Summer is probably my least favorite season to dress for, but this summer I'm really trying to get the fuck over it. I want to be outside, I want to be hot, I want to be flirty, I want to dance to the new Madonna album. I want to do it all.
I'm also working through some body stuff (I mean, aren't we all, as a product of 2000s diet culture). I go through phases of being comfortable and uncomfortable with my body, and I'm in a down swing right now. And I know that's not exactly the internet's idea of body positivity, but for me it's always been a work in progress — less of a destination, more of a practice. So right now I'm focusing on what I love while slowly exploring what I'm comfortable with. Because in case it isn't clear: I want to have fun this summer.
With that, here are some of my favorite summer fashion trends, based on my opinion, obviously. Want swimwear? Check here! But here's to a hot and abundant summer babes.
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All Wrapped Up With Places to Go
Wrap skirts have always felt undeniably posh to me. They're easy, comfortable, you can dress them up or down, take them from the beach to dinner. A true wrap skirt that goes all the way around to tie, but it can be hard to find. There's also something just a little nostalgic about them, a little 70s.
If you want to keep it casual, I love them with open-toe flat sandals, a ribbed tank, some minimal jewelry, and an structured tote. If you're pulling them into an evening look, I think they're perfect with a mule heel, a light billowy blouse, some fun hair accessories, and chunky bangles. Very chic.
Holiday Romantic
Summer just feels romantic, whether it's a short fling or just a moment of really admiring yourself. Summer feels like the perfect time to revisit romantic and sensual silhouettes. This year I'm really looking at pencil midi skirts and crop tops. Something to make me feel like Salma Hayek or Lauren Bacall on holiday.
I'm looking at cropped or tie-front tops with pencil skirts that hit just below the knee. I think a more structured look could be great for evening. In particular, there's a secondhand set from Mara Hoffman that strikes a balance between super sexy and approachable. A look like this could also work for daytime by tying in a headscarf or some other fun accessories.
Peep Show (Shoe Edition)
Much like last year, I am very deep in my love affair with peep toe mule sandals. There's something about a low kitten heel on a mule that just does it for me — very Carrie Bradshaw, very Betty Boop. When it comes to heels, placement really matters. I value a curved heel that sits directly under the heel of your foot, which makes for a much more stable and comfortable shoe. The arch is equally important. As much as I love an incredibly sexy high arch, that's an after-dark situation. For everyday wear, a more moderate arch keeps things comfortable without sacrificing any of the shape or elegance of the shoe.
In Lace We Trust
Is there anything sexier than lace? I think lace is cool because you can implement it in so many ways. You could do it through accessories, on cute little shoes like this Betsey Johnson pair, or on headbands. You could also, obviously, go all the way with it and work it into your actual clothes. I really particularly love a lace skirt. There's something just so divine about it.
This year I'm also looking at pairing a really beautiful lace bra with a short-sleeve cardigan and letting the lace peek out a little. Fun, cheeky, and depending on the type of lace, it can really signify different things. Eyelash lace feels very high-brow sexy. Embroidered lace. Crocheted lace. There are so many variations that you can really go any which way with it.
Set It Off
This is something I'm carrying over from spring. I was really into gorgeous silk blouses this season, and I want to find ways to transition them into summer, particularly the more flowy ones. I always favor vintage, and the vintage market is full of quality pieces. It can be harder to find sets in plus-size vintage, but honestly I think there's something even more fun about mixing and matching to create the feeling of a set without it actually being one.
Blouses add a level of clean sophistication that I really love, and as someone who is perpetually trying to protect her skin from the sun, the coverage doesn't hurt either.
Tumblr-Coded Summer
This is a very specific, perhaps very niche style reference, but I am obsessed with every look from the "Champagne Coast" music video by Blood Orange. I've been thinking about these looks for years. Very Tumblr-coded, very everything.
This year I'm finally committing to my favorite one: a leopard print skirt, a fitted white t-shirt, and a cool bra worn over it. I'm actively working on styling a bra over a shirt and finding the right skirt to pair with it. I haven't found my perfect leopard yet, but I love this look because it feels casual and cool without trying too hard. I can see it at a music festival or just out running errands. You could also switch it up with a colored bra and a solid skirt, play around with the socks and sneakers, and get a totally different look every time. But this is my base and I'm running with it.
Big Blooms
I think this year is the year of bold floral prints. I'm really seeing a lot of fun, large florals out there, whether that's a single large, detailed flower like an orchid, or just a pattern of bigger blooms. The key is that they're large, they're bold, and they're just perfect for summer.
There's a lot you can do with this trend, and depending on the piece, I think you could even transition it into fall with some layers, especially with darker florals, which feel very moody and cool to me. You don't have to go super beachy with florals. You can make them moody, domineering, a little dark. Dare I say, a little intimidating.
Headlight season
Listen, I'm always a fan of having my big juicy honkers out, but I think this is the year we all collectively commit to putting the breasts out. And I mean OUT. I want to see titty. I want to see bounce. Little titty, big titty, medium titty, teardrop titty — every type of titty deserves to be out and getting the love it deserves. I really plan on wearing a short sleeve cardigan with a midi skirt and some bra peeking out! Whether that's a cotton shirt with a fun-colored bra underneath for a casual moment, or a bodysuit with a sweetheart neckline that really highlights the cleavage, free the girls.
And that's a wrap on my summer fashion moments. If you're looking for my swimwear picks, I've got a whole separate piece for that. But might I also add that the best accessory of this season is just letting your freak flag fly. In a time where conservatism and authoritarianism feel very much on the rise, truly letting it all out and saying "fuck it" feels radical and necessary. Have fun, be hot, let the tits out, have good sex. That's my summer advice and I'm standing by it.
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