in our suitcases. It’s time for clothes that travel well, feel fresh, and bring a little joy back into getting dressed again.
We turned to the runways for a jolt of inspiration after hitting a sartorial slump during the rainy spring season. While Katie’s still our go-to for effortlessly chic advice, designers brought major heat this season — from silk headscarves that would make Sophia Loren proud at Gucci to structured Lacoste shorts that looked fresh off the set of Annie Hall. Tempting, yes. Budget-friendly? Not so much.
The good news: You don’t need a luxury budget to dress like you just returned from the French Riviera. We’ve distilled the best trends into wearable, wallet-conscious pieces starting at just $20. Think sharp tailoring, bold prints, breezy linen, and neon-hued sneakers as far as the eye can see. Your summer closet glow-up starts now.
Top 2025 Summer Fashion Trends and How to Wear Them
Tailored Shorts
After a year of micro hot pants and barely there mini skirts, it’s safe to say we’re relieved to see that hemline trends are returning to a comfortable (and realistically wearable) length. True to its preppy nature, Lacoste’s models donned tailored trouser shorts with blazers and crisp white sneakers, while those at Dries Van Noten sported baggy silk bermuda shorts juxtaposed with crisp button-downs and heels. We’ll be taking our inspiration from Katie, who recently wore Argent shorts with a matching blazer for her official UVA portrait. She kept it classic by completing the look with a white T-shirt and sneakers.
Silk Scarves
Silk scarves are having a moment this season — tied as glamorous headwraps at Gucci and neatly knotted neckerchiefs at Ganni, they proved their enduring versatility. Once favored by icons like Jackie O. and Sophia Loren (worn low on the forehead and tied just so beneath the chin), the scarf returns this season as both a nod to vintage elegance and a tool for modern-day styling. Bad hair day? It’s your chicest solution. But don’t stop there: drape one over your shoulders as an impromptu shawl, knot it at the waist to elevate a simple dress, or loop it around a bag handle for a dash of color and personality.
Statement Sneakers
Literally lighting up the runways of Miu Miu and Proenza Schouler, brightly colored sneakers served as an unexpected jolt of vibrancy to otherwise pared-back palettes. While the neon hues may have felt like a flashback to your favorite jazzercise VHS, they’ve definitely come a long way since then. The key to pulling them off in real life is balancing them with neutral basics, much like they were worn on the catwalk. Try pairing them with a breezy button-down or a classic white tee and shorts for a casual look, or wear them with a dress for a comfortable yet polished appearance. Keeping your base simple allows the shoes to do all the talking and walking.
Refined Boho
Forget tie-dye and flower crowns, the boho look of the moment has traded in its copious fringe for something far more refined. At Zimmermann, earthy textures, such as suede and leather, took center stage, paired with delicate, nature-inspired motifs. Meanwhile, Chloé reimagined the “flower child” aesthetic as something softer and more ethereal — less festival grounds, more resort getaway. To channel the updated bohemian mood, try adding a slouchy suede bag to your everyday mix, or swap in minimalist leather sandals, such as sleek flip-flops or fisherman styles. Add in a flowy maxi dress or a gauzy blouse, and you’ll hit the right note: free-spirited, but grown up.
Bold Prints
Summer practically invites us to wear more color — it’s bright, we’re in good moods, and frankly, subtlety can take a seat. Designers leaned into this joyful spirit with bold statements ranging from color-blocked frocks at Gabriela Hearst to electric stripes at Louis Vuitton. For those not ready to dive into the deep end of saturated hues and oversized prints, there’s no need to commit all at once. Start small: a block print dress, graphic striped tee, or an artistic black and white design — no full-on Technicolor transformation required.
