So, your summer style is feeling a tiny bit basic. Those denim cut-offs and five-year-old flip-flops have served you well, but your warm-weather wardrobe needs a boost overall. As a fix, you could explore a new direction with whatever trendy aesthetic TikTok is buzzing about—but, try as you might, a gruff, sea-faring fisherman just doesn’t resonate with who you are as a modern woman living on land.
Instead of scrapping your entire personal style and starting from scratch, swap out the staples that feel stale for a handful of summer 2025’s fresher trends. This way, you won’t experience a total closet identity crisis but will benefit from a few strategic updates that align your style more closely with what’s currently happening in fashion.
Denim shorts are a summer essential that never goes out of style, but now is the perfect time to retire the pair you’ve worn thin in favor of jean Bermudas, the season’s defining denim trend. Say goodbye to those rubber slides that are on the brink of falling apart and swap them for sleek toe-ring sandals that fashion insiders can’t get enough of. Your summer style will still reflect your personality, but with a fresher look unique to the ’25 season. Keep scrolling to discover more trending swap suggestions that will rejuvenate your wardrobe.
Swap Breton Stripes for Plaid
(Image credit: Launchmetrics)
There is nothing wrong with nautical, navy, and white Breton stripes. The print is synonymous with summer and the seaside and, as a classic, resides in fashion’s untouchable hall of fame. But if you’re seeking a more engaging print, plaid, an unexpected trend for summer 2025, offers greater intrigue. Think beyond classic picnic gingham and try pastel tartans, and if you’re in a Y2K mood, consider Burberry’s iconic check bikini, which is back in a big way.
J.Crew
Sheer Crinkled Camisole and Skirt Set in Plaid
DÔEN
Sebastiane Tiered Checked Voile Midi Skirt
Burberry
Check Bikini Top in Sand
ZARA
Plaid Shoulder Pad Shirt Zw Collection
Free People
Hudson Canyon Pants
Swap a Straw Tote for a Beaded Bag
(Image credit: Getty Images)
If you’ve missed the TikTok videos about the viral $34.99 beaded lobster bag or haven’t seen Gigi Hadid carrying Staud’s signature bauble bag, beaded bags are experiencing a major surge in popularity. The summer ’25 bag trend isn’t meant to replace your straw totes—they’ll always deserve a spot in your summer rotation—but serves as a more playful alternative. They’re also a great beach bag since their beaded strands filter out sand while keeping your essentials secure.
Staud
Tommy Beaded Shoulder Bag
Cult Gaia
Nano Hera Wood Beaded Shoulder Bag
LSPACE
Rocky Wood Beaded Handbag
FWRD Renew
Prada Wood Beaded Raffia Tote Bag
LOEWE
+ Paula’s Ibiza Beaded Leather Tote
Anthropologie
Melie Bianco Selena Floral Beaded Bag
Swap Flip-Flops for Toe-Ring Sandals
(Image credit: Launchmetrics)
Flip-flops are another summer staple. I’m merely suggesting you set aside at least one pair for the ’25 season and welcome a pair of trendy toe-loop sandals instead. They serve the same purpose as thong sandals by giving your feet some air, but their wrap-around toe design adds more intrigue than the usual Y-shaped strap. Bonus points for a pair with a metallic toe ring, as it does the accessorizing for you.
Madwell
The Dessa Toe Ring Sandal
TOTEME
Beige Naplack Leather Thong Sandals
Rag & Bone
Geo Strappy Ring Sandal
AMANU
The Kigali Leather Sandals
Steve Madden
Odyssey Sandal
Swap Denim Cut-Offs for Tailored Bermuda Shorts
(Image credit: Launchmetrics)
On the summer runways, splashed across celebrity street style, and selling quickly at today’s top retailers, Bermuda shorts are, without a doubt, the bottoms to wear this season. While the longline silhouette might frighten some (no one can deny they are distinctly ‘dad on vacation’-coded), this summer highlights the shorts’ versatility, with brands offering options that hit comfortably above the knee and are made of classic, crisp indigo.
Gap
11″ Mid Rise Longline Denim Shorts
Free People
X We the Free Montana Short
AGOLDE
Nolan Organic Denim Shorts
Madwell
The Essex Long Baggy Short
AG
Hattie High Waist Raw Hem Denim Barrel Shorts
Swap Leopard Spots for Polka Dots
(Image credit: Launchmetrics)
Everyone loves leopard print—some maximalists claim it as a neutral. But after its continuous presence during last year’s fashion month circuit, the feline-spotted print deserves a break. Polka dots are a welcome, equally eye-catching alternative to consider. Some designers use the pattern in bright and bold ways, combining colors that shouldn’t work but surprisingly do. Others simplify the pattern with neutral shades and natural-looking dots, making it less eccentric and easier for the eyes to digest.
Zara
Satin Finish Polka Dot Slingback Pumps
J.Crew
Harbor Pant in Dot Linen
KHAITE
Audrey Polka-Dot Snake-Effect Leather Clutch
ZARA
Polka Dot Asymmetric Skirt
Swap Ballet Flats for Boat Shoes
(Image credit: Launchmetrics)
This is not a call to toss your ballet flats forever. In fact, the trend continues to evolve and take new shapes (two words: ballet sneakers). For summer 2025, I merely suggest adding a pair of deck-ready boat shoes to your summer shoe lineup and reaching for them in the moments when you’d instinctively go for your pointe-proof Repetto flats. The loafer introduces a touch of outdoorsy prepster, adding a nuanced, fascinating element to play with. Think: boat shoes styled with relaxed linen pants or a frilly skirt that aligns with summer’s boho fashion trend.
Sperry
‘authentic Original’ Boat Shoe
Valentino Garavani
Palm Avenue Buffalo Leather Boat Shoes
Free People
Yachting Day Boat Shoes
Rag & Bone
Carter Boat Shoe
COACH
Sculpted C Boat Shoe
Sperry
Authentic Original 2-Eye Beaded Boat Shoe
Swap Jelly Sandals for Garden Clogs
(Image credit: Salter House)
Yes, garden clogs are currently enjoying their moment in the spotlight. Thanks to several designer collaborations—see: Proenza Schouler x Sorrel—and celebrity endorsements—including Bella Hadid and, earlier this week, Jennifer Lawrence—the formerly frumpy shoe is receiving the fashion-forward treatment. If you were a fan of last summer’s jelly sandals, consider putting the cute, childlike shoe on hold and trying the funky clog instead.
Crocs
Dylan Platform Clog
L.L. Bean
Light Wellie Garden Clogs
adidas
Adifom Stan Smith Platform Mule
Hunter
Elena Water Resistant Clog
BIRKENSTOCK
Boston Eva Clog
Anthropologie
Nora Garden Clogs, Yellow
Swap a Bucket Hat for a Silk Scarf
(Image credit: Launchmetrics)
As modish glamour gains traction among tastemakers, with retro-inspired beach outfits now populating Pinterest and Instagram feeds, you’ve likely seen the silk scarf trend. Tossed over your head and tied under your chin, a fresh foulard provides effortless elegance with one simple knot. That said, a silk scarf doesn’t offer the same sun protection as a bucket hat or baseball cap, so keep an eye on the UV index when recreating Jackie Kennedy on the Italian Riviera.
Anthropologie
Elegancia Tropical Royal Labyrinth Silk Scarf
Lauren Ralph Lauren
Floral Silk Large Diamond Scarf
Dries Van Noten
Black & Green Printed Silk Scarf
J.Crew
Long Printed Silk Scarf
ZARA
Poppy Print Modal Scarf
Free People
Essential Silky Triangle Bandana
