The 7 Trends That Defined Summer 2018

There’s still a bit over a month left until summer officially ends, but that doesn’t mean we don’t already know which of the season’s trends reigned supreme. Take one look around (whether that’s on the street, at an event, or online), and through a sea of stylish clothing and accessories, certain ones seem to be exponentially more present than others—as they should. After all, it’s typical that not every fad continues to gain traction for the duration of the season, with some losing steam more quickly than others.

Curious to know just which ones topped the list of winners? Simply continue on to see and shop the trends that are dominating this summer, and, if you please, count how many you wore yourself!

1. Animal-Print Skirts

There’s not an influencer left who hasn’t worn this.

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(Image credit: @adenorah)

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(Image credit: @nnennaechem)

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(Image credit: @kateogata)

Shop animal-print skirts:

2. Beaded Bags

Even Gigi Hadid got on board.

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(Image credit: @haleboyd)

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(Image credit: @sorayabakhtiar)

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(Image credit: @sabinasocol)

Shop beaded bags:

3. Puff-Sleeve Tops

This trend is actually an editor favorite.

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(Image credit: @styledevotee)

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(Image credit: @darjabarannik)

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(Image credit: @bettinalooney)

Shop puff-sleeve tops:

4. Shell Jewelry

Hate to say we told you so, but…

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(Image credit: @camillecharriere)

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(Image credit: @carodaur)

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(Image credit: @aminamuaddi)

Shop shell jewelry:

5. Bike Shorts

We tried it and approve.

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(Image credit: @emilisindlev)

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(Image credit: @alyssainthecity)

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(Image credit: @josefinehj)

Shop bike shorts:

6. Strappy Sandals

In fact, we have a whole guide on this trend.

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(Image credit: @handinfire)

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(Image credit: @sabinasocol)

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(Image credit: @oguntodu)

Shop strappy sandals:

7. Logo Bags (Old and New)

Here’s where I’d buy the trend if I were you.

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(Image credit: @camillecharriere)

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(Image credit: @linaose)

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(Image credit: @patriciamanfield)

Shop logo bags:

Up next? The fall trends that are better on a budget.

Editor-at-Large

Since starting as an intern back in 2013, Nicole Akhtarzad Eshaghpour has held several roles here at Who What Wear, and she is currently Editor-at-Large. It was a less expected route, seeing as she was graduating from business school at USC when this all began, but it has turned out to be the best one for her. Fast-forward to 2024, and she's moved to NYC from her hometown of Beverly Hills and spends her workdays a little differently from when she was an intern starting out. Currently, she focuses on a weekly mélange of shopping content. As far as her personal style goes, she's largely drawn to classic pieces and neutral basics but will always make an exception for something colorful, printed, or bejeweled as long as it's deemed worthy enough. After all, the only thing she loves more than a good party is dressing up for one. On weekdays, she can usually be found at home eating something delicious for dinner and trying to force her husband to watch Summer House.