Summer is right around the corner and naturally, you are wondering what to wear. You are going places; concerts, picnics, dance parties, BBQs. The list is endless and now you need outfit inspiration like a fish needs water. To give you lots of alternatives for trendy summer outfits, I looked at runway photos.
Find your inspiration
If you want to stay on trend, there is lots of inspiration from all the fashion shows. I picked 7 major trends for summer 2024 and I created two or three outfits for every trend.
(Not crazy outfits, things you can really wear.)
Fashion is fun
But as you look at those trends, remember that you can dress them down and make them your own. Fashion is all about expressing who you are. Accessories are a good way to dip your toe in some of these trends.
Let’s have fun and dive in, shall we?
1. Oversized jeans
It is 2024 and skinny jeans seem to already be a distant memory. This year, it is all about baggy jeans.
How to style baggy jeans?
The obvious choice is to combine your new denim with a cropped top. That’s how we did it in the 90s.
If you don’t fancy showing that much skin, just choose a tight-fitted top, and you get the same proportions.
Or take your styling cues from the models above. Oversized jeans look great with the usual suspects, such as a lumber shirt, a black blazer, or a white top.
Oversized jeans + White tank top + Dusty pink shacket
If you are looking to nail the brief of trendy summer outfits, wear your jeans with a simple white tank top and another of summer 2024 biggest trends; the shacket. Don’t forget to add a seriously oversized bag.
2. See-through
This trend was all over the catwalk. And no wonder, since it’s a great way to add sex appeal to your next outfit.
How to style see-through?
Take this 2024 trend in a summerly direction by using blue and white.
See-trough in blue feels playful and modern and suitable for day wear. A see-through piece of clothing works best with simple clothes in neutral colors. Let your fashion-forward piece be the star of the outfit.
See-through in black
For the evening I recommend trying a black see-through skirt or a black see-through shirt.
Once again, combine with other simple black clothes and you get an outfit that’s both comfortable and a head-turner.
Trying a couple of see-through accessories is a great idea if you want to take things slow with this particular trend.
3. Metallic
Let me just start out by saying, I love metallic. It is surprisingly easy to wear. It actually matches everything. But the impact is unparalleled. You feel like a Greek goddess or like a superhero (and not in a bad way.)
I was thrilled to see this particular trend appear on the catwalk. Let’s all embrace it for at least one event this summer.
How to style metallic?
Even when metallic is looking crazy, it’s still stylish. With metallic, anything goes. But if you want to start slow, do combine it with simple clothes in neutral colors. A black blazer will look great combined with a metallic top.
If you want to learn more tricks for creating amazing outfits, read my article What makes a great outfit?
Neutral tank top + Metalic skirt + Metalic accessories
Is this not one of the best trendy summer outfits?
You can choose a skirt in the length you prefer. You can go light or dark when it comes to the top. If you want to be more covered up, you choose a T-shirt. To finish off the look, add a couple of metallic accessories.
Once again, if you do not want to look like Cleopatra, just embrace this trend by buying a pair of metallic shoes.
4. Draped
I’m going to repeat myself and sound like a crazy person; I love draped. Here we are looking at yet another summer 2024 trend that will have you looking like a goddess.
On another note, these models are young and rail thin (good for them) but this trend will actually look good on anyone, regardless of age and size.
How do you style draped clothes?
Draped clothes are all about trying. The first piece you try might not look good on you, keep going. The amazing thing is when you find the right piece of clothing, it will look like it was draped on you.
Styling will be easy, but formfitting is always a good idea, as are edgy accessories.
Draped clothes and colors
It’s easier to find good draped clothes in black. But if you want to make a fashion statement, do try a draped dress in an unexpected color. Once again, metallic accessories look great with draped clothes. It’s that whole Goddess vibe.
5. Neon
After a couple of dreadful years, you might be ready for dopamine dressing?
If yes, do experiment with neon. One thing is for sure; you will have fun. Going out looking like you mean serious party will inevitably lead to dancing on the tables and going skinny dipping at sunrise.
How to style neon?
If you are not looking to hit the clubs dressed like the 80s, might I suggest incorporating a touch of neon colors in your exercise clothes? You will work out harder, guaranteed.
Neon is also perfect for a playful day at the beach.
If you are feeling shy, just one accessory in neon can go a long way.
Neon green top + Neon yellow skirt
In a lot of these runway fashion shows the designer mixed two neon colors, this styling trick is pretty easy to achieve. The outfit will, for sure, be one of those trendy summer 2024 outfits your grandchildren will point out in pictures, both impressed and horrified.
You don’t want to rob them of that opportunity.
6. Cut-outs
This trend started already last summer, and it’s still going strong. You certainly do not need to show as much skin as thee young ladies. Done right, cut-outs are for everyone.
Yes, even you 90 years old that hopefully reads my blog. Fashion has no age.
If you are older, do check out my article Summer capsule wardrobe for women over 50, Summer 2023.
How to style cut-outs?
Cut-outs look great in all colors, as well as in white and black.
Pick your poison.
This trend is all about finding your comfort level.
Cut-out everything
The cut-out can be big, or barely there. If you don’t fancy a dress with lots of strategically placed holes, do your summer a huge service and get a pair of cut-out sandals or a top with a teeny keyhole.
I know you can do it. Since you are looking for the best trendy summer outfits, I already know that you are brave.
7. High slit
With this trend, you will look both elegant and seductive. Wondering what to wear to your next date? I think we have found the answer. Find a skirt or a dress with a slit that suits your comfort level.
You will be getting laid.
How to style the high slit?
If you are feeling shy, take it down a notch by covering up the rest of your body. Also, remember that you can change the slit to sit lower, just take your skirt or the dress to the tailor. (Or do it yourself.)
As you can see, I particularly like this trend with chocolate brown accessories.
High-slit skirt + silk T-shirt
Get your high-slit skirt gala ready by wearing it with a matching top and matching accessories.
A final Note on trendy summer outfits – Summer 2024 Edition
Creating your favorite summer outfits is all about experimenting and having fun.
Do check your local second-hand stores for some of these trends. Finding a perfect neon wind jacket should be easy, we all wore one in the 80s.
The models might be slim and young, but the rest of us are not.
(At least the modes nowadays are of different ethnicities, that was not the case when I grew up, progress is happening, even if it is slow.)
Don’t let that keep you from dressing trendy. Fashion is about art, art that you wear every day, that’s what makes it so special.
Moa Ailert is the founder and editor-in-chief of Her Brilliant Friend.
She has a bachelor’s degree in philosophy and plenty of insight into human psychology from traveling and living in different places around the world.
Moa is currently based in Portugal where she has a guesthouse; Villa dos Irmaos.
She has various websites, among others Ericeira Insider, but Her brilliant friend is her true passion project.
