If You Usually Live In Skinny Jeans, Try These 9 Low-Key Summer Trends

Unlike the alternatives to skinny jeans stories we do during the cooler months of the year, this story is a little different. The reason? Wearing most types of pants or jeans in the summer doesn't sound all that appealing. But if you live in skinny jeans when it's not sweltering outside, we're going to take the liberty to assume that your style leans classic and that you favor laid-back outfits. You probably want to look stylish but don't want to have to follow the trends extensively every season. If this describes you in some way or form (or not!), we're here to guide your summer shopping.

Of the nine summer trends outlined below, some would look good with skinny jeans (if you're going to stick it out and wear them anyway), some can be worn in place of skinny jeans, and others would simply speak to a skinny-jean wearer's low-key, classic aesthetic. Keep scrolling to see (and shop) what we mean.

The Trend: Camp Shirts

As far as shirt trends go, camp shirts are wildly versatile. You can wear one as a swimsuit cover-up, with your beloved skinny jeans, tucked in, untucked, unbuttoned over a tank (the list goes on). The best part is that fun printed styles abound and they're comfortable.

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(Image credit: @champagnemani)

The Trend: Sweatshorts

If it's too hot for skinny jeans, it's too hot for sweatpants. That's why sweatshorts are selling out left and right these days. Get yourself a pair while you still can.

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(Image credit: @lucywilliams02)

The Trend: All Black

If you love wearing all black but tend to stray away from it in the summer, no need to do so this year. Make it seasonally appropriate by opting for a dress or a matching set that lets your skin breathe.

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(Image credit: @alyssainthecity)

The Trend: Updated Aviators

Aviators are basically the sunglasses version of skinny jeans. The best new styles have fresh details like angular shapes and tortoiseshell. (Bonus: Aviators look good on everyone.)

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(Image credit: @rosiehw)

The Trend: Graphic T-Shirts

Graphic tees are cooler than ever this season, and they go with any jeans, pants, shorts, or skirts you may choose to wear this summer.

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(Image credit: @lucywilliams02)

The Trend: Crochet

Like other trends on this list, crochet pieces are comfortable and easy to wear. The loose-weave knit allows for plenty of air flow.

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(Image credit: @chrissyford)

The Trend: Tie Dye

Nothing says summer like tie-dye. It looks great with denim and is as low-key yet on-trend as it gets. (And as you can see, it Instagrams well.)

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(Image credit: @alessandragl)

The Trend: White Button-Down Shirts

If you love skinny jeans, we wouldn't be surprised to find your closet filled with white button-down shirts. This summer, prepare to see them all over your feed, as it's the classic item that's also a trend.

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(Image credit: @annelauremais)

The Trend: Ribbed Knits

Cozy and more expensive-looking than they are, ribbed knits really reign supreme when it comes to knitwear these days. No wonder every brand from Jacquemus to H&M has embraced the easy fabric.

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(Image credit: @tylynnnguyen)

Next up, six summer trends from last year that aren't out of style.

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Allyson Payer
Senior Editor

Allyson is a senior editor for Who What Wear. She joined the company in 2014 as co-founder Katherine Power's executive assistant and over the years has written hundreds of stories for Who What Wear. Prior to her career in fashion, Allyson worked in the entertainment industry at companies such as Sony Pictures Television. Allyson is now based in Raleigh, North Carolina, and is originally from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She holds a BFA in theater. Her path to fashion may not have been linear, but based on the number of fashion magazines she collected as a child and young adult, it was meant to be.