With things starting to slowly open up again, it feels like our fashion options continue to get better and better. Fashion brands essentially have two summers' worth of designs in the vault, and I'm personally ready to get back to serving looks and making up for the panini year spent inside. Urban Outfitters has been hitting the mark lately with great finds in every category, so I couldn’t wait to get my hands on my package to start building my summer 2021 looks. Of the 14 items I tried, these eight both fit well and have already inspired several new looks, and are securing their spots in my summer 2021 starter pack. You'll see that these pieces also work well together, which is a testament to their versatility. That’s my type—that’s my type!
Keep scrolling to see my picks from Urban Outfitters, including how to creatively style them to get the most out of each piece. Commitment issues? Don’t worry—I got you. Everything is under $100 so you can try the trend without having to commit entirely. I’ve already received several compliments on these pieces and know they will sell out faster than Choco Tacos on a sunny day.
Sleeveless Romper
This terrycloth sleeveless romper is such a retro classic and is super comfortable. When I first saw it, I knew I wanted to try to dress it up a bit so I chose to pair it with a blazer, a baseball hat, and tennis shoes for a very L.A. lunch look. You also easily wear it alone as a bikini coverup or to the roller rink if you're feeling adventurous. I'm wearing a size medium, but I'd size up for a bit more space.
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Everyone needs a classic black romper in their closet. Wear it with all your oversize blazers and sweaters.
A romper that looks like a dress? Sign me up. Also, this retro floral print is a beauty.
This is giving Soul Train in the best way possible. Wear with platform sandals and voilà.
Baseball Hat
I've never been one for baseball, but the hats I can get down with. Whether you want to be incognito or your outfit needs a little oomph, baseball hats are usually the right answer. Lately, I've been seeing them worn with formal trousers, button-downs, and blazers to make the look more casual and playful.
This floral L.A. Dodgers hat understood the assignment and made the outfit, in my opinion.
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The perfect way to incorporate tie-dye without overwhelming your outfit.
Two-toned hats like this one make my heart flutter.
An L.A. staple.
I think I have an obsession with denim on unexpected pieces (like this hat).
Thigh-Rip Jeans
Have you ever fallen in love at first sight? That was me when I first saw these jeans. The rip at the thigh is such a fresh departure from the ripped knees that we're used to. I'm sure this style will be everywhere very soon, take note! I'm going to wear these with all my crop tops during the day, and with chunky knit sweaters as we transition into the other seasons. I'm wearing a size 27, which fits just right.
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These are the OGs. I love the balloon shape, which also happens to be super flattering.
These are low rise and have more of a flared leg which looks elegant with stappy heels.
Cake, cake, cake.
Add some fishnets underneath for a cool surprise.
Halter Top
Okay, this top is everything! Halter tops are my favorite crop top style of the season (yes, crop tops are an entire category of clothing these days), and this classic shape will go with everything and help blur existing tan lines. I usually have a hard time finding tops supportive enough to wear without a bra, but the stretchy material on this one makes it a dream. In fact, I'm getting one in every color they make. I'm a 34D and the size small fits great.
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The diamante buckle is irresistibly cute.
Corseted boning, ruching, halter neckline, oh my! All my favorite trends in one top. You're welcome.
I'd wear this with black capris and hella gold jewelry for a Versace vibe.
The construction on this top is beautiful.
This convertible top can be worn in five different ways—as a tank, a halter, a tube top, etc.
Thong Sandals
First things first, Alexa, please play Sisqó's "Thong Song." I have to admit I was a little hesitant to adopt the thong-sandals trend, but I'm fully sold after trying these on. They go great with everything and feel more low-key than other heels because ultimately, you're wearing flip-flops. I'm wearing my regular size 8.
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J'adore.
These look so plush and comfy.
It doesn't get chicer than this.
The blue snakeskin really sets these off.
Polo Tank
Recently, we've seen a resurgence of '70s retro trends, and the sleeveless polo is another to add to the list. I'm replacing my white tanks with this style top to add more of a polished look. This one is super stretchy and soft, and I love how it cuts a bit higher on the sides. The size small fits nicely.
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Golf, anyone?
She's ready for summer, honey.
This textured knit tank would look so cute with snakeskin pants.
Floral Skirt
I will never get enough floral prints because they always present opportunities to pair with different colors in your wardrobe. This retro floral skirt would go with the oranges, blues, and pinks in your closet. I couldn't resist pairing it with SZA merch that happens to have the same color palette. The plissé fabric is super breathable and isn't restrictive at all, which I really appreciate especially in the summer. I'm wearing a size medium, which fits a bit loose around the waist, but I'm happy with that.
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This XL floral print is so eyepopping and unique.
A Western take on any trend always gets me. It's styled perfectly here with booties and layered denim.
Dries is the king when it comes to abstracting a pattern. This abstract cactus print is so whimsical yet serious.
Wear with platform thong sandals and a cardigan, and you are the '90s.
Sports Shorts
Sports shorts have easily surpassed any other style of shorts in my hierarchy of needs. Lucky for us, they are appearing in every color, print, and shape in time for this summer's hot-girl agenda. These bright-pink Adidas shorts have ruching along both pockets, which adds some convertibility to the shape. They are made from quick-dry material and lovingly include spacious pockets. The size small provides enough space without sacrificing fit.
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I have these shorts in two colors and wear them an obscene amount of the time. This white pair is calling my name!
These look so cute that it's going to be hard to convince me to wear anything else.
Layer a flouncy pair of shorts like these over biker shorts for an '80s-inspired look.
Brown and yellow is one of my favorite color combinations ever. These cheeky retro pants are adorable.
Next up, you heard right—fashion girls are into matchy-matchy dressing again.
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