Now that it’s finally warm outside, it’s time to talk summer trends. We checked in with buyers and directors across various retailers like Nordstrom, Stylebop, Net-a-Porter, and Forward—just to name a few—to see which ones they love…and which ones are on their way out. This is what they had to say.
IN: Khakis and Chinos
“After so many seasons of being wed to our vintage denim, we are excited to have a new off-duty alternative in the form of khakis and chinos,” shares Lisa Aiken, retail fashion director for Net-a-Porter. “The idea of utility dressing had a strong influence on the season, so we turned to Joseph, a brand masterful at reworking wardrobe essentials, to create an exclusive capsule collection.
IN: GINGHAM
Gingham was once associated with a certain preppy style but has now become much more fashionable thanks to J.W.Anderson, Rosie Assoulin, and Altuzarra,” says Aiken. “It’s our alternative and welcomed the second option to stripes, a perennial summer print.” Elyse Walker, fashion director of Forwarding, agrees. “I am loving anything with gingham or ruffles,” she says. “Caroline Constas and Johanna Ortiz do these so well.”
IN: BASKET BAGS
On the handbag front, Aiken is a fan of the city basket. “It’s one of those classic summer essentials, but it has become more structured and refined for the city streets. Muun and Cult Gaia are two of our favorite brands!” Natalie Kingham, buying director at Matches Fashion agrees. “A wicker basket should be your go-to bag this summer for day and evening,” she says. “I love the styles from new brands Kho-Kho and Muun.”
IN: RETRO SWIM SHAPES
“There are so many exciting retro-bikinis for summer,” says Caroline Maguire, Shopbop’s fashion director. “I’m loving our exclusive Marysia and Solid & Striped styles. The idea of a high-waisted bikini bottom with a bandeau top is on point.”
IN: Cowboy Boots
“Cowboy boots are back,” reports Ida Petersson, womenswear buying director at Browns. “In fact, they are one of the biggest trends for fall/winter 2017 (which is lucky for me as they also happen to be a personal favorite of mine), but early adopters are already embracing the trend with gusto. They look great worn with bare legs and a strappy dress, so is the ideal footwear choice for festivals and summer parties.”
IN: WRAP DRESSES
“We’ve seen a real attitude shift toward effortless, easy elegance coming into spring 2017, and nothing sums up this new mood like the wrap dress,” says Petersson. “Worn over your bikini on the beach or with jeans in the city, it is the most versatile lightweight staple you could ever wish for. Everyone needs at least one in the summer wardrobe. Vali and Borgo de Nor should be your go-to brands for a beautiful summer style.”
IN: BOLD DROP EARRINGS
The bigger and bolder, the better!” says Nordstrom fashion director Shannon Schafer. Think elongated drops, artful metals, and mono silhouettes, advises the industry pro. Ann Mashburn, the owner of the eponymous e-commerce site, agrees. “Large colorful earrings still feel happy and fun. Rebecca de Ravenel really kicked this off and I don’t think it’s going anywhere anytime soon,” she says. “They are equal parts classic (like something my mom or grandmother would have worn) and whimsical. I should be sick of it but I am not!”