The weather is warming up and idk about you, but I am READY to be outside in some cute outfits. If you’re looking for some spring and summer trends to try, then keep on reading. Lately, I’ve been seeing a ton of Y2K inspo, so that is kind of a general trend that I think is influencing some of these more specific ones. From cargos to mesh, here are eight street style trends you should give a try this spring and summer!
Oversized Cargo Pants
I had to start with this one because it’s definitely the trend I’ve seen popping up the most. Celebrities and influencers have definitely been favoriting more baggy pants lately — and I’m here for it. One of my biggest style influences of all time is the late singer Aaliyah, and this is a style she wore frequently. Which, obviously, goes along with the overarching idea that the 2000s are back baby! And although I’ve seen a TON of cargo pants on my feeds lately, baggy jeans are also on the rise right now. Pair your comfy, oversized bottoms with a crop top or a tight-fitting bodysuit and you’re basically a streetwear icon. This trend is also great for wearing with chunky sneakers (another comeback trend I’m obsessed with).
I’m also really glad to see that oversized cargo pants are showing up a bit more at size-inclusive retailers. It can often be difficult to find baggy silhouettes that are still stylish and fit the way you actually want them to when you’re above a size 14. I found these gems at Target recently and they’re part of the Future Collective, designed in collaboration with fashion editor Gabriella Karefa-Johnson. I paired them with a simple black crop top from Amazon, some Air Jordan 1s, and a Nike bag.
Mesh / Sheer Tops & Dresses
Mesh me out! You’ve definitely seen this trend while scrolling on Instagram or TikTok. Sheer tops and dresses are hot right now and they’re also great for warmer weather. I love this trend because it can be as sexy or as modest as you want, depending on how you layer it. Rock a mesh top with just a bra underneath or wear a mesh midi dress with biker shorts and a cami under it. Either way, it’s a fun spring and summer trend to play with.
This sheer dress is from a small woman-owned business, What Lo Wants. The designer kindly gifted it to me and I’m obsessed! I love playing with proportions, so I like that it’s short with long sleeves. I’m wearing a bodysuit underneath and I added some platform Converse and an orange Steve Madden handbag.
Abstract Art Prints
I feel like this trend is a bit less obvious, but nevertheless I’ve seen it pop up a lot while shopping. Prints that look like arty swirls, abstract paintings, etc. — and often in a fun mix of colors — have appeared on plenty of skirts, dresses, and tops lately. This swirl print I’m wearing below also has a bit of a nostalgia feel — it’s kinda giving ’70s vibes.
And although there’s a lot of ways to go with this trend, it’s still easy to give it the Y2K treatment. I found this satin slit skirt from Target and paired it with a cropped tie-front top from Forever 21. Then, I honed in on the purple and added some chunky sandals from Shein and a matching bag from Amazon.
Denim On Denim
From Coachella to NYFW, denim on denim is def having a moment. As it often does. This classic trend is easy to adapt to all different styles, so it’s not surprising to me that it seems to resurface fairly often. You can match up your favorite pair of jeans with a similar shade of denim jacket — or you can go wild and mix up different variations of denim.
For this look, I’ll admit that I wasn’t so sure about pairing drastically different shades of denim together. But then I thought, “Why the hell not?” This dress is from Target, the jacket was given to me by my grandma, and the shoes are denim platform Gucci slides. I wanted to do something with the fact that the midi dress is kind of purple-ish, so I added a blue and purple ombre purse from JW Pei.
Matching Sets
Matching sets, or co-ords, are having a MOMENT. I wouldn’t say that they were ever really not in style, but I feel like I’ve been seeing an increasing amount of them lately. I love this trend because there are so many different versions of it and ways to rock it. Plus, it’s a super low-effort way of looking stylish and put-together.
All of these sets are from a recent Shein haul.
Maxi Skirts & Dresses
Recently, I read somewhere that maxi denim skirts were particularly on trend right now. I’m broadening that a bit because I feel like maxi silhouettes in general are hot at the moment. And when I say “maxi” I mean basically dragging on the floor. Personally, I like a maxi moment because I don’t have to worry about it riding up in the back and it’s still super breezy for the warmer weather.
This dress was gifted from Xpluswear.
Balletcore & Romantic Aesthetic
You’ve probably seen the hype around balletcore on TikTok. At first, I wasn’t totally into it. But, I have noticed myself picking up some more feminine and romantic pieces that aren’t exactly my typical style. And I do think it’s a result of this trend. According to InStyle, the balletcore trend is a mix of bodysuits, tulle skirts, leg warmers, ballet flats, and layers. Which, I do like a lot of those things in doses! I’ve also noticed more skater dresses and shrugs.
As I mentioned, I wouldn’t say that I’ve dove into balletcore. But, I have opted for some more romantic styles, like these flowy, floral dresses from Shein. The crochet shrug in the first look is also from Shein — and I love it!
50 Shades of Green
Lastly, I feel like I’ve been seeing green more than any other color lately. Especially brighter shades, like acid green. I noticed it during NYFW, as well as in a lot of recent big collection launches (such as H&M x Mugler). Green is a great color for spring and summer because it has a fresh, outdoorsy vibe. It reminds people of nature. So basically, this trend screams, “We outsideeee!”
Both of these fun looks are from the Gabriella Karefa-Johnson Target collection!
Which of these spring and summer trends are your favorite?
