It finally feels like summer in New York City, and I’m doing all of my beloved warm-weather rituals again: going on long walks, laying in the sun, finishing a pint of ice cream in one sitting. One of the things I look forward to the absolute most is being able to dress the way I want with no winter weather repressing me.
When it comes to shopping, I tend to err on the side of chic and timeless, but it’s still fun to see what’s going on with trends as the seasons shift. Something I always notice is what micro-trends my favorite influencers are wearing on TikTok, and certain patterns are starting to emerge—some super specific (like mother-of-pearl buttons), others more widespread (such as oversize scrunchies). While I’m not one to buy something just because it’s a trend, I like incorporating new things that naturally align with the way I dress and what I’m drawn to, so there are usually at least a few that pique my interest.
These are all of the micro-trends that’ve caught my eye for summer.
Weird Shoes
My For You page has been filled with “weird shoe collection” videos for many months now. At this point, Tabis, Vibrams, and Nike Air Rifts are basically everywhere. The Adidas Taekwondo Mei in cow print went viral as well.
Tara Gonzalez, our senior fashion and social editor, has even written about them in the form of flip-flips and clear footwear—referring to the category as freaky. Liana Satenstein has a series on this too. She recently called the Merrell Jungle Moc Leather 2 a “hot busted shoe,” which fits into this category. While there have always been Merrell loyalists, I honestly never thought I’d see the brand trending.
If you’re looking to expand your horizons, I’d recommend taking a look at Dirt’s Range line and Miu Miu’s Gymnasium Technical Fabric Thong Ballerinas, which feel very much in this vein. It’s all about finding unconventional shapes and materials.
Miu Miu
Logo-Print Sandals
MANGO
Rubberized Slingback Shoe
Maison Margiela
Tabi Ballerina Pump
ZARA
Satin Effect Ruched Ballet Flats
ECCO
Biom C-Trail Leather Lace-Up Sneaker
Salomon
RX Slide 3.0 Slip-On Shoe
Tory Burch
Sublime Wedge Flip-Flop
ZARA
Mesh Mary Jane Sneakers
Nicole Saldaña
Brown Sophie Ballerina Flats
merrell
Jungle Moc Leather 2
Micro Shorts
Lately, micro shorts have been everywhere—from swimwear to everyday outfits. I’ve worn them as bikini bottoms for years, but after trying on a non-swim pair from Paloma Wool this spring, I love wearing them off the beach too. I personally love polka-dot shorts the most, but there are so many different colors and patterns. I mainly wear them around the house on their own or layer them with a sheer skirt when I’m outside.
Paloma Wool
Navy Dio Shorts
Organic Basics
Flex Foldover Shorts
Campbell & Kramer
Thalia Shorts in Red Polka Dot
Cotton On
Hot Tropics Short
Beads
Beaded details have been showing up mostly on swimwear—either strung along bikini ties or placed as a single accent at the center of a top. I saw a lot of this at Miami Swim Week at shows like Vogue Mexico and Leslie Amon, and now, it’s made its way to TikTok.
cos
Embellished Plunge-Neck Swimsuit
Bond-Eye
Indi Reversible Triangle Top
SIR
Jeanne Beaded String Triangle Bikini Top
Tory Burch
Beaded Bikini Top
Mother-of-Pearl Buttons
Another small detail I’ve been noticing is mother-of-pearl buttons on cardigans, shirts, bags, and jewelry. It feels like an understated embellishment that make simple pieces a little more thoughtful and artistic. Paloma Wool has actually been using them since its S/S 24 collection.
Paloma Wool
No 2114 Manon Bikini Bottom
By Sahara
The Elderflower Skirt
SIEDRÉS
Juniper Bikini Top
ZARA
Pearlescent Appliqué Bag
Colorful Tote Bags
I was on the train when I first saw someone wearing a colorful tote bag from Monty. Since then, I started seeing them online from all different brands—from COS to The Row.
COS
Mini Striped Tote Bag
Puebco
Tall Recycled Plastic Stripe Bag
Statement Scrunchies
Scrunchies never go away, but the statement ones are definitely having a moment again. I like having a bunch of them around my apartment and always keep one in my bag. It’s an easy way to feel put-together and make an outfit full of basics a bit more interesting.
MANGO
Flower Scrunchie With Contrasting Trim
COMING OF AGE
Scrunchie in Pearl
ZARA
Contrast Rib Maxi Scrunchie
Damson Madder
Garter Scrunchie
ZARA
Contrast Stripe Maxi Scrunchie
Maryam Nassir Zadeh
Lipstick Carnation Scrunchie
Bangles
Chunky resin bangles are one of the biggest accessories trends right now—usually worn stacked or mixed.
Heaven Mayhem
Cove Bangle
Free People
Verona Bangle
MANGO
Set of Combined Volume Maxi Bracelets
8 Other Reasons
Acetate Bangle
Ponchos
Ponchos started popping up earlier this year and have carried over into summer. The versions I’m seeing now are lightweight and see-through and double as swim cover-ups.
MANGO
Asymmetrical Knitted Poncho
Pucci
Marmo Silk Twill Blouse
Back From Bali
Sheer Poncho
