The Trend That's Taken Over the Entire World (Literally)

Does anyone else feel like trends these days come and go in the blink of an eye? While some emerging fashion trends tend to stay under the radar for a bit before blowing up (see: lime green), others seem to come out of nowhere and dominate on our Instagram feeds and the racks of our favorite retailers. This next summer trend took the latter course, and by now it's safe to say it's taken over the entire world.

I'm talking about smocked tops. The elastic "scrunchie" style that seems to scream "summer" at the top of its lungs. Maybe it's just me, but smocked tank tops especially are giving me a strong case of nostalgia (calling all kids who grew up in the '90s). But like any potentially viral trend, there's a version of it for just about everyone: romantic puffy sleeves, flirty cropped hems, bow-tie straps, and florals are just a few of the styles trending at the moment.

If you haven't seen smocked tops everywhere yet, you might be the last one left on Planet Earth. So see how fashion girls the world over are wearing the style for summer and pick out one for yourself (I shopped a handful of my favorites below).

Proof the top looks incredible with jeans.

Look for cropped, colorful styles for an instant mood booster.

I'd look that happy if I was currently wearing her entire outfit too.

Makes for a great beach top.

Smocked tank tops are a summer favorite.

Reimagine your white tops.

Doubles as your going-out top.

Balance out the top's frilly vibe with a pair of chunky sneakers.

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