For the last few months, I've been "tagging" my favorite fashion trends on Tumblr. As a result, I was able to come up with this list of the new fashion trends becoming popular for spring/ summer 2016. So, next time you're having trouble packing your suitcase for Europe or beach bag for a quiet day-cation (or maybe you just want to treat yo'self after a long week of interning), just refer back to this list!
1. Wide-leg pants
I bought the best pair of wide-leg, crop jeans from Madewell about a month ago (still in stock!) and ever since, they have been a summer blessing. These jeans are so comfortable, I wore them on a seven-hour plane ride and didn’t have any issues. Not to mention they’re trendy. When I think of wide-leg jeans, I also think of blue Vespas and daisy bouquets and...
2. Ascots
Don’t let the French fool you! Ascots have become a new and loved everyday accessory in the States. Fold it loosely before double-knotting or tying it in a bow around your neck. Ascots are the perfect alternative to jewelry or scarves in warmer weather. Wear them with sleeveless shirts and dresses, button-downs and simple T-shirts. Top the look off with a pair of sunglasses, and you’ll be ready for a perfect summer day in the city. You can buy these in all different prints for $10 at Brandy Melville!
3. Simple gold jewelry
Let’s pretend chunky jewelry never existed — it distracts from your beautiful face. Next time you notice it seems like something is missing from your outfit, wear a simple, dainty gold necklace with a tiny bar, circle or triangle, and voilà! This type of jewelry can transform your outfit without over-complicating a simple look.
4. Neutral sun hats
If you tell me you “aren’t a hat person,” I won't believe you. A neutral-colored, straw sun hat is is a timeless accessory (photo taken in 1950) that every beach-goer, city-stroller and pic-nicker needs not just this summer, but every summer. They look good on everyone and offer sun protection so you don’t have to lather your face with sunscreen every hour. Whether you prefer the floppy style or something more close-fitting and bell-shaped like a cloche hat, they will do wonders for your style and your sunburn. Anthropologie sells all kinds of different, high-quality hats that you’ll be able to get lots of use out of for years to come.
5. Lace-up ballet flats
Lace-up flats are the perfect summer shoe for every outfit, and they’ve become increasingly popular this summer. You can find them in almost every shoe store and even clothing stores that sell shoes, like Urban Outfitters, Francesca’s, Anthropologie and Madewell. They’re also all over the internet. Buy them in black or light brown and wear with everything from a chiffon bridesmaid’s gown to homemade jean shorts.
6. Vintage and/or Japanese bomber jackets
Recently, Japanese bomber jackets have come (back?) into style; I’m not sure where they originated or why they are showing up in stores like H&M, but they’re vintage-looking and give plain outfits an edgier style. You can find these at thrift stores and online shops like Etsy. A silk, pink or black bomber jacket would go well with cut-off jean shorts, a black camisole or white tee, and black Chelsea boots or platform sneakers.
7. Elaborate bralettes
I cannot stress the importance of bralettes, especially in warm weather. Not only do they add flare to big T-shirts, see-through knit sweaters, loose tanks and loose floral sundresses, but they’re so comfortable and perfect for hot days when wearing a bra feels like you’re suffocating and going braless doesn't seem like the best option. Bralettes are perfect for shirts that open in the back or reveal too much in the front. Not only that, but bralettes are much prettier than your average bra and feel much more natural.
8. Sleeveless satin dresses and slips
Satin is lightweight, pretty, comfortable in heat and timeless. Though the sleeveless satin dress briefly disappeared after the early 2000s, it has earned a rightful place in summer 2016, especially in colors that compliment one’s skin tone (pink, tan, beige, black, brown). Complete the outfit with a choker necklace, messy bun, and leather jacket to channel inspiring looks from chick flicks like “10 Things I Hate About You” and “What a Girl Wants.”
9. Off-the-shoulder striped blouses and dresses
Probably the most popular trend of summer ‘16, striped blouses are perfect for warm days walking around town or even the beach. They go well with white skinny jeans, white shorts and jean shorts. Wear them with ascots (see No. 2) and relaxed jewelry, but I personally think these blouses lengthen and slim the look of your neck when worn without accessories.
10. Linen and jean jumpsuits with tie belts
When your laundry basket is on the verge of exploding, and you need to make a quick change out of your work clothes and into something cute and casual for a lunch or dinner date, linen and (light) denim jumpsuits with tie belts will save your day. These are easy to slip on, but make you look like you put effort into your outfit. They look adorable, especially on taller women, and are perfect for summer.
11. Plain white tees
Cropped, collared, loose or tight, everybody needs a plain, white T-shirt. Madewell sells super comfortable white T-shirts with both round and v-necks that never seem to be too tight or too loose. I am very happy with my white T-shirt from Madewell and can wear it with almost every pair of pants I own. This is a purchase you will never regret! Just make sure you wash it with care so it doesn’t turn pink in the wash.
12. Tie-back and tie-front blouses
Tie-back and tie-front blouses (especially in white) give you a simultaneously effortless and elegant look. Wear these types of shirts with bell bottom jeans, maxi skirts, striped linen shorts and leather sandals. Look up DIY instructions on Pinterest to create your own out of an old dress or T-shirt! Sometimes these blouses look good with pirate-esque sleeves.
13. Monochrome drawstring pants
Drawstring pants are not only comfortable and easy to put on, but they make your butt look fantastic! They are perfect for a night out to a casual restaurant, a sunset picnic or late night ice cream date. Pair with everything from a simple T-shirt or tank top to a tie-back blouse or, if you’re feeling a little risque, a cotton bandeau. I would advise dropping the pair with elephant prints and swirly designs; if you buy these pants in one color, they will go with all kinds of different tops and shoes.
14. Bow necklaces
