Developing a sense of style can be a difficult thing to do, especially when you’re still figuring out… well, you. An easy way to get started is to think about what you like about yourself, what fashion styles interest you and the season you’re dressing for. With Summer now in full swing, this is a great place to start. I researched the trending topics of the year and included some of my own hit outfits (that I’ve gotten lots of compliments on) and compiled this list of essentials for you to get started on your summer outfit journey.
Keep reading for 10 Fashion Trends that Will Complete Your 2023 Summer Wardrobe:
1. Overalls
Regular overalls are a great choice that most people have in their closets, but don’t forget about shortalls (overalls with shorts) or dressalls (overall dress). All are a great and easy way to plan any summer outfit. You could get them in any color or fabric like denim, linen or corduroy. My favorite outfit is with a tank or a simple tee underneath. Because of the thick overalls straps you could add a little something extra to accentuate your shoulders, like wearing a shirt with frills, lace or puffed-up sleeves.
2. Baby Doll Dresses
A baby doll dress can be described as a dress with smaller torso and flowy bottom. They are very comfortable and breathable dresses which makes them great for that summer heat. My favorite baby doll dresses are from places like Aeropostale, Hollister and American Eagle (on sale of course). With the color or pattern of your choice and a pair of sandals or sneakers, you can make a baby doll dress into a quick and cute summer outfit. Depending on your own aesthetic, you might like dresses with more than a basic color and style. The dress of my dreams lies within the Selkie brand, dainty, colorful, Bridgerton-esque. Until I obtain that kind of money, Hot Topic has some good dupes as well.
3. Maxi Skirts
If you’re not sure what a “maxi” means, let’s take a quick lesson on fashion lingo. Mini is used to describe the length above the knee, midi length usually ends around mid-calf and maxi length flows the longest down to the ankles. Trending right now are tiered style skirts which have great flow, denim skirts that go with anything (like jeans but cuter) and cargo skirts for that laid-back chill look. I don’t know about you, but as a curvier woman, I appreciate that there are more ways to expand fashion than low-waisted tiny skirts. I love a maxi skirt with an oversized t-shirt, denim on denim or with a cute vest. My favorite way to wear a maxi skirt, especially for summer, is with a tank or cami top for a hipster style.
4. Crochet anything!!!
Crocheting has become so popular over the year, whether it’s making it or wearing it. Crochet shrugs that go great with simple tops and crochet crop tops have both become very trendy items. People love crocheting tops, cardigans, headscarves, plushies and more. Some are so passionate they open up their own small shops and business featuring their crochet work, all perfect summer accessories.
“I see all these people with super cute crochet outfits and stuff. I want to learn it so bad so I can make my own, I always wanted to crochet a cardigan with strawberries and super cute plushies, so I don’t have to keep buying them. I swear I will one day!” Strawberry cardigan enthusiast and Santa Fe College junior Marly Strickland said.
I also have a deep desire to learn crochet for the same reasons as Marly. I am jealous of these artists making the cutest creations that I could be doing myself. I hope to finally pick up the craft this summer with my newfound free time after graduating! Although I do love supporting local and small artists that put so much love and care into their work. Remember to support local artists!
5. Rompers
Rompers are the classic outfit for the summertime. Some are similar to overalls where you can style something under while others are mistaken for flowy dresses. The point is, everyone should own at least one romper. You can dress rompers up or down with heels and a blazer or with some sneakers and a cardigan. Rompers could be a perfect beach day outfit over your bathing suits as they are breathable, comfy and, most importantly, super cute. The rompers I have collected are all fruit and floral-related and I pair accessories accordingly. A strawberry romper has to have a pair of strawberry earrings to match of course. It’s like I always say, wear what you love!
6. Baggy pants
The trend is oversize everything: jeans, t-shirts, hoodies, pants, etc. Wide-leg and baggy mom or dad jeans are my favorite jean trend right now. They go with baggy shirts, cute blouses and button-ups. So, I beg of you, skip the skinny jeans and go for a flowy look instead. If you think jeans will be too hot, then a thin wide-leg pants would be a less heavy style for your summer. I like to tuck a T-shirt into mine in and maybe pair them with a cute belt and some sneakers for a chill but clean look.
“Honestly, I shop in the men’s section because it is not as expensive as women’s or I go thrifting. They always have some cool clothing there and it’s also super cheap compared to regular stores,” Thrifter and University of Florida senior Precious Sickler said.
Thrifting is a great way to shop for clothes while reducing landfill pollution on our planet. Regular department stores support fast fashion. When their clothes are out of season, millions of these non-biodegradables get thrown out into trash piles in the U.S. and in other countries too. Repurposing, reusing and recycling clothes and materials makes the environment better and your wardrobe fabulous!
7. Camis
Camis come in all different styles and eras and can be styled in super cute outfits like tanks and racerbacks. The Y2k revival style has been a great hit in my wardrobe recently. This style has more of a flowy, sheer and, well, 2000s look to it. My favorite designs include more cutesy and dainty styles with heart patterns and flowers. On the other side is a great mesh and grunge look that would pair great with a maxi skirt or some flare jeans.
“The Y2k era is coming back and its literally my favorite trend right now! The demonias! The bellbottoms! The hair! Literally everything! But maybe I’ll skip the jeans and dress part,” Santa Fe College sophomore Rosie Grant said.
As a girl who grew up in the early 2000s, I think that it’s crazy how the style I hated growing up is coming back. I saw my mom wear these clothes and when she would try to get me to match with her I thoroughly disagreed. Now it is a style that everyone expects of me. Not to mention how we look back at y2k red carpet looks vs. current red-carpet attire. Though there is potential— if I found a way to make it into a look, so can you.
8. Jorts
I don’t care what others have said about jeans shorts, but they are the trendiest of summer clothing. They go with anything and recent jorts collections have the cutest designs beyond rips and colors. Cargo shorts are a big hit right now, high-waisted shorts are always great and jorts with embroidery and patterns have the cutest details. The jorts that I have gotten lots of compliments on are covered in images of my favorite Studio Ghibli movie Spirited Away, while another pair has cute Sanrio characters on them, which are always a crowd-pleaser for my kawaii cuties.
9. Headscarves
With that trendy outfit, you will be rocking you have to have accessories to match. Putting something stylish in your hair like ribbons, clips or a headscarf will complete your summer look. I like mine crochet with a pre-tie to help it stay on my head as opposed to a silk scarf (but those are also really cute for summer). I have two crochet headscarves, one with mushrooms and one with frogs I got from Hot Topic that I get compliments on every day. If you’re not fond of hair accessories then maybe a new summer hairdo is calling, maybe some new color to spice up your look!
10. Chunky shoes
This includes sandals, sneakers, boots and heels. I am a big boot girl myself, but they are a bit hot for summer, so platform sandals are a great trendy alternative. Some basic black and white ones would go with every outfit but that also depends on your favorite color and the color of your wardrobe. Admittedly, my clothes are mostly pink so it might be easier to style than others, but I believe any color can be a summer color with a stylish outfit that you feel confident in and great shoes you can walk in.
