12 summer fashion trends that are breathing new life into warm-weather dressing

Higher temperatures call for higher hemlines.

The Gist

• The warm-weather seasons call for a style refresh.
• From New York to Paris, fashion designers have delivered an array of inspiring summer trends to try.
• An InStyle editor rounds up the top 12 summer trends, ranging from leg-barring capris to scarf styling.

Triple-digit weather, layers are shedding, and New Yorkers emerging from their apartments can only mean one thing. Summer! Is! Here! And with an influx of invites filling up the calendar, you’ll be venturing beyond your A.C. unit more than ever (scary). The good news? Looking chic in the heat doesn’t have to be a challenge, and there’s still plenty of time to build your perfect summer capsule wardrobe. Because the key to dressing for the heat isn’t about having more clothes—it’s investing in the right ones.

Fortunately, the spring/summer and fall/winter runways have already mapped out the season ahead. In fact, there were so many standout trends that narrowing this list down was no easy feat. Designers made their case for hot pants, capris, and sporty styling that’ll have you looking at your favorite jersey in a whole new way. Whether you’re heading to a summer soireé, planning a girls’ trip, escaping to the Hamptons, or simply refreshing your everyday rotation, there’s a trend here with your name on it.

Ahead, discover the 12 summer fashion trends to try this season, straight from the runway.

01 of 12

Spectacular Silks

Making a stylish statement this summer is as easy as putting on the right piece and walking out the door. And there’s nothing better than scarf prints to cause a stir. Ranging from funky florals to geometric marvels, scarf-inspired tops are a flowy, silky take on a classic. Make sure to look out for scarf-inspired dresses, like the ones at Loewe, and pieces with tons of pigment. It’s impossible not to turn heads in these rich-looking prints.

02 of 12

Prep School

Whether you like to layer like a Miu Miu girl or go the tailored route like at Michael Kors and Tory Burch, the polos and skirts of today have gotten a major style upgrade since the power dressing era. Wearing this preppy style in the summer is a no-fuss option for those looking to add a bit of varsity flair and jaunty personality to their wardrobe (and perfect for in-office days). Pick polos in poppy colors to keep them from straying too far into school uniform territory.

03 of 12

Hot, Hot, Hot Pants

Whether you’re out and about exploring the city or heading to the nearest beach to nourish your tan, hot pants are the cool-girl bottoms to try this summer. If you’re worried about showing too much skin, balance those high hemlines with oversized button-downs from Prada, long-sleeved polos, as seen at Willy Chavarria, and maybe even a simple black tee, as seen at Simone Rocha.

04 of 12

Leg-Barring Capris

If hot pants are just a tad too showy for your liking, then go for the semi-controversial capri pant trend, instead. Yes, this style is polarizing—not everyone loves an above-the-ankle crop—but if you ask us, there’s something undeniably chic about mid-calf pants in the summer. After all, if it’s good enough for Audrey Hepburn, it’s good enough for us.

05 of 12

Swimwear Beyond the Shore

Swim attire isn’t just for the beach anymore. Designers from Chanel to Christopher Esber and Miu Miu have turned bikinis and maillots into the hottest going-out tops, lending a sexy coastal vibe to any outfit. Think of this trend as the cheeky cousins to bandeau tops and bodysuits.

06 of 12

Voluminous Trousers

Balloon pants are stepping in for summer’s usual suspects—linens and denim shorts included. The voluminous silhouette popped up at Micheal Kors, Brandon Maxwell, Isabel Marant, and Chloé. The lightweight and billowy shape will allow you to move effortlessly, while the tapered ankle makes them ideal for pairing with flip-flops or slimmer shoe silhouettes.

07 of 12

Sheer Delight

Sheer separates are a sharp way to upgrade your summer style. Layer transparent pieces over solid bandeaus, tank tops, and hot pants à la Prada for a look that stands out for all the right reasons. For the boldest of the bold, style a sheer maxi with statement accessories, as seen at Simone Rocha. Prefer something more understated? A coordinating sheer set, like the ones at Max Mara, offers an effortlessly wearable take on the trend.

08 of 12

Sporty Spice

Sporty style is having a major moment this summer, fueled by the excitement of the Knicks season and the World Cup. But as Simone Rocha, Loewe, and Balenciaga prove, the look goes far beyond your favorite team jersey. Think sporty staples reimagined through a fashion lens: shorter hemlines paired with lightweight windbreakers (which is Hailey Bieber-approved), baseball caps topping off editorial ensembles, and athletic-inspired seperates styled with elevated accessories.

09 of 12

Tiffany Blue

For the fashion insiders, Tiffany blue—whether a pop or full monochrome moment—is one of the biggest color trends of the season. Just ask Chanel, Prada, and Hermès, the designers had the hue in everything from romantic dresses, tailored sets, and even leather gloves.

10 of 12

Great Gatsby Glam

Channel Jazz Age glamour this summer with a languid shift dress that feels equal parts elegant and effortless. Rather veering into full-on costume vibes, today’s interpretation is softer and decidedly modern, defined by intricate beading, fluid silhouettes, and elongated hemlines. As seen at Chanel, Giorgio Armani, and Tory Burch, the Roaring Twenties classic gets a fresh update that’s perfect for warm-weather soirées.

11 of 12

Wonder Wraps

Wrap skirts (and dresses) are getting a soft, supple upgrade this season. Lighter-weight fabrics and silk are favored for summer, as evidenced by Versace, Miu Miu, and Chanel. The beauty of the trend lies in its versatility: it easily adapts to whatever’s on your summer schedule. For a stroll around the city or your commute to the office, try a low-heeled mule and vintage-style sneaker. For a more beach-ready ensemble, just throw on a sun hat and espadrilles.

12 of 12

Longline Shorts

Just because temperatures are on the rise doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice polish. Enter the Bermuda short: this season’s answer to effortless warm-weather tailoring. Textured styles at Loewe and relaxed drawstring versions at Prada prove the longline silhouette can be both sophisticated and easygoing. At Max Mara, cropped turtlenecks paired with knee-grazing shorts created a look that’s sleek, refined, and perfectly suited to summer.

Read the original article on InStyle