Five Chic Casual Trends for Summer

Jun 7, 2016

This spring, I tried on approximately 1,256 off-the-shoulder tops, because off-the-shoulder tops are the smokin’ hot summer trend.  Around top 1,254–this pretty, striped BR number–I realized that off the shoulder is just not my look.  At all.  But what is a girl supposed to wear if she has to pass on the hottest piece since the midi-skirt?

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Madewell Wildfield Top ($98) // Old Navy Saddle Bag ($35) // Madewell Open Work Panel Dress ($99) // BR Floral Flutter Sleeve Dress ($148) // Mango Knot Flat Sandal ($33)

Embroidered Tops are a nice alternative to the off-the-shoulder.  Embroidery has the same summery, bohemian vibe, but can be found in a myriad of styles.

This Madewell top has a cool look to it.  Though it will likely require tailoring if you want it more fitted than flowy.  This LOFT embroidered tunic has a relaxed vibe.  This Isabel Marant Voile Top is the perfect classic.  Plus-size?  This black and white Michael Kors with a slouchy shoulder is cool.

Saddle Bags are the new crossbody of choice.  They’re sleek and easy with a hint of trend.  The Old Navy bag above is a good option in an affordable price point.  This C. Wonder pebble satchel and this Mini Suki Crossbody in a blast of hot pink also caught my eye.

Crisp White Dresses are on the menu every summer, but this summer they are breezy and flowy.  I love the Zimmermann-esque style of this Mango dress.  This Camilla Lace Maxi dress just screams breezy beach vacation.  And this sleeveless lace-trim shirtdress from Gilt is perfectly preppy.

Petite?  I like this slick Chino Tunic Dress from Boden.  Plus-size?  This flirty Forever21+ Texture Dress is  a fun piece.

Bright Florals are groundbreaking for spring (kidding, Miranda Priestly, just kidding).  But what they lack in originality, they make up for in pure loveliness.

I adore the BR dress above.  It’s one of the few pieces that I kept after my post-grad summer shopping spree.  I also like the tropical print on Ann Taylor’s Amalfi halter dress.  For something under-$50, try this Sandra Darren dress with a burst of pink.

Slide Sandals have replaced the gladiator and ankle strap as the trend-piece du jour.  My guess is that people are surrendering their Birkenstocks, but trying to keep the shape.  I love the chic knots on the Mango sandals above (the price is nice, too).  These Willa slides from Madewell have a huarache vibe to them.  For a pop of color, these bright red Barney’s sandals are pretty cool.

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  1. Jenn S. says:

    And just like shorts-suits, I’m laughing at places suggesting that off-the-shoulder is appropriate for the office. Also, I struggle with all the cap-sleeve tops too – something about my shape just doesn’t work with them. Argh.

  2. Nicole says:

    I can’t pull off the off the shoulder trend either, as much as I would like to. Frustrating because it’s cute and absolutely everywhere. I appreciate your alternative suggestions–embroidered tops are something I can do! And I ordered the BR dress too.

  3. Anna says:

    I’m not a fan of the hippie-esque off the shoulder tops, but I’ve been on the hunt for the form fitting kind for a while. They look so chic. On the slide sandals, they’re still remind me too much of my old soccer slides or the sandals old ladies wear with their house coats.

  4. Jo says:

    I noticed that off the should tops are cut wide! most did not look good on me either. I wonder if off the shoulder dresses are cut better?

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