Of all the seasons, summer dressing tends to be the most synonymous with basics. It’s the time of year when style largely relies on functionality; after all, options are naturally more limited when both the temperature and humidity levels are skyrocketing.
Summer 2024’s trends have kept this fact top of mind. Functional pieces prove that they can exist in a realm outside of their most basic forms, with beautiful detailing, airy fabrics, and playful proportions giving everyday pieces a whole new meaning. Nostalgic favorites famous for their runs in the late-aughts are rearing their heads once again; florals are evolving from mere patterns to robust, three-dimensional detailing that’s impossible to ignore. Fashion is meant to be fun after all, and summer 2024 is leading the marketing campaign for that notion.
TL;DR: This summer’s trends manage to somehow be both approachable and adventurous, leaving us with endless styling inspiration for the hottest months of the year.
The Best Fashion Trends of Summer 2024
After seasons of micro-mini bottoms—or, for some, no bottoms at all—the pendulum has swung the other way to welcome long shorts back into our lives. Whether in the form of some good ole’ jorts at Dior or tailored, culotte-like versions at Valentino, bermudas are back. If the mere utterance of the word “bermuda” gives you flashbacks to pastel, plaid versions from the late aughts, fear not: The longer take on shorts is actually more wearable than you might initially expect. For a more minimalist take on the trend, pair a denim pair with a form-fitting tank; to amp up the menswear-esque vibes a tailored pair brings, opt for a tucked or cropped oversized button-up on top.
The color of the year might technically be Peach Fuzz, but the shades of icy blue that floated down Spring/Summer ’24 runways said otherwise. While it was worn head to toe at Proenza Schouler and Stella McCartney, the Cinderella-esque hue shared the spotlight with a fiery vermillion at Fendi, showing off its versatile but potent potential. Pastels for summer aren’t exactly a new concept, but something about the soft, sky blue feels like a metaphor for summer’s sublime, sunny days.
For once, you might actually want to bring work outside your 9-5—if you’re referring to your finest business-casual attire, that is. This summer is bringing a modern take to the formerly stuffy subset of dressing by playing with proportions. Relaxed, oversized blazers were paired with tees and tailored shorts at Jil Sander, and an embossed pencil skirt was paired with an understated sweatshirt at Gucci. By mixing contrasting fits, corporatecore is proving it’s good for a whole lot more than office hours.
The hottest combo to wear this summer? In the wise words of Beyoncé, “denim on denim on denim on denim.” Denim-on-denim has been back for a couple of years now, and it’s here to stay for summer 2024. For a warm-weather take on the trend, pair a denim button-up with a pair of long jorts, or wear a cropped denim top with full-length jeans.
Naked dressing has made its through the red carpet circuits, and the nipple has been freed, and this spring, sheer dressing will finally trickle down to the common folk. Between skin-baring, openwork knits at Proenza Schouler, see-through lace at Carolina Herrera, and airy, transparent fabrics at Altuzzara, one thing became crystal-clear (pun intended): This summer, skin is in.
If you’re looking for a less revealing way to take part in the trend, mesh ballet flats are set to be the shoe of the season. The sheer shoes provide the coveted combination of comfort and style, given that they give a breezy, warm-weather-friendly ballerina option that won’t leave you sweating.
If the first thing you think of when you hear “polo shirt” is a skin-tight top with an Abercrombie moose on it, fear not: Against all odds, 2024’s take on polos makes them feel cool again. Miu Miu sent a parade of models down the runway with sporty, logo-bearing polos juxtaposed by frilly, ruffled mini skirts, making the icon of the 2010s feel modern and enticing.
After a year of celebrating girlhood, it’s no surprise that another ultra-feminine trend is in play to follow suit after bow-mania and Barbiecore pink. Intricate rosettes bloomed on the SS’24 runways in many beautiful forms, from subtle rosettes tacked onto waistlines at Sandy Liang to literal roses nestled into layers of tulle at Simone Rocha. 3D appliques are serving as an updated, inspired floral option for summer, and they’re giving us a reminder to stop and smell the roses.
