Summer 2021 Fashion Trends

Can you relate to this? You get sick of the cold weather and being stuck in your sweatshirts and jeans. There is no true spring, rather, you go right from winter to it being 90 degrees. That is what I am going through, and I am not sure how to feel about it! But, with this change of events, it is high time to discuss summer 2021 fashion trends. I have a realistic and wearable list of the top 10 trends for you, including options that you can shop now, and a color palette. A lot of the styles and colors are very similar to spring, as the year 2021 seems to have its own general theme happening.

Summer 2021 Fashion Trends

1) Lavender

First in this list of summer 2021 fashion trends is the color lavender. While there is a color palette at the end of this post, lavender holds its own as a color we will be seeing a lot of. Lavender comes in all forms, so be sure to add it in wherever you can. I am not just talking clothing itself, but also shoes and accessories.

Featured | Curb Chain Flat Sandals + UO 24/7 Tube Top + Women’s Billie Crossbody + Bar Iii Smocked Scoop-Neck Top + Georgette Chiffon Capelet Tiered Dress + Clara Floral Front Knot Mini Dress – Lavender

2) Checkered or Gingham

Second is checkered or gingham print, which is a form of plaid. If it reminds you of a summer picnic, then you are doing it right! We are primarily seeing this print on tops and dresses, but you are liable to see it all over the place. A lot of the checkered patterns also incorporate the colors of the season… or really the year… with pale yellow, lavender, and French blue.

Featured | Loft Gingham Smocked Top + Gingham Check Crop Top + Crave Fame Juniors’ Gingham-Print Smocked Top + ASOS DESIGN Curve Midi Skirt with Pocket Detail + Women’s Hilltop Gingham Check Seersucker Shirt + Bridgette Smocked Gingham Romper

3) Paisley or Bandana Print

A third summer fashion trend of 2021 is paisley, or bandana print. You can most commonly find this print on tees and tank tops, especially those that are actually cut like bandanas. Companies are going nuts with the print and really putting it on everything. In researching for this post I found dresses, skirts, sandals, and even jewelry incorporating the print.

Featured |  Lou & Grey Bandana Bike Shorts + 8 Other Reasons Multi Layered Necklace + Madden Girl Gigi Flatform Sport Sandals + Lucky Brand Square Neck Top + Smocked Tie-Shoulder Bandana-Print Sleeveless Top + 8 Other Reasons Star & Sun Bandana

4) Lovely Dresses

Fourth is what I am calling lovely dresses. What I mean here is look for dresses that are outside of the ordinary or those that are not plain and boring. Look for prints, such as floral, cutouts, details like lace or crochet, or fun colors that take you out of your comfort zone. Also consider dresses that flow in the wind, or even those that feature ruffles, layers, and tiers.

Featured | Rails Amaya Linen-Blend Dress + Floral Jacquard Midi Dress + The Mint Julep Boutique Show Your Soft Side Light Blue Swiss Dot Dress + Olissa Ditsy Floral Mini Dress + Dia Striped Front Knot Maxi Dress + Holiday Hero Graphic-Print Satin Maxi Dress

5) Mini Skirts

Fifth in this list of summer 2021 fashion trends is mini skirts, which is a carry over from spring. Anything goes with a mini skirt, from color, pattern, texture, and shape. They make a great pairing with your crop tops, body suits, and your favorite shirts and tank tops.

Featured | Blush Satin Wrap Side Mini Skirt + Neon Rose Mini Skirt + High Waisted Straight Pull-On Mini Skirt + VICOLO Mini Skirt + Pleated A-Line Mini Skirt + Women’s Pleated Denim Miniskirt

6) Oversized Sunglasses

Next in trends for summer 2021 is oversized sunglasses. The bigger that they are, the more of a fashion statement that they will make! You can pair sunglasses with any outfit, from the most dressy, to absolute casual. Look for sunglasses that come in unique colors to add flare to your wardrobe, or those that feature accents such as jewels and pearls.

Featured | Sweet Life Square Sunglasses + Oversize Cat-Eye Sunglasses + Steve Madden Black Oversized Square Sunglasses + Lipsy Oversized Hexagon Sunglasses with Pearl Detail + ASOS DESIGN 70s Fine Tubular Oversized Sunglasses + Oversized Rectangle Sunglasses

7) Ruffles or Tiers

Continuing on are pieces with ruffles, tiers, or both. We commonly see this happening with dresses, blouses, and skirts. Many dresses this season feature a layered or tiered design composed of ruffles, while blouses have ruffles at the arm and bottom hems. They add an extra bit of feminine flair to any outfit.

Featured | BCBGeneration Tiered Strapless Floral-Print Top + Q & A Floral Eyelet Tiered Mini Dress + Dry Your Tiers Skirt + Inc Ruffled Crinkle Top + Denim Peplum Cami + Free People Anika Tank Women’s Clothing

8) Backless or Open Back

Are you daring enough to wear a backless or open back piece? I really am not, even though I just bought a backless dress and halter bodysuit! Showing off your back is all the rage right now, which of course can only happen with dresses and shirts. Understandably, this trend may not be the most comfortable for all, and that is perfectly ok.

Featured | Snake Cutout Mini Dress + H&M – Short Denim Dress + Criss Cross Strap Midi Dress + UO Spliced Seamless Mini Dress + MEALIYA Women Sleeveless Crop Sexy Tank Top Backless Lace Up Party Shirt + Roxy Honest Love Solid Romper

9) Lettuce Edge

Have you ever heard of lettuce edging? It should give you quite the 90s throwback, even though it is a summer trend in 2021! Lettuce edging is when the hems of clothing are wavy. We see this a lot on shirts, tank tops, and camisoles, but companies will literally lettuce edge any piece of clothing. You probably already have an item like this in your closet and never even realized it!

Featured | Striped Tie-Front Crop Top + Adult Modal Ribbed Shorts + Cropped Star Tank Top + Shirred Lettuce-Edge Romper + Ornate Paisley Mini Dress + Ribbed Lettuce-Edge Top

10) Soft Pastels

I am ending this list of summer 2021 fashion trends with a color palette. The fashion colors for summer 2021 are extremely similar to spring, but with a few twists. This season we will continue to see soft pastels such as lavender, yellow, and French blue. We will also see pops of mint, coral, rust, raspberry, navy, and gray.

Featured | LOFT Daydream Luxe Knit Pocket Pajama Romper + Button-Front Tiered Dress + Petite Cuffed Paperbag Pull On Shorts + ASOS DESIGN Shirred Bodice Bandeau Maxi Dress + Grey Lab Sleeveless Knit Romper + BB Dakota x Steve Madden Saltwater Dress + ASOS DESIGN Wide Fit Justice Flatform Espadrille Sandals + Tiered Ruffle Sleeve Crew Neck Sweater

2021 Summer Trends Frequently Asked Questions – FAQ

What should I wear for Summer 2021?

For Summer 2021 you should wear checker print, mini skirts, oversized sunglasses, among many other trends.

What colors are trending for Summer 2021?

The colors that are trending for Summer 2021 include soft pastels, yellow, lavender, french blue, and more.

Are skorts still in fashion for Summer 2021?

Skorts are not making much of an appearance in 2021.

Conclusion

In summary of these summer 2021 fashion trends, a lot of concepts and colors from spring are the backbone of what we are seeing right now. We are living in the year of soft pastel hues! This season you might what to relive your 90s roots with lettuce edge hems, go out of your comfort zone with a backless piece, or accessorize with oversized sunglasses. I always recommend pairing what you already have with a few new pieces, then mix and match from there. Until next time, continue to let your true beauty shine.

Which trend is speaking to you the most?

Compare the Summer Trends of Previous Years: