It's a little-known fact that most people who work in fashion are hoarders. This is because we know that fashion is cyclical, and many of us have learned the hard way never to get rid of the items we once loved to wear. Not only will they most likely come back into style, but you never know when you might happen across a more current way to wear them.
Still, the nature of fashion is that trends ebb and flow in popularity, and when something has been around for a long time, its initial appeal is sure to wear off at some point. That's when some might label these pieces as being "dated." With a new season in our midst, our editors have taken a moment to think about the trends that have had more than their fair share of time in the style spotlight and their wardrobes, and which fresh looks we'd like to see gain momentum and appreciation this summer.
Lucy Williams expertly clashes both colours and prints in this summer ensemble.
The ironic thing is, in some instances, our editors actually own and still love to wear the pieces they think could do with cooling off this season. That or they can, at the very least, appreciate the appeal they hold for others. Nonetheless, below, we've listed the "dated" summer trends we personally wouldn't necessarily recommend buying into this season for one reason or another. Do stash them away if you own them, though, as they'll likely come back again. Or if you love them, don't let our personal opinion stop you! That's the beautiful thing about fashion—it's totally open to interpretation. But should you want to know which trends we're backing for summer, you'll find those below also.
Hannah Almassi, Editor-in-Chief
Pausing: Teeny-Tiny Sunglasses
"Although they certainly look cool on the 'gram, I was never into the look anyway because they just feel a bit redundant and useless when you genuinely need to shield your eyes from the sun!"
Wearing: Sarongs
"I've never really not loved a sarong on the beach (especially when it matches my bikini), but I also like the idea of a sarong-style skirt worn with a tee and sandals for a relaxed alternative to a dress."
Shop Sarongs:
Remy Farrell, Fashion Editor
Pausing: Low-Slung Waists
"I'm fully backing the Noughties revival if not for the sheer nostalgia alone, but the one Y2K trend I can't see working for me is an ultra low-slung waist. Paris Hilton may have had the midriff to launch a 1000 doppelgängers, but whether it's jeans, trousers or skirts, I'm a die-hard high-waister."
Wearing: Swimwear as Outerwear
"What had started as functional purpose has now turned into a fashionable statement for me. While I admired underwear as outerwear from a distance, wearing swimwear out of the pool is something I can get behind. It could be wearing a one-piece costume under linen trousers or a bikini top under an open shirt, but it gives me the opportunity to enjoy swimwear season that much longer."
Shop Swimwear:
Maxine Eggenberger, Deputy Editor
Pausing: Tight Dresses
"I am a dress person, so I see value in any and all dress trends. However, this summer, the last thing I want to do is feel uncomfortable in form-fitting dresses, chic as they can be."
Wearing: Tiered Dresses
"Dresses are all about volume this year, with a focus on tiered silhouettes coming to the fore. Y2K tiering may be but, when you seek out styles with embroidery, broderie and in classic colours, they are completely timeless and something you can pull our season after season."
Shop Tiered Dresses:
Megan Storey, Social Media Editor
Pausing: Short-Shorts
"I do like the idea of shorts for summer but I think the ultra-short styles are slightly dated and can sometimes be quite uncomfortable. I'm leaning into the '90s fit with looser silhouettes and slightly longer lengths."
Wearing: Jorts
"Speaking of which! I'm obsessed with all the long denim shorts (affectionately known as jorts) I'm seeing on social right now."
Shop Jorts:
Florrie Alexander, Acting Affilate Editor
Pausing: Kaftans
"Practical they may be on a beach day, but there was something about a kaftan that never felt right on me. They're often quite lacy and girly and that's just not my holiday style."
Wearing: Shirt-and-Shorts Sets
"A relaxed co-ord in a light airy fabric is much more my thing and still fulfils that beach-to-bar-with-ease requirement. Not to mention they're much more versatile—wear them as separates or together, and you can even dress them up in the evening with smarter sandals and layers of gold jewellery."
Shop Short Sets:
Brittany Davy, Editorial Assistant
Pausing: Halter Tops
"The first time these made the rounds, I hated them and now that they're making a comeback, as much as I'd love to try it, I just know this is one trend I'd rather sit out on. They just don't look right on my frame."
Wearing: Strapless Tops
"I've seen enough strapless tops to come to the conclusion that it's the top of the summer! I'll be wearing mine with wide-leg trousers and minimal sandals for chic summer evenings."
Shop Strapless Tops:
Poppy Nash, Managing Editor
Pausing: Flatform Sandals
"I want to make one thing clear: I have zero hate for this trend. I wear my thick-sole sandals on rotation and have done for the past four years or so. But that's why they feel a little dated to me; I've probably just had too much of a good thing, particularly in terms of comfort."
Wearing: Toe-Ring Sandals
"This year, we're witnessing the revival of more toe-ring sandals. Amanu's metal-adorned pair have been causing a stir on social media over the last month, with a host of more affordable brands also following suit."
Shop Toe-Ring Sandals:
