This summer may be all about comfort, but it doesn't mean you can't experiment with new styles. An eye-catching dress, a cute pair of sandals or a pair of Bermuda shorts (yes, really) is all you need to give your timeless basics a whole new look. Here, a few of our favourite runway trends of the season—and affordable ways to get the look.
Get ready to add a touch of nostalgia to your summer wardrobe—the bucket hat is back. Spotted in ultra-chic straw iterations on the Dior runway and in retro knits at Kate Spade, the laid-back style shows its sporty side this summer with sturdy fabrics like cotton and denim. To amp up the style factor, look for woven textures and eye-catching details like fringe and ties.
Tiered dresses are huge this summer—literally. Take inspiration from the frothy see-through frocks seen at Alexander McQueen and Simone Rocha, and look for voluminous styles with balloon sleeves or shoulder details like frills and pompoms. A breezy fit is perfect to lounge in, but high-impact volume gives the look a polished edge.
A cute shoulder detail is an effortless way to take update your look, especially since most of our daily social interactions are taking place from the waist up these days. Whether thick or thin, tie straps are all the rage this season. To keep the look easy-breezy, look for clean lines and solid colours, like the simple linen frocks seen on the Prada runway.
Good news: The days of painful inner-thigh chafing are over. Knee-grazing Bermuda shorts have recently been spotted at Celine, The Row and on off-duty models like Kendall Jenner and Gigi Hadid, and they've had a serious glow up. Whether you choose a classic denim version, a tailored pair in a neutral hue or a leather option that can be worn into fall, this style is the hottest cut of the season.
Elevate your summer basics with a chic pair of square-toe sandals. Heeled or flat, strappy or minimalist—they come in an array of styles to suit every wardrobe. To work in a couple of trends without breaking a sweat, try pairing a square sandal with a billowy silhouette, as seen at fashion label STAUD.
Lyra Slide Sandals, $91, madewell.com.
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