5 Summer Trends on My Wish List and 5 I'm Repeating From Years Past
The thing about trends is they come and go. Of course, not all are created equal, and some stick around longer or reemerge more often than others, but the general tendency to pop up then eventually lie low again is pretty much the one thing you can count on with trends. With that in mind, it should make complete sense that there are a handful of summer trends from 2020 that have come back for 2021—five of which I’m particularly excited to bring back into my rotation. However, if that sounds boring to you, not to worry, because there are just as many new trends on my radar as there are old ones.
Below, you'll find all 10 of the trends I'm eyeing for the months ahead in a cute little slide you can save for easy referencing. After that, I highly suggest sticking around to shop my favorite new versions of each one. After all, isn't that the best part?
Shop old trends:
1. Terry cloth
I got this set last summer, and you bet I'll be wearing it again this coming season.
Whether you opt for the matching sweats or shorts, you can't go wrong with this little bralette.
2. Warm-weather knits
It may sound counterintuitive, but summer-ready knitwear has become a recurring theme year after year.
I don't want to say Simon Porte Jacquemus invented knit hot pants, but he definitely perfected them.
3. Tie details
Christopher Esber has been a trailblazer of this trend for several seasons now.
4. Tropical prints
5. Oversize button-downs
I love trends that you can always easily find on the more affordable side.
Shop 2021 trends:
1. Retro prints
I especially love trends that transcend multiple categories such as RTW and swimwear.
2. Tunics
I didn't fully get this trend until I came across this top (and subsequently purchased it).
This will look so chic with a pair of long shorts.
3. Checks
4. Fisherman sandals
So many brands have versions of these sandals out right now, but this two-tone pair is at the top of my wish list.
5. Open-back dresses
Next: 49 epic summer finds under $49.
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. Upon joining, she was a senior about to graduate from business school at USC. Fast-forward to 2025, and she's moved to NYC from her hometown of Beverly Hills and spends her workdays a little differently from when she was just starting out. Currently, she focuses on a weekly mélange of shopping content and her Trust Me—Buy This newsletter. As far as her personal style goes, she's largely drawn to neutral, classic pieces but will always make an exception for something colorful or bejeweled as long as it's deemed worthy enough. After all, the only thing she loves more than a party is dressing up for one. On her downtime, she can usually be found at home eating something delicious and trying to force her husband to watch Summer House.
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