2015 Summer Style Trends Preview

It’s getting hot in here (yes!), which means it’s time to get your wardrobe primed for summer. Whether you find yourself swaying to your favorite band at a music festival, munching on ribs at a backyard BBQ, packing up for a much-needed vacation, or sipping cocktails with friends under the stars, a few key pieces will keep you looking hot and feeling cool. Here are some of the most scorching 2015 summer style trends:

Cool Color Palette

This summer’s on-trend color palette draws inspiration from a gorgeous, sunny day. Yellow, blue, and white are classic hues that will instantly perk up your wardrobe. Not only a cheery daytime choice, yellow is unexpected when worn in the evening. Calming blue is flattering on most skin tones and plays well with other colors. Your summer wardrobe should also include a breezy top, flirty dress, or crisp pants in white. Just remember, head-to-toe white is very eye-catching, so confidence is required to pull it off. (We’re pretty sure you’ve got oodles of that.)

Molly Bracken blue sleeveless dress / Tie back dress / Miss Selfridge bandeau skater dress / Topshop scalloped top / H M white crop shirt / 7 For All Mankind white skinny leg jeans / ALDO ankle strap high heel sandals / River Island pointed toe stiletto/ Marni color block handbag / Karen Kane leather bracelet jewelry / Disco jewelry

Tank Tops

No summer wardrobe is complete without a playful tank top. Strappy tanks are must-haves for this summer’s outdoor activities. Cropped tanks are also on-trend, but don’t panic if you’re shy about baring your belly. High-waisted bottoms are ideal companions for crop tops. This season’s tanks come in an assortment of fun patterns to please boho chicks and edgy gals alike. For daring fashionistas who want to make a sizzling fashion statement, heat things up in a strapless bustier.

Red sleeveless blouse / Topshop cami shirt / Club L mint green crop top / Julien David navy crop top / Dolce Gabbana gingham top / Apiece Apart white crop shirt / Shirt crop top / V neck crop top

Gaucho Pants

This summer, the pant silhouette of choice is gauchos. The wide-legged, ankle-baring cousin of Capri pants, gauchos create a surprisingly chic look. The key to rocking gauchos is to ditch the jersey ones you may have in your closet from several years ago. This season’s gauchos come in more structured, sophisticated fabrics like linen and satin. When paired with a tucked-in or cropped top, gauchos are refreshing alternative to short-shorts, skinnies, and long pants.

Forever 21 clothing / NY Collection gaucho pants / Alice Olivia clothing / Lovers + Friends gaucho pants / Wet Seal pants / Bar III faux leather pants

Sassy Sandals

In terms of shoes, summer is synonymous with sandals. Lace-up, gladiator-style sandals should be in your summer style arsenal because they are sexy and versatile. Another trend that will have Birkenstock lovers very, very happy: socks with sandals (as well as comfy sandals) are “in.” (Hey, we understand if you don’t want to go back there – just doing due diligence in reporting the trend.) Wedges and chunky heels continue to be summer staples, so look for updated details like fringe or fun patterns.

Birkenstock shoes / Sophia Webster leather shoes / Leather shoes / Joie flat sandals / Luichiny high heel shoes / Christian louboutin shoes / Birkenstock shoes / Luichiny high heel shoes / Michael Antonio Drea Gladiator Sandal

Mirrored Shades

Your future is so bright, you’ve got to wear shades – especially this summer! Coachella reintroduced us to one of the most illuminating styles of sunglasses: mirrored lenses. Also spotted on countless celebrities, these attention-grabbing lenses come in a kaleidoscope of frames to reflect and accentuate your personal style. Aviators and round frames are particularly popular, but you’ll also see mirrored lenses in cateye or 70s-inspired frames.

Wildfox gold sunglasses / Tildon mirrored lens sunglasses / Victoria Beckham mirror sunglasses / Boohoo tortoise shell glasses / Gold lens sunglasses / Illesteva mirror sunglasses / Le Specs mirror sunglasses / Charlotte Russe gold lens sunglasses

This summer is sure to be filled with fabulous fashion and style, and we hope that this 2015 Summer Style Trends Preview gets you inspired to rock a look your way.

About Carmen:

Carmen Boeser is a freelance fashion writer, thriftaholic, and vintage lover. She chronicles personal style and love for the St. Louis fashion scene on her blog, The Ruby Zipper. When Carmen is not processing merchandise at a resale boutique, she’s learning the joys of new parenthood with her husband and baby daughter.