Skip to main content
Catherine, Princess of Wales, visiting children's trauma therapy service in Bradford.
Zendaya and Tom Holland posing together at an event.
Margot Robbie at the BAFTA Awards, showcasing her elegant style.

Fashion

4 Trends Everyone Will Be Wearing This Summer (& They’re Not Basic!)

May 10, 2018 by Jessica Harrington
shefinds | Fashion
Featured image

SheFinds receives commissions for purchases made through the links in this post.

When trends really start to catch on, we tend to see them over and over again until they become overdone and eventually dismissed. Think platform wedge flip flops back in the early 2000s. Sound familiar?

As someone who wants to be on-trend but not waste a ton of money on short-lived fabs, it can be hard to sort through all of the noise. After they really gain some traction, trends go from being original to SO basic.

We spoke with two fashion experts to get the scoop on four summer trends you should embrace this summer that aren’t totally basic.

Here’s what they said:

house unit img
Women Are Swapping Their Boring Water For This Ice Pop Electrolyte Mix!
Women showcasing summer fashion trends in vibrant outfits.

1. Pastel Suits

“The trend I am most excited about this summer is pastel suits like Theory's morning blue chic ankle pantsuit,” said Vanessa Valiente, one of the top personal stylists in San Diego, “I am excited to see them, use them, wear them. That Theory baby blue suit is so comfortable and flattering--wow!”

Stylish summer accessories featured in a bright outdoor setting.

2. Two-Piece Sets

Valiente also predicts two-piece sets to be a very popular trend this summer. Her personal favorites are “crop top 2-piece sets like this Wayf striped look or Ten Sixty Sherman's paper bag set.” Matching sets add a touch of versatility and style to your summer wardrobe.  

Trendy summer clothing styles for a chic, casual look.

3. Colorful Slides & Mules

Valiente’s expert opinion also puts fresh footwear styles at the top of her trend-radar for summer. “Shoes are born to be wild this summer. A real party at the feet,” said Valiente. The biggest shoe trends being elaborate prints, embroidery, and color blocking. Her personal favorites: colorful mules and chic slides like Dolce Vita's Kaira Yellow Suede Mules and Paul Green's Meg Sandal. “There is so much diversity available in playful footwear, bold shoes will feel fresh for years if you pick the most unique pairs true to your personal style.” Considering mules are the go-to shoe style of spring 2018, we have no doubt that they'll continue to be popular this summer.

Bold summer outfits perfect for sunny days and events.

4. Lots Of Sequins

According to celebrity wardrobe stylist Jeni Elizabeth, sequins will have a major fashion moment this summer. “One trend I am waiting for that I suspect will hit very soon is heavy sequins. Oversize, multi-color sequin ensembles--think overalls, button downs, shoes. The runway this season has been full of fringe and floral with heavy prints and bows. I think the next to hit will be taking sequins to the next level, and I have to be honest, I cannot wait. An amazing blue large sequin overall with a cute white T and sneaker?! So FUN!”

[Photos: Shutterstock]

Shop the experts' style recommendations below:

Model wearing Dolce Vita Kaira sandals in a stylish pose.

Dolce Vita Kaira ($95.99)

Blue embellished distressed denim shorts for a trendy summer look.

Missguided Blue Embellished Distressed Denim Shorts ($43)

Lightweight paper bag linen cotton pants for comfortable summer wear.

Ten Sixty Sherman Paper Bag Linen & Cotton Pants ($48)

Anzio off-the-shoulder ruffle crop top for a fashionable summer.

WAYF Anzio Off the Shoulder Ruffle Crop Top ($69)

Meg slide sandals featuring a chic and comfortable design.

Paul Green Meg Slide SandalMeg Slide Sandal ($275)

Paden pompom slide sandals adding a playful touch to summer outfits.

JOIE Paden Pompom Slide Sandals ($298)

Author:

Fashion & Beauty Editorial Assistant

Jessica is a former editorial assistant of SheFinds. She covered fashion, beauty and more. Jessica’s work has also appeared in The Zoe Report, AhaLife, JoyfullyMe, and Her Campus Media.

Bianca Censori showcasing fall/winter fashion collection.
Kim Kardashian at the Kering's 3rd Annual Caring for Women Dinner.
Jennifer Lopez in Defaience at the 2025 American Music Awards.
Salma Hayek at the 12th Annual Breakthrough Prize Ceremony.
Ariana Grande showcasing her fashion at the Golden Globes.
Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner attending a public event.
Brad Pitt and Ines De Ramon at the F1 premiere event.
Amazon Prime Day logo displayed on digital devices
Britney Spears at the 4th Annual Hollywood Beauty Awards event.
Hillary Clinton at the Broadway opening night of "Suffs."
Kylie Jenner at the Acne Studios photocall during Paris Fashion Week.
Eva Mendes at the Young Hollywood Awards.
Kim Kardashian with son Saint West at a public event.
Jaden Smith at The Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute Benefit.
Nicole Kidman featured at Kering Women in Motion.
Michelle Obama at the 2024 Albies awards.
Melania Trump at a Women's History Month gathering.
Lauren Sanchez at the Annual Living Legends of Aviation Awards.
North West with Kim Kardashian at a public event.
Bianca Censori showcasing vibrant pink hair in a portrait.
Bianca Censori showcasing fall/winter fashion collection.
Kim Kardashian at the Kering's 3rd Annual Caring for Women Dinner.
Jennifer Lopez in Defaience at the 2025 American Music Awards.
Salma Hayek at the 12th Annual Breakthrough Prize Ceremony.
Ariana Grande showcasing her fashion at the Golden Globes.
Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner attending a public event.
Brad Pitt and Ines De Ramon at the F1 premiere event.
Amazon Prime Day logo displayed on digital devices

Fashion

This summer, I might be shopping for more clothes and ...

Britney Spears at the 4th Annual Hollywood Beauty Awards event.
Hillary Clinton at the Broadway opening night of "Suffs."
Kylie Jenner at the Acne Studios photocall during Paris Fashion Week.
Eva Mendes at the Young Hollywood Awards.
Kim Kardashian with son Saint West at a public event.
Jaden Smith at The Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute Benefit.
Nicole Kidman featured at Kering Women in Motion.
Michelle Obama at the 2024 Albies awards.
Melania Trump at a Women's History Month gathering.
Lauren Sanchez at the Annual Living Legends of Aviation Awards.
North West with Kim Kardashian at a public event.
Bianca Censori showcasing vibrant pink hair in a portrait.