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For me, this summer, like many twenty-somethings I meet every day, is about rebirth and rebranding. Especially as women, we are all looking forward to the start of a new era. I’m 25 now, and I know I’m young, but I still feel like I dress like a teenager when I go somewhere important.
Ever since my birthday, I’ve been obsessed with looking mature and sexy, especially in the summer when you have more opportunities to meet new people. Lately, when I look at runway images on Instagram and Pinterest, I find myself saving images that resemble trends, from my all-time favorite polo shirts to crocheted bags. I visualize different outfits in my head and get excited every time I think about them. This summer, I’m focused on elevating myself and my friends by wearing these trends.
If you too are on a rebranding journey, join me for some trends and styling tips. None of the trends listed below are my forte, including the little white dress and see-through trends, but they are outfits I’ve been wanting to try for a long time. Although I tend to favor masculine, streetwear, and unisex clothing, I am becoming more comfortable and confident with my new feminine shape and I want to look great in it. From Prada to Ferragamo, these runway trends are helping me be “grown up and sexy” this summer.
Keep scrolling to find out more about the runway trends I’m trying out this season.
Preppy Polo
When MSGM showed this preppy polo on their Spring/Summer 2024 runway, I knew it was another wardrobe addition. I still have that bright pink shirt I bought at Phlemuns my senior year of college. This bold blue ribbed knit polo from JoosTricot is the perfect shade of blue for summer. I love the pointy collar, so I’d pair it with dart jeans for a pleated pant look. You could also try pairing it with a denim skirt with a big slit in the front or back and kitten heels.
Statement Belt
Anok Yai can convince me of anything, but this summer, a statement belt seems to be a must. The Ferragamo show was so gorgeous and showed me how to dress for the future I want. To be honest, I haven’t worn a belt since high school. I was required to wear a belt in my uniform, but I stopped as soon as I graduated. Now, I see women wearing belts over their dresses at restaurants and parties, and I can’t help but be fascinated by statement pieces. The type of belt that suits me is the type like this belt bag from Nicholas K. I wear it casually with Tory Burch studded ballet flats and a plain white t-shirt over loose jeans. For a dressed up look, I wear the belt over a ribbed knit tank top and a sheer long skirt with layered gold bangles and rings, and black flats.
Crochet Bag
Crochet bags are big this summer. If you like understated luxury style, this Prada carryall is an option I adore. It’s a simple tote shape, and the texture adds depth to your outfit. I wear it every day with a smart casual look: a tank top, a crisp white button-down, pleated pants, and sandals. To dress it up, pair it with a tied-over-the-shoulder cardigan and a little white dress with kitten heels for an elegant look for event days. If I want to read in the park on the weekend, I’ll pack it with my book and essentials, along with shorts, a cropped baby t-shirt, and trendy sneakers like the Adidas Samba.
LWD (Little White Dress)
We’ve all heard of the little black dress, but a white version is essential to brighten up summer evenings. I would definitely grab a strapless dress like this Altuzarra runway look. This short dress from ALC has a lovely summer vibe with its peplum detail. If I have my hair in an afro or slicked back, I’ll pair it with short heels with stacked bracelets and necklaces. For events and dinners, I’ll keep it simple with statement earrings and heels with cut-out details, like Dries Van Noten.
Sheer anything
I’ve already tried the sheer skirt trend and am totally hooked, so I’m really looking forward to trying other sheer pieces. I plan to wear more sheer tops with bralettes for nights out. This asymmetrical top by Christopher Esber embodies the “grown up sexy” vibe I’m going for. Pairing a sheer top with low rise pants and kitten heels is another look I’d like to try soon. I also imagine pairing mesh flats with opaque pieces to add an interesting element to a seemingly basic look. Finally, I plan to wear sheer dresses for nights out to step out of my comfort zone and add a touch of glam to my outfit with a light jacket, heels, and stacked rings.
