You Call Them Ugly—It Girls Call Them Fashion: 6 Weird Trends Rising This Summer

Fashion has several different faces. There's the beginner-friendly timeless side where basics and conventional staples reign supreme, and all way on the other end of the spectrum is where things get experimental. The beauty of it is that there's always room to oscillate depending on your present tastes, and right now, it seems the fashion crowd can't get enough of the weird and slightly wacky. 

Whimsical trends always have a way of entering the fashion ecosystem, and this year is no different. Everything from over-the-top platforms and micro miniskirts to blinged-out denim is suddenly back in the spotlight, ushering in a new wave of nostalgic fashion that's impossible to escape. As with most "ugly" trends, none of these will strike you as pretty off the bat, but that's part of the fun. Each is a statement piece in itself, so you can lean on them once your wardrobe starts feeling stale. Keep scrolling for a report on the divisive trends heating up this summer. 

2000s Revival

Be honest—you've seen this coming. The shift toward early aughts–inspired fashion has been too explosive to not take notice of, and it's worthwhile to give it a try, even if you're only slightly curious. It encourages all things diamanté, low-rise, and bright, so it's time to fully lean into that TRL obsession.

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Sporty Sunglasses

From Balenciaga to Bottega Veneta, sporty sunglasses have overtaken as the main silhouette of the summer. The good part? Plenty of other retailers have joined in on the fun, which means affordable versions exist all around. The sleek shape really shines against basics like white tanks and tees, so if you're a minimalist, you'll find this easy to pull off.

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Chunky Sandals

This trend vaguely resembles orthopedic shoes, and that's precisely the point. It's not something everyone will get, but if you know, you know. Gia Borghini's puffy slides are a particular fashion favorite, so prepare to see a lot more of them on your feed come June and July.

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Micro Miniskirts

In a case of extremes, this summer's manifesto seems to be the shorter the better. Pleated, schoolgirl-inspired miniskirts are firmly in front of the wave (thanks to Miu Miu), with lots of preppy outfits to match.

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Exaggerated Platforms

It's time to get reacquainted with heels—sky-high platforms have infiltrated every nook and cranny of the fashion world. One of the more beginner-friendly trends on this list, it's a nice reprieve from the obsession with flats during the pandemic. The key here is to go with sandals with flashy details like shiny satin or a bright color. 

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Clashing Prints

Matching is overrated, and fashion people are also saying bye to perfectly complementary solid colors. Instead, coordinated print clashing is on the rise, and the sky's the limit when it comes to how extreme you can take it.

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Next up: 29 Floral Swimsuits That Are Downright Stunning (and Worth Every Penny)