The Best 2021 Summer Trends

There aren’t many things that I love more than summer, but summer trends come close. Summer is my absolute favourite season and the trends are always a mix of new and classic pieces.

Today I’m taking you through the top 2021 summer trends from fruit patterns to tennis skirts. Keep reading to learn more about summer’s hottest trends and where to shop my favourite pieces! You can also follow me on RewardStyle to stay up to date with my favourite fashion trends. Now, let’s dive into the top summer trends of 2021!

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Prep School Chic

Ten years ago, preppy was all the rage. Everyone was wearing polo shirts looking like they just came from the country club or Hollister. If you loved the trend then you’re in luck because it’s back, but with more style.

If you’ve been to the mall lately then you’ve probably seen tennis skirts everywhere. Tennis skirts and sweater vests are the most popular items from the preppy summer trend, and they’re also the most adaptable. 

You can’t go wrong with a white or black tennis skirt and neutral sweater vest. Sweater vests can also be worn in the fall and winter, layered over a turtleneck, so it’s a great staple item to have in your closet. 

Some casual preppy pieces include college-style graphic t-shirts, which I’ve been loving. Abercrombie & Fitch is killing the preppy graphic tee trend right now and I’m obsessed with them all. They’re perfect if your style is more laidback and leisurely. Throw a graphic tee on with a pair of shorts and you’re all set.

Feeling Fruity

It’s official – florals are out and fruit is in! Fruit patterns have been popping up everywhere for spring and summer, and no one’s complaining. Who wouldn’t want to wear peaches while listening to Peaches by Justin Bieber? 

Peaches, cherries, and lemons are the most common fruit prints and can be found on swimwear, dresses, skirts, blouses, and t-shirts. The grocery store might be out of your favourite fruits, but the fashion industry is fully stocked. 

I’ll admit, these prints might not be for everyone and it’s possible to overdo the fruit print trend, but you can’t go wrong with at least one fruit pattern in your closet. I’ve especially been loving the lemon and peach prints. They are refreshing and make for a perfect picnic outfit!

Going for Gingham

Speaking of prints and picnics, gingham is having a moment. I’ve seen so many gingham dresses, swimsuits, shirts, and even bucket hats lately and I love it. Gingham outfits remind me of a quintessential summer day. 

It’s the perfect pattern for backyard BBQ’s or park picnics. Gingham is a common print, which means it will never go out of style. The pattern makes a return every summer so you’re investing in a lifelong piece by buying gingham prints.

Let’s Get This Straight

The kids have spoken and skinny jeans are no longer cool. Just kidding, but who else was stressed when they saw all those Tik Toks about skinny jeans being out? I say, wear whatever you feel comfortable in, however, I will make an argument for straight jeans. They are incredibly flattering. 

I was reluctant to hop on the straight jeans trend, but I was hooked as soon as I tried on my first pair. This also applies to straight pants in general! When I’m shopping for dress pants I hunt for straight leg styles. They’re worth a try if you haven’t yet. 

But, don’t throw out your skinny jeans just yet. If we’ve learned anything from these summer trends is that they always come back around (I’m looking at you, preppy trend).

All for Athleisure

I hope athleisure never goes out of style because if I’ve learned anything from the pandemic, it’s how much I love sweatpants. I never used to be a sweatpants person, but the pandemic taught me to let loose and get comfy. I can never say no to a matching sweatsuit and, while athleisure was popular last year, it’s even more trendy now. 

Matching shorts and hoodies are a huge summer trend in 2021. I’ve bought one set already and I can’t wait for a chilly summer day to wear it. You can never go wrong with being comfy and a matching short sweatsuit in summer colours will be sure to make even the sunniest of summer days brighter.

Pretty Pastels

Last, but not least, is my favourite summer trend. I love pastels all year round no matter the season, but they are especially trendy during spring and summer. Pastel purples, pinks, and blues were really trendy last year, but I’ve noticed this year there’s a lot of oranges, yellows, and greens as well. 

You can never go wrong with pastels. They’re practically neutral and compliment each other so well. They are soft and dreamy and muted which makes for a superb colour palette. 

I love pairing pastels with cream and tan coloured pieces, and black every once in a while. Pastel shirts are a great way to brighten and add dimension to any outfit. Throw on a pastel shirt under a blazer or jacket and you’ve instantly added a pop of colour to your outfit without being too bold (but, if bold is your thing then go for it!) 

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What is your favourite summer trend?

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