Summer is whimsy.
It’s a time where rigid dressing is completely thrown out the window in favor of a lighter, airier kind of presentation. It bewitches you—body and soul.
I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve been in a “minimalist” mindset, swearing to myself that the prospect of summer won’t persuade me to buy that new, hot tote bag or that kitschy little pair of crab earrings. But alas, I am influenced all over again, without fail. As much as I try to escape my island roots/beach town upbringing, it rears its ugly head by the time the Atlanta heat wave sets in.
This year’s summer fashion trends almost feel like a deliberate rejection of the Q1 CBK effect that took the world by storm due to the success of FX’s Love Story. Or maybe Carolyn Bessette’s style, more so, lends itself to cooler weather—camel coats, loafers, dark wash denim, solid neutrals, etc.
Either way, we’ve entered a new season of life, of style, and of exploration.
So, let’s talk about the trends shaping summer fashion—right here, right now. But I want to do more than just give you a list of trends…because that would be boring. I’m all for a round-up, but we need context. We need substance. We need criticism. Fashion without friction is meaningless, in my humble opinion.
I’m here to dissect. A trend autopsy, if you will, except they are all alive and well.
You’ll also notice that many of these trends are actually spin-offs of last summer’s familiar trends, but with a slight tweak or evolution.
As someone who hates the whiplash of a microtrend, it’s a breath of fresh air to see certain styles stick around for longer, even if they are being slightly upgraded in different ways. Maybe society is healing after all…? Doubtful, but I’ll take my wins.
Let’s dig in.
Simple mesh totes were all the rage last year, but now it’s time to up the ante. The summer bag needs to be a little more personalized, and a little more durable than just a thin, mesh number you take to the grocery store and plop two oranges in (for the aesthetic). Whether crochet, raffia, fishnet, rope, or woven canvas, pretty much every brand has its own formula for this kind of bag—and beads are fitting into many of the equations.
This trend hit me over the head when I kept seeing the Zara Beaded Bucket Bag online, everywhere! Now sold out (of course), this bag pretty much sums up Summer 2026 in one, tightly woven little package. The hard handle, the multi-colored beads, the cream weave—simple but effective. It has a certain element of craftiness that summer trends tend to have. The more handmade-looking, the better. The irony is that now, every other affordable brand is ripping off Zara. The #ripperoffer has now become the #rippedoff.
Silvia Venturini Fendi’s last show before stepping down as creative director was something truly magical. Honestly, one of my favorite spring collections in recent memory—the colors, the ideas, the styling—everything was gorgeous. And the bags? SO creative. I’ll take 500 of these innovative, playful woven/beaded handbags over Maria Grazia Chiuri’s “beating a dead horse” baguette iterations.
Other brands like Stella McCartney, Tory Burch, Giorgia Armani, and Bodi introduced unique woven bags/beaded bags in their Spring 2026 collections, but nothing as "in full force” as Fendi.
Do I think that Fendi singlehandedly made this kind of bag into a hot item? Not fully. They were the first to lean in, but I also think the popularity of the simple mesh tote made way for a more “elevated” version, naturally—and paired with the popularity of a 1920s-style of embellished…everything (tops, skirts, dresses), it only feels right to pair that with the ultimate summer accessory.
This trend, done right, is fabulous. It’s not super forced. It feels like the natural progression of fashion, rather than a weird thing the algorithm is forcing down our throats. There are also SO many different iterations and diverse designs to where you can really forge your own path here. Not everyone’s beaded, woven bags are going to look the same—you can find your true personality piece. Maybe you’re a monochromatic wooden bead with black netting and a round handle girl. Or maybe your vibe is a multi-colored rock-like bead with a double layer of fabric underneath and a long, soft handle. You can do anything! My only gripe is that some of the bead color combos are ugly. That’s about it. It’s not that deep.
Etsy - Vintage Handmade Beaded Bucket Bag in Primary Colors - $53
Etsy - Beaded Mesh Tote Bag - $118
(personal fav) J.Crew Hand-Crocheted Top Handle Bag with Beads - $79.50
Revolve - Milo Bag - $110
No, this doesn’t just mean “big” sunglasses. I’m talking about giant, round glasses so big, they look like they’re on a mission to swallow your entire head. The Celine Disc, the Prada PR B21S, and the YSL Howl sunnies—just to name a few. You’re an alien. You’re 2026 does Y2K does 70s. Maybe you’re hiding a hangover or your face (in general), because you’re feeling #stale. Either way, you look unbothered and cool.
I bought a couple pairs of giant sunglasses last year, so I knew they were making their way back around (in some capacity), but it wasn’t until I saw Georgia Chambers 💋’s Substack selfies of her wearing the Phoebe Philo Cookie Sunglasses that I felt that a more #major iteration of this trend was set to take off. BTW: I hope you kept them, Georgia!
Remember when I brought up Love Story and Carolyn Bessette? Yeah, I’m going to do it again. Amidst the sea of CBK references, style deep dives, and inspo reels, the “niche” thing to do was to focus on Jackie Kennedy Onassis’s style or her sister, socialite Lee Radziwill. With this came the influx of moodboards featuring Jackie’s ironic massive glasses—ones she often hid behind throughout the 1970s. They were a staple for her. America’s favorite bug, as everyone called her. No one called her that, except for me…just now.
As someone who uses sunglasses to hide my face when I’m feeling particularly hideous, I’m all for a comically large pair of shades. I steer clear of wire frames, because they always end up getting bent or crooked or wonky. Give me thick frames with the strength of 1000 men. Industrial grade sunnies that can withstand being thrown into various bags, left in the car in 100 degree heat, and dropped onto concrete when they ultimately fall off my head. Oops! That being said, sunglasses are almost like hairstyles: certain frames (or cuts) don’t suit certain people, so it’s helpful to be aware of which ones are right for your face shape. I’ve bought many a sunglass that looked gorgeous standing alone, but the second they touched my face, I went from a 7 to a 5…
I honestly feel like there aren’t really any brands truly taking advantage of this trend right now with the perfect pair of affordable, giant sunnies. The best options are mostly vintage/secondhand. Let’s explore:
Affordable Picks (Under $150)
Poshmark - Dior Oversized Tortoiseshell Brown Gradient Sunglasses - $120
Free People - Giant Vintage Whisper Oversized Round Glasses - $25.60
Amazon - Big Huge Oversized Vintage Style Sunglasses - $11.99
High-End Picks ($150+)
Bonnie Clyde - Princessa - $228
TheRealReal - Gucci Running GG Logo Oversize Sunglasses - $228
The RealReal - Tom Ford Oversized Gradient Sunglasses - $180
Mrs. Couture - Contemporary Brown And Grey Over-Sized Balenciaga Sunglasses - $325
TheRealReal - Gucci Double G Logo Oversized Sunglasses - $269
The hip-hugging midi silhouette was quite popular in the late 90s/early 2000s, but was really made popular by none other than Carrie Bradshaw herself—the mother of the midi. She often opted for a dress, but was known to turn out some killer printed skirt looks from time to time, paired with a breakneck stiletto. Fast-forward to 2026 and we’re seeing a familiar shape and fun prints, BUT with a softer shoe—the kitten heel. Sometimes strappy. Sometimes pointy. Sometimes…thong-y. Always divine.
The midi skirt phenomenon has been a thing for probably over a year now (in the most fashionable sectors of the planet), though I started seeing an influx of normies (with love) take to the trend more recently. Now, there’s this (arguably funny, yet inaccurate) TikTok/Instagram Reel trend happening where women are going full rage mode wearing kitten heels and a midi skirt with text overlay with different variations of the phrase, “how life sounds in a midi skirt and kitten heels,” with the audio of Carrie yelling at Big before she goes to Paris with Aleksandr Petrovsky.
Like I said, this meme is historically inaccurate, because Carrie didn’t wear kitten heels with her midis, but nonetheless, I find it humorous. And I guess as Carrie is closer to God in her stilettos, these women feel closer to Carrie in their midi skirt/kitten heel combo, albeit spiritually incorrect. High heels just aren’t en vogue right now, so we must pair them with the heel of the moment. We’re in our comfy era.
And yes, I know these examples are not “printed” midi skirts, but this is where I first clocked the skirt/shoe pairing on a blatantly viral level that I can pinpoint.
As someone whose middle name is quite literally, “statement skirt,” I was thrilled to see SO many great ones hit the runway last fall at shows like Chanel, Balenciaga, Alaïa, etc.
You know what else we saw a lot of? Prints—specifically polka dots. They’re not dead yet, contrary to popular belief.
Hear me out. I believe that the rise of polka dots has become the gateway drug to allowing more people to experiment with printed midi skirts. A polka dot is an easy print to lean into if you haven’t otherwise dabbled in such whimsy. It’s unfussy. It’s classic. It’s cute. You can’t go wrong. Thus, bias cut, polka dotted midi skirts were everywhere. Hell, I even have one. But now, the ladies are bored. We want a more unique print like a Pucci or a Missoni or even just a fun geometric little number. How about a floral? We’ll take them all. Something colorful. Something campy. Something that can carry the full look.
I used to despise a midi cut on myself, because my goal was to always look taller, have long legs, and elongate my body by any means necessary. The midi skirt + kitten heel combo pretty much does the opposite unless you naturally have long limbs. It hugs the hips, reveals the calves, and only props you up a tiny bit. But now that I’ve moved past ONLY dressing in a way that “flatters” my body in one specific way, I’ve come around to the idea of a midi…and if you know me, a printed skirt is my most favorite article of clothing. So yeah, I’m fully on board with this trend.
Here are some of my favorite printed midis in store now, but honestly, I’d recommend looking on resale sites like Depop, eBay, TheRealReal, or Poshmark, because I think you’ll find some more unique prints for sure—and bonus points for some kind of funky embellishments! Most of my midis are actually from Goodwill and are honestly just random (unimportant) brands from the late 90s/early 2000s that resell for pretty cheap.
We’re all privy to the 2026 jelly revolution, which I believe is part of a much larger trend that involves “clothing we yearn to chew on.” This involves jelly/PVC/patent leather garments and accessories that resemble Polly Pocket clothes OR delicious candy. One of those things is actually edible, but the teeth want what the teeth want…that’s all I’ll say.
Yes, jelly was a trend last summer, but this time, it’s different. And not the kind of “different” you say when you get back with your ex for the second time.
In 2025, we saw simple jelly mesh flats, jelly flip flops, and transparent jelly totes, this summer. We’re basically being served more complex jelly versions of clothing items we already love. The designs are getting a little more complex. A little more nuanced. Brands are putting their own spin on jelly and creating highly specific pieces.
The rise of the Jelly Firkin (a Birkin dupe, but jelly, duh) on social media has been practically inescapable. Chloé came out with a heeled mule that’s essentially a real life Cinderella slipper. Saint Laurent sent transparent jelly lace-up loafers and belts down the runway at their most recent menswear show. It’s not just brands like Target and Old Navy that are churning out jelly #stuff like there’s no tomorrow. Luxury brands are taking a stab at creating high fashion “art” using PVC.
And just this past week, luxury fashion house Schiaparelli debuted its Fall 2026 Couture collection that featured silicone bodices and bias cut skirts that are positively Polly Pocket.
I just mentioned the ridiculously named Jelly Firkin, but what exactly IS it? And is it a figment of my imagination?
This giant jelly bag first came into my consciousness when I saw this note by Emma Lou Cogan, writer of DIGITAL FRUITS:
At the time, I was intrigued, as I am with any Birkin dupe. I remember Googling these bags and I pretty much found zero sources and zero websites to buy one, other than the online shop 9folds (that Emma mentioned in her original note). 9folds was having Jelly Firkin drops every so often, but did they invent the bag itself? No, but they did help popularize it. We may never know the origins, but we do know it’s MAJOR.
For more info on the mysterious Jelly Firkin, I’d recommend reading Flo’s newsletter “Birkins and Baudrillard: thoughts on the rise of the firkin” where they actually interview 9fold and dive into more info about the bag/its origins.
All the way back in September 2024, Chloé debuted a kitten heel jelly shoe—the Jelly TPU Sandals. Who What Wear called them “the world’s chicest jelly shoes.” Subtle, retro, and unfussy, these jellies are more stylized than your average slip on. They’ve got a heel. They’ve got a belt clasp. They’ve got a unique shape. They were the perfect jelly creation to get the ball rolling for other innovative designs.
Am I enthralled by the cuteness of a jelly moment? Yes, I’m a human woman. It’s simple. But do I ultimately recognize how unsustainable plastic clothing is? Also yes. The more elevated versions of the PVC accessories are of course better than the stock standard ones—if only because having an artistic quality to them will keep them in the conversation/in people’s closets for longer, rather than tossing them into the landfill next season.
But that’s not where it will stop.
As a trendy material, they’ll keep being produced by the boatload from brands that are simply churning out goods. And I don’t know about you (dear reader), but the last pair of jelly shoes I had gave me insane blisters and the little jelly bag I bought was completely warped when it arrived and even after a month of stuffing it to try to have it keep shape, it’s still lopsided…
You best believe both of these items will be in my donate/sell pile come next closet clean-out. That being said, I am fighting the urge to buy a Jelly Firkin…and any cute new jelly item that comes out, because visually, they are adorable. I can’t help it. The colors are delicious. They have a futuristic quality to them, being transparent and all. Maybe I bought cheap items and that’s my fault? Is there such a thing as a better made/comfortable jelly piece if it’s all the same material? I’d love to know.
So the popular jelly brand Melissa has a collab out with Diesel right now—and how come no one is talking about this?? They have all kinds of insane “Quantum” flip flops, slip-ons, sandals, sneakers, and even bags. I’ll take one of each in every single color, please. They’re pretty insane and one of the most interesting jelly creations I’ve seen on the market thus far.
The prices aren’t like INSANE—pretty reasonable for a brand new designer shoe collab. The green color is calling to me like Nickelodeon slime.
WHERE CAN YOU GET A JELLY FIRKIN? GLAD YOU ASKED.
Hello Flower Child is selling Jelly Firkins for $139 in every color you could imagine. Again, tempted to get me a slime green one. These ones don’t seem AS translucent as some of the others I’ve seen, so if you’re into the idea of not having a stranger see your loose tampons through a thin, jelly bag, this version may be the one for you.
Dear Nikola is selling them on sale now for $80. I have no idea which one is better, or if there is even a quality difference to justify getting a more expensive one. Beats me!
J.Crew has some cute jelly shoes—fisherman sandals and a kitten heel. GAP has some cool, elevated (literally) jelly flip flops. Anthropologie is selling a handbag that looks like it belongs in the Great Barrier Reef. And Melissa has these insane platform jelly flops that I might break my neck in, but I’d look cool doing it.
Cues ‘Loosen Up My Buttons’ by the Pussycat Dolls
Call me crazy, but this trend (IMO) hasn’t reached its full potential yet. It’s all over my Pinterest but it hasn’t picked up enough steam in the real world…or at least under my rock. Of course, there is always at least one summer trend with a craftiness element to it. Let it be this one.
While independent brands like Paloma Wool and Caspar the Label have been making heavily buttoned pieces for a while, slowly trickling them into collective consciousness, it wasn’t until this past New York Fashion Week (NYFW) that I clocked SO many contrasting buttons. Some of them were functional, some of them were overkill, but all of them were to be noticed.
Back in March, Emma Chamberlain released a 78-piece furniture/decor collection with West Elm. It was cute, muted, and vintage-inspired. Knowing Emma’s style, I definitely wish it was more kooky (because she a freak), but what are ya gonna do? Anyway, because I used to listen to her podcast “Anything Goes” religiously, I know that Emma is a huge fan of the 2009 film Coraline—which is why (I assume) there were countless button-covered pieces in this collection. Basically, anything that could be shaped like a button, was. And anything that could have 1000 buttons on it, did. Even the pieces she wore in the photoshoot were button-themed.
After this, my Pinterest was pretty much riddled with multi-colored buttons taking up every inch of real estate on a purse, or a dress, or a tank top.
This feels like a trend that should have taken off during COVID, but it missed the boat. I think it’s cute, but not necessarily one that yells to me personally. It feels a little too grandmother/cottage core for me to see myself partaking, unless the buttons are arranged in a cool geometric pattern or in a less faded color way.
Embellishments on anything are SO big right now. People want their clothes to be special/to have some sort of unique element practically popping off the “page” so to speak. I can say (with my full chest) that I’m not a fan of a black top with giant white contrasting buttons. I think it looks cheap. I can’t really explain why. This was my least favorite pattern I spotted at NYFW and I honestly hope that we don’t see this again and designers decide to “cut it out!”
Jaded London has a tank with buttons in random places for $110. And now that I’m saying that, I’m sure any one of you could DIY something similar…even better?
Ciclo is a brand that has TONS of button-adorned shirts for very affordable prices:
Remember when we talked about polka dots? Yeah, there’s an evolution of those too. This one’s for nostalgia…and viral trends. Returning to girlhood—birthday parties, polka dotted sheets, sprinkles, and the classic cake/ice cream combo. Everything is sweet. Nothing is crucial.
If you’re in my neck of…the Instagram (because no, I do not use TikTok), you would have seen the ever popular Dotcake that took the world by storm a couple months ago. These little desserts in a cup are basically just layers of [insert flavor here] cake and icing with a bunch of rainbow sprinkles on top. People were lining up outside of Butterfield Market in NYC to get their hands on them…and film content, of course. Because, if you ate the Dotcake and didn’t film it, did it actually happen? Unlikely.
But yes, I did stop and watch every single “unboxing” of a Dotcake that came across my explore page. Something about the tapping of the sprinkle layer and the spoon piercing the cake to reveal a fluffy, familiar sweet treat worked wonders for my brain. It’s nostalgic. It’s for the girls. That’s why it works.
As soon as I saw this on Instagram, I had two thoughts almost simultaneously.
OMG
These must be fake
I thought for sure I was being bamboozled and that someone had been tricking me (and every excited commenter) with an AI Tabi, or it was one of those “concept” accounts that piss me off and get my hopes up. But alas, they’re real. I didn’t peg Margiela to go full “cutesy,” but I’m pleasantly surprised that they’ve leaned into it. They really nailed the textured print, because up close, the polka dots resemble the paper confetti circles.
This screams microtrend to me—especially the prints that lean more pink/pastel-y. I think a more chic version (with primary colors) has more staying power. It feels a bit more sophisticated, rather than #summertrend territory. I’d opt for something along those lines, if I was going to partake. I can’t deny the genius of the Tabi shoe, though. They might go down in history (for me) as one of the ultimate trendy pieces. Like, Summer 2026 really is the summer of the Confetti Tabi.
I’ll be honest, not a lot of brands are capitalizing on this trend. The best rainbow polka dotted items are going to be on the secondhand market—like Depop, Poshmark, eBay, etc.
Buttoning your pants is so last year.
But seriously, women have discovered that we actually don’t need to wear uncomfortable, restricting pants. We can look just as chic with a drawstring or an elastic waist.
My friend (and Substack fashion icon/prophet) Lindsay Sword wrote a great piece on her newsletter Fashion Soup, all about the best pull-on pants to pack for your vacation. For those of you reading from your email inbox, this newsletter went pretty viral. This was the moment I realized that pull-on pants weren’t just a fly-by-night trend. They were a whole shift in the personal style movement. Seriously, now that brands have caught up with our need to look stylish/put together AND be comfortable (and flexible) at the same time, there is a surplus of cool, comfy pants on the market. It’s pretty insane.
Last year, Rag & Bone came out with a pair of sweatpants that LOOK like jeans—thus the Miramar was born.
We finally tricked society into thinking we got dressed, when in actuality, we are soooo unbelievably cozy. As Obliviate-d Gilderoy Lockhart says, “Amazing—this is just like magic!” Based on…my own personal feelings and being chronically online, I feel like the rise of the Miramar pant was the ultimate signal to brands that we were sick of uncomfortable, crunchy, stiff pants. We want fun, chic pants that are also comfortable, even if it means we’re literally tricking people into thinking we are wearing something we aren’t.
I also think the fashion community has done a lot to destigmatize a track pant and an athletic short to the point where you can basically get away with wearing any traditionally “lazy” item of clothing, so long as you dress it up, add some jewelry, and show the world that you've made an effort in every other department. Now is the perfect time for the pull-on pant to emerge and dominate the market.
Of course, if I had the choice to wear scrubs and not be socially penalized for it, I would. I’m not particularly a fan of a metal button digging into my stomach while I sit with my legs folded into myself in my rolling office chair—thank you very much! I love the linen blend pants with a drawstring. I love an elastic waist. I’ve actually been on the train for a while—my favorite black pants are these stretchy velvet Urban Outfitters ones I got 100 years ago at the thrift store that I still get compliments on all the time, even though they are my certified “comfy pants.” Let the ladies breathe. Let us live in comfort. Let us have all the fun colors, too.
My favorite pull-on pants are from Uniqlo (and I’ve probably recommended these 1000 times but in the interest of this conversation…here they are again!
Linen Blend Easy Pants - $39.90
Nylon Culottes - $49.90
But you can never have enough—so here’s what’s on my wishlist:
COS Wide-leg Linen Drawstring Pants - $69.30
J.Crew Cosmo Pant in Luster Charmeuse - $119.99
And not to be a hater, but I’m not sold on the insanely popular Donni taffeta pants. Yes, they are cute, but for like $430…I don’t understand. The fit makes it look like it would “widen” me, proportionally (derogatory).
Monochrome flip-flops are out. Two-toned, color blocked cotton flops are in, thanks to the Olsen twins.
This time, the place I first spotted them and the origin story happen to be the same—the power of twinship, minimalism, and a $750 price tag. The Row released its Dune Cotton Flatform Thong Sandals in red/black and they took the world by storm. As a girl whose wardrobe is primarily red and black, I’m sold. But not actually, because (I know this may come as a shock to you) Jennifer Lawrence and I do not make a similar yearly salary.
Fast-forward to now (yes, right now), and every brand and their sister brand have dupes of these shoes. The Row’s version are literally just made of cotton and unless the cotton was extracted by God herself, you should buy a dupe, instead.
This may be rash to say, but I think flip flops have some serious staying power right now. They’ve been “trendy” for the past 8 or so summers (just in different forms) and I don’t think they’re budging. That being said, I think we’re going to get burned out on the red/black thick, cotton ones eventually. There is a case for other two-toned colors that aren’t AS exposed as The Row’s version and its various dupes. I enjoy it. I’m a color blocker forever, so I welcome it. Although, I have zero idea if they are comfy or not. I’ve never actually worn a cotton flip flop.
I may have to call you insane to pay full price for a pair of The Row’s cotton flops…unless it’s someone else’s money, then go right ahead. You deserve it.
Atorie has the classic red/black pair that look basically identical to the Olsen twins’ original design. GAP has a green and navy blue pair that gives tomboy mermaid vibes. J.Crew has a few different colorways in their collab with TKEES—white/navy striped, red/navy blue, vintage red/aqua, and dark turquoise/navy.
Revolve has the Xylon ones in yellow/black and Urban Outfitters has the Sanuk Yoga Mat II in a bunch of pleasing colors—the orange being my favorite.
I know—I cannot possibly write about every single summer trend or my fingers would start to bleed. But there are some more I want to shout, either because I enjoy them or I feel they are important enough to bring to your attention.
Overall, I’m a fan of most of these trends. Nothing here is particularly grating to my eyes. And living in a place with very little fashion-forward individuals (sorry, Atlanta), I’m not getting bombarded with many of these in real life.
Comment below which trend is your favorite, which ones you despise, and which ones you’re not quite sure about.
As always, stay critical.
For business inquiries email me at: emileerussell1998@gmail.com
menswear...do we care?
·
Jun 30
I wasn’t going to talk about the recent menswear collections. Why? Because I never really have—at least not in any long-form newsletter.
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