The Summer 2020 Starter Pack: Everything That's Vibing Hard This Season

Welcome to the Starter Pack series, a Who What Wear column that dives deep into the seasonal trends everyone's talking about. 

Summer is just days away, so it's time we dive deep into what's poppin' this season. We've touched on a handful of prevalent summer 2020 trends over the past month or so, and while those are certainly all still just as valid, there are some new waves of sartorial goodness that are just vibing too hard to not glorify all on their own. Now, I'm not just using the word "vibing" here as a means to participate in a trend (TikTok users, you know what's up), but I am using it in relation to its literal definition… according to Urban Dictionary. 

When something is vibing, it's giving off abnormally cool energy that somehow comes across as still super laid-back. So by participating in any of the summer trends ahead, you'll be looking fresh but without that "trying too hard" energy that can often come with layering up in the latest trend on the block.

Ahead, read on as we chat through the seven best summer trends that, for lack of a better phrase, are vibing so hard right now. Shop, get inspired, and prepare for your most stylish (at-home) summer yet.

G-string tops are the summer trend we didn't know we needed. These tops look normal from the front but are barely there in the back. Fastened by teeny-tiny strings, this bare-back look feels exciting and new for the season ahead. 

Shop the trend:

There are certainly tons of swimsuit trends floating around the fashion space right now, but glitter swimsuits feel the most exciting. Even if the only action your swimsuits will get this summer is seeing the likes of your backyard or rooftop or bedroom, you'll feel a jolt of excitement putting it on and that's what we're looking for here. 

Shop the trend:

In case you haven't noticed, tennis attire is the vibe right now. While sweaters tied around your shoulders and crew socks are also trending, it's the pleated miniskirts that we have seen pop up all over Instagram. These preppy little things can be styled a multitude of ways, and if you happen to be one of those people who hates shorts, pleated miniskirts are a great alternative. 

Shop the trend:

Ahh, bikinis and button-downs. This might be one of my favorite vibes of all. Throwing on an oversize button-down over a swimsuit as a cover-up just makes sense right now. Whether you're hanging around your apartment in a bikini (because bedroom bikinis are life) or are venturing to your backyard for some outdoor time, this proves to be one of the most practical and stylish cover-ups of all. 

Shop the trend:

This is one dress trend that we are just taking note of, yet have no hesitation stating that it will quickly rise to become one of the most popular dress trends of the summer. These '90s-esque dresses are simple, but thanks to the scrunched tie at the front, they feel just special enough. 

Shop the trend:

Oh, did you think you were going to get through an entire summer trend story without hearing about athletic shorts? Think again. Since "hard pants" like jeans and tailored trousers have quietly taken a seat on the back burner for a while, athletic shorts jumped right in to take their place. From nylon to sweatshort styles, this comfortable basic is no doubt the hero of the season, sartorially speaking. 

Shop the trend: