While the current weather in London might not be any indication, summer has certainly arrived. It’s the season of maxi dresses, shorts suits and swimwear, and although we know this summer is set to look a little different, we’re still finding ourselves preoccupied with seasonal trends.
With this in mind, we decided to consult a few experts in an effort to find out exactly which summer trends womenswear designers are championing this season. We asked seven designers—including Anine Bing, Henrietta Rix of Rixo, Sarah Staudinger of Staud and more—about their top three summer trends, and as you can imagine, each answer was unique, much like brands they’ve created.
While we did receive varied answers from each individual, a theme that ran throughout the responses was that of comfort taking up particular prominence this summer. Given this new world in which we are all spending much more time at home, our designers agree there’s a tendency to gravitate toward flat footwear, elastic-waist silhouettes, elevated loungewear and comfortable, fluid dresses.
From gingham patterns and embroidered dresses to button-down shirts to baseball caps, keep scrolling for the trends seven designers are loving this summer.
“1. The first would be shorts suits. I’m obsessed with them! They’re perfect for summer as an elevated matching set or you can break them into separates for a more casual look. I love this look for the warm summer months with a crisp white T-shirt underneath. We just released some amazing sets available in all white, tan-coloured and zebra-patterned!
“2. Summer leathers, in lighter shades, are another trend I’m loving this season. We launched our Grace blazer in white leather along with the Becky trousers this month. I’ve had them both on repeat.
“3. Finally, sandals. Since I live in L.A., I’m always on the search for a good pair of sandals. This year we have increased the number of styles and colourways. I love our Rocco Leather Flats with a simple summer dress, and I like to dress up our heeled Graham Sandals in Black with leather shorts or pants.”
“Orlagh and I don’t follow trends when we are designing or styling. We dress for ourselves; we wear what we genuinely love and feel our best and most comfortable in! Three elements that we’re both loving to wear for this summer are:
“1. The 1960s-inspired rainbow prints and colours, whether florals, paisley or checks. Bright prints bring an instant dose of happiness and can be a real mood lifter, especially in the current circumstances!
“2. Special embroidery pieces because the skill that goes into embroidery brings a sense of care and attention to detail unlike any other, and they make a really special addition to any timeless summer wardrobe.
“3. Prairie-inspired dresses. We love dreamy, feminine shapes that we can throw on, float around in and feel completely cool and comfortable in the summer heat, especially those in linen and cotton.”
“Because we are all pretty much at home, I think the current environment really dictated our trends this summer, but I am definitely not mad at them. We all need that extra comfort level right now, but luckily that can be chic and fun too.
“1. Elastic waistbands are finally a trend! I love boxer/board shorts right now and have been living in our Sage shorts. I am especially a fan of the hibiscus print because it makes me feel like I’m on vacation even if I am not.
“2. I am loving oversize pieces right now like button-downs and boyfriend shirts. They make for great layering pieces or just as an easy dress. We made a great tourist dad–inspired one called the Honu Shirt that you can wear as a dress or open with a shirt and your matching sage shorts.
“3. Will we ever wear heels again? Comfortable flat shoes are key for every summer wardrobe but especially this one. Another tourist-dad moment that I love is our Brady shoes, which I can’t get enough of. It’s also great if you have any hesitations about your pedicure.”
“1. Gingham is a perennial summer favourite of mine. It reminds me of picnics in the park on a gorgeous summer day. We have been running gingham styles for the last couple of summer collections, and they have always been best sellers that our customers love. It’s feminine and playful.
“2. Off-the-shoulder is a summer staple silhouette. I particularly love it when a style can be worn both on and off the shoulder to give you that extra versatility. Nothing says summer like a flash of shoulder!
“3. This year, we are seeing the return of the minis. Although midi dresses will always have a place in our wardrobe for their versatility, I love seeing the return of the shorter hemlines this summer. It can be worn with chunky sandals now to toughen up the look or with tights and boots come winter.”
“1. This summer, I’m loving floor-skimming dresses. Our Stella dress is a perfect example. It’s glamorous whilst being perfect for the summer heat. What could be more romantic than beautiful fabric trailing behind you?
“2. I’ve also been wearing a lot of belted shirtdresses. They’re so versatile. You can go from work to dinner simply by undoing a few buttons. Our Alexa shirtdress is my version.
“3. Finally, I’m a big fan of jumpsuits. It’s a whole outfit, so all you have to think about are shoes and accessories. Our Jade zigzag metallic rainbow jumpsuit ticks all the boxes. It’s dramatic, bold and a statement piece.”
“1. Masculine suit jackets and low-slung tailoring. Back in February, we saw the S/S 20 shows, which were full of tomboy influences. Social media was blowing up with the ’90s trends, notably the style of Princess Diana, meaning the men’s blazer has been making a really big comeback.
“2. The athletic cap has made a triumphant return thanks to the spirit of Princess Diana and an increased interest in her style over various Tumblr and Instagram accounts. Diana pulled it off nicely without looking too sporty. Everyone is creating this look for the summer.
“3. Since many of us are going to be spending a lot more time inside this summer, classic sweatpants and sweatshirts are the fail-safe go-to option. Dress sweatpants up with a simple white tee and an oversize blazer for a more relaxed but put-together look if you have to pop to the shops. Alternatively, wear your classic sweatshirt slightly oversize with pushed-up sleeves and nice-fitting denim.”
“What I love most about the summer collection is that it’s an invitation to play with colours and prints. Even though we’ll be staying at home this summer, I am still inspired by memories of past escapes and the pieces I wore.
“In the summer collection, we have a print called Bali Print, which is bright emerald green with small flowers on it. I love to accessorise it with jewellery, necklaces, earrings, etc. I also wear light, long dresses that I feel free in. They’re the comfiest piece to wear on warmer days. I will go for a one-piece bathing suit, probably with a floral print, for bathing in the sun, and flat, strappy sandals that won’t hold me back when I dance with my two girls. Let your heart escape; summer means freedom.”
Next up, the biggest S/S 20 fashion trends you need to know.
