We’re only a month away from beach days, iced cold drinks and tropical vacations, but we’re also a month away from espadrilles, flowy sundresses, shorts and sun hats. Summer definitely calls for a trip to the mall! So, what exactly is in store for this year’s summer fashion?
The looks this year, according to latest magazines and fashion shows emboldens “work smarter, not harder” showing practical, but still chic and fun ensembles to wear in the bright and blistering weather! Vogue writer Talia Abbas describes summer as “a state of mind”. Summer is seen as a time for self-renewal, self-expression and setting goals for some people. Many want to go into summer feeling and looking like their best selves, ready for beach days and vacations, and many want to go into autumn feeling confident, and satisfied with what summer brought. So why not update your wardrobe as well. You can look and feel the best with a stunning new sundress, or even a new Spring-Summer 2025 Ready-to-Wear Chanel 25 pastel handbag!

So, what should we expect for the upcoming season..and what is already in store?

Jelly Flats

While these were popular last spring and summer, they seem to be increasing in popularity rapidly. Flats have become very trendy again, a classy and elegant staple in women’s fashion. Though these flats are not your typical patent leather or ballet flats. Jelly flats have a bit more nostalgic appeal. They are usually a plastic material, and have holes across the whole flat. They are flexible and even water resistant, a sensible wear for a rainy day, if you want to dress classy! They often are in a bright color, giving off a 1960s or 1970s vibe, though the first jelly shoe trend began in the 1980s. They are starting to be seen all over Nordstroms and Bloomingdales, especially in Tory Burch and Chloé’s new spring and summer collection. These chic shoes can be styled casually and even a bit more elevated. They could essentially work well with sundresses (mini, midi or maxi), shorts, skirts of all different lengths and jeans. Pretty much anything you’d wear this summer, jelly flats could top off the outfit perfectly.

Polka-Dot Dresses

Again, almost a whimsical and nostalgic look, the polka-dot dress, and polka-dot patterns in general has become one of the biggest classy trends! While red and white, or black and white are seemingly most popular, any color combinations of these polka-dot dresses still look top-notch. This trend definitely is not new. Polka-dotted patterns date all the way back to the mid-nineteenth century, and were even more popular for the majority of the twentieth century. It was only a matter of time for this iconic look to come back into popularity. These dresses are usually styled with dainty shoes like flats or sandals, or even flat sneakers. Gearing towards the “old money” look, it’s very common to see these accessories with a pair of chic sunglasses or a wide-brimmed hat. Perfect for a sunny or rainy day, this is an essential for your summer wardrobe!

Bubble skirts/dresses

This might be one of the biggest predicted summer trends for this year, as it was an uprising trend last summer. These bubble dresses have been seen across many boutiques left and right for the past few months, gearing up for the upcoming season. So we are sure to see bubble dresses all over our Tiktok and Instagram feeds. Though..what’s an iconic fashion trend without a “travel in time”? Bubble dresses date all the way back to the 1950s, making it’s biggest debut through designers like Christian Dior and Pierre Cardin. The bubble dress, or skirt is unique for its broad, ruffled and rounded hemline. In its dress form, it is mostly mini, and the top is strapless. The skirt is typically also above the knees, with the same widened hemline. These seem to be standardized as a solid color dress/skirt, in pretty much any color you’d hope for. Though connecting back to the popular polka-dot pattern of the season, bubble dresses and skirts are starting to become popular with this pattern as well. Another popular trend of the bubble dress, starting last summer in 2024 consists of the top portion being a solid black, and the actual bubble hem being a solid white. This was intended to give off another style, which rose in popularity greatly last year, “The Old Money” trend. According to Julia Hobbs, Vogue journalist, she describes the bubble trend of this summer as welcoming back “the Uptown frou of Serena Van Der Woodsen”.

Those are just a few of many upcoming and present trends. But, let’s not forget about men’s fashion this summer!
It seems we’re looking towards a mix between minimalism, old money and pops of color. Much sleek and “monochrome” in menswear is being shown in Gucci’s line, consisting of light but neutral toned business-casual suits or sets, pairing usually with suede or patent leather loafers.
Loafers have always been a popular staple in men’s fashion, especially more recently- and not only just for summer. Classic fashion always makes its way back into style, and these shoes are a perfectly versatile and a classy everyday shoe to strut around in, exuding a very stylish yet not too extroverted look. Along with this comes preppy-wear. Business casual, light colored and weighted trousers, light-weigh tailored shirts and sweater vests are big in this field. Of course, you can’t mention preppy fashion without bringing up Ralph Lauren. For the many decades Ralph Lauren’s clothing line has been as prominent as it continues to be, it has always been the face of what we know as “preppy style.”

As summer approaches, it’s time to get to the mall, or your favorite boutique and pick up some of these timeless, classic and trendy staples! Whether you’re drawn to the nostalgic look or not, this summer is about to bring forth some new and old fashion statements. So prepare your wardrobe!