From sneakers to sixties to sailors (oh my!), make this season the most stylish yet with this guide to summer 2015’s most sizzling trends.
Pumped Up Kicks
Thank the fashion gods because comfortable shoes are here to stay! Instead of saving sneakers just for the gym, prove how stylish kicks can be this summer. Put a lot of miles on your favorite sneakers by pairing them with a skirt to keep the look chic while still being able to run around. A pair of bright sneakers will make a bigger statement than heels when paired with an unexpected evening outfit such as a LBJ (little black jumpsuit). Leopard slip-ons hold the power to make any casual outfit feel more fashion forward, especially when combined with a classic red bag and striped T-shirt. Take bold steps in your favorite dress and sneaker combo to achieve a sporty look without sacrificing any girly-ness or comfort.
Mod Squad
Cue the Rat Pack! Sixties-inspired pieces are trending now and throwing it back to the infamous Palm Springs and New York trends of long ago. Think pastel rompers, glam cat-eye shades, crazy floral prints and funky wedges. Be a modern swinging gal in retro shift dresses, princess coats and rain macs (the stormy Dallas weather definitely calls for it). Watch any episode of “Mad Men” for more inspiration and don’t forget the winged eyeliner with luscious lashes à la Twiggy to top off the perfect ‘60s style.
Smooth Sailing
Although most don’t have the pleasure of spending summers on a yacht, that doesn’t mean one can’t take a cue from yachters’ wardrobes and nail nautical-inspired looks all summer long. Sailor pants, striped everything and ropey details will do just the trick. Plus, bright colored wellies and snug cable-knit sweaters are adding trendy touches to more classic pieces. Keep the color palette simple in red, white, blue and grey to really embody this maritime look. A striped crop top will pair perfectly with high-waisted jeans and beachy waves. Topsiders are great, but don’t consider this nautical wear to be too preppy, there’s something to float everyone’s boat.
Fruity Fashion
Fruit is having a major fashion moment, so whether it’s cherries, lemons, bananas, or a different fave fruit, these fruity prints will be sure to make any street style outfit deliciously fresh. Trendy fruit prints are fun, colorful and perfect for warmer weather, so even the most pattern-shy can get on board. Try a watermelon clutch, pineapple pendant or “freshly squeezed” lemon pants to join in the fruity fun. Or embrace the style fully in a summertime citrus romper in punchy colors for a completely cheery and fruity look.
Global Boho
Feeling the wanderlust this summer? Transport style with exotic details such as silky fringe, tribal prints, sequins and beading for a worldly look that is much less pricey than a foreign plane ticket. Designers have been looking to the East for inspiration this summer, resulting in decorative ornamental pieces and kimono-inspired shapes. Pair a fringed tank with soft printed pants for a fun, exotic look or combine sequin shorts with lace-up sandals to channel your inner gladiator. A leather bag with beaded details is an easy, introductory way to own mixed prints. Complete the look by rocking colorful, reflective lenses and watch the travel envy disappear.
Tea Time
Meet the new “it” hemline: the tea length. The tea length skirt strikes a balance between thigh-grazing mini skirts and floor-sweeping maxi dresses. Falling anywhere below the knee and above the ankle, it looks more polished than a mini but more playful than floor-grazing styles. Perfect for double-duty by accommodating retro charm and contemporary elegance, pair a tea length skirt with flats for a daytime party and later with heels for an evening event. Don’t be afraid to mix patterns, such as a floral tea length skirt with a checkered gingham blouse, or flash a little skin in a metallic crop top paired with the longer-length skirt for a fun, new night out look.
Palm Prints
Designers were clearly daydreaming about sunny shores when determining this final summer trend. Get tropical this season in prints inspired by the beach’s favorite tree. Irresistible and summery, it’s all about the fronds with this year’s take on the tropical print. Embrace the all-over palm print motif on pants, dresses, skirts, shirts and (of course) swimsuits. Bright palm trees and sunshine-y colors go great together when on vacation, but master this look at home by mixing palm prints with navy and grey to turn the contrast down and still look appropriate for summer jobs and internships.
