Trends come and go like seasons, cycling through the fashion sphere almost as quickly as they emerge. Social media only accelerates this phenomenon, with a new viral aesthetic flooding our For You pages like clockwork. And unless you’re spending every waking minute consuming hauls, scrolling Pinterest, and tracking celebrity street style, it’s nearly impossible to keep up.
That’s why I've done the heavy lifting for you, creating a guide to the summer trends already losing momentum and – crucially – the updated alternatives replacing them that you can wear right now. But IMHO, you don’t need to part ways with every single “dated” piece right away. If you love it, keep wearing it! Adding a slew of fresh swaps should enhance your wardrobe, not completely reinvent it.
Ahead, discover seven It-girl-worthy summer swaps as worn by our favourite stylish celebrities, from Bella Hadid to Zendaya, that will carry you through the remainder of the season. They’re surprisingly versatile, effortlessly relaxed, and seriously chic.
Skip: Dainty chains
Swap for: Pendant necklaces
I’ll always love an elegant stack of dainty gold chains, but as minimalism declines and maximalism takes flight, fashion people are gravitating towards pendant necklaces. The statement accessory communicates individualism, with wearers able to choose from comb, shell, and architectural shapes. Wear the accessory with a simple white tank to let it shine.
Skip: Oversized T-shirts
Swap for: Baby tees
The Y2K revival has pushed boxy, comfort-first tops to the sidelines in favour of intentionally body-skimming baby tees. The nostalgic silhouette is reminiscent of Paris Hilton and Britney Spears, channelling early-2000s style. To seamlessly integrate the look into your rotation, pair it with a tiered maxi skirt and flip-flops.
Skip: Structured purses
Swap for: Lived-in bags
Effortless, personal style is the name of the game, with polished perfection taking a backseat – making the shift from structured purses to lived-in bags inevitable. It’s all about practicality, choosing a piece that aligns with your day-to-day life (AKA a spacious tote that fits your laptop, water bottle, books, and AirPods).
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Skip: Deck chair stripes
Swap for: Polka dots
Cool girls have a thing for playful, vintage-inspired aesthetics, shifting away from resort-coded stripes and towards feminine polka dots (think less beach club and more Parisian chic). The best part? Polka dots can take on all silhouettes, from dresses to capris and everything in between. Style tip: Pair the print with solids to create a statement without overwhelming your look.
Skip: Micro sunglasses
Swap for: Bug-eyed frames
Fashion is a pendulum, swinging from one extreme to the next. So, while some style circles are still loyal to micro sunglasses, dramatic, bug-eyed frames are taking centre stage. The ultra-glamorous accessory channels cool-girl confidence, easily transitioning from a midday coffee run to a night out with the girls. They’re also more practical, providing extra coverage and a sturdier design.
Skip: Flip-flops
Swap for: Thong kitten heels
There’s still a time and a place for rubber flip-flops, Velcro straps, cork footbeds, and fisherman silhouettes, but those in the know favour thong kitten heels. The minimal design delivers instant polish, great for counterbalancing bolder outfit choices. In my opinion, the versatility trumps it all; they can be worn with everything from barely-there mini dresses to oversized trousers.
Skip: Denim cut-offs
Swap for: Bermuda shorts
Denim cut-offs are a must in any wardrobe, but they’re no longer the only summer short in the spotlight. Billowy Bermuda shorts are catching the eyes of savvy shoppers, serving as a natural extension of the wide-leg pants and chic tailoring trends that have dominated recent seasons. Best of all? The style seamlessly makes the leap from office presentations to weekend brunch.
