By Bella Omar
Asst. Arts & Features Editor
Despite the gloomy weather, warmer temperatures are quickly approaching - and with that comes new seasonal trends. The recent fashion zeitgeist has pointed toward cowboy getup and comfortable silhouettes for this summer’s wave of fashion.
Denim and more denim!
Beyoncé’s latest release, “Cowboy Carter,” is the perfect green light on the revival of western style, particularly denim - and in abundance! Darker washes and slouchier silhouettes coming into play make styling full denim ensembles look and feel effortless. This trend isn’t limited to “The Pioneer Woman” esque denim button downs either - the recent runways of designers like Masha Popova and Givenchy have both utilized denim bralettes, cargos, and other new takes on the material.
Flatter footwear
As popular ’70s pieces make a comeback, it only makes sense that the chunky Nike Air Force 1’s that we’ve held so close for the past few seasons are being replaced by slimmer vintage staples, such as the Adidas Samba and Asics Onitsuka Tiger. These sneakers come in a wide array of color and styles, making these chic shoes an easy add to anyone’s closet. A particularly interesting collection is the series of Adidas Sambas designed by the masterful Grace Wales Bonner.
Sheer fabric
Sheer fabrics such as lace and mesh have been spotted on runways and red carpets alike this past season and are on track to be fully embraced by fashion-forward people everywhere this upcoming summer. Florence Pugh in a red Valentino number for the “Dune: Part Two” carpet recently is a prime example of how leaving so little to the imagination can be done so elegantly. Lace maxi skirts and tops have already trickled onto the front pages of popular retailers such as Pacsun and Urban Outfitters, setting up their young fanbases for new ways to layer.
“Pajama” pants (Studio Seven, Linen, Slouchy Trousers)
Wearing your pajamas in public is taking on a new, chic-er look this summer by replacing fleeces with crisp linens. Brands like Studio Seven who specialize in these boxer-like pieces have popularized the trend on social media - with fast fashion brands in tow mimicking the designs. This breathable fabric, in tandem with the low-rise, relaxed fit makes these pants the perfect warm weather go-to.
Fringe
Another nod to Americana Western style, fringe details are going to be seen on everything from jackets, to vests, to pants. Ann Demeulemeester, Schiaparelli, Bottega Veneta, and several other labels’ collections in the past year have featured fringe in dramatic floor-length variations, adding drama and texture to very wearable pieces like baggy jackets and slip dresses. Naturally, fringe suede jackets and vests are bound to be this year’s festival season uniform and subsequent summer staple.
Big bags
The reign of the Jacquemus Chiquito and similarly tiny bags that can hold nothing more than a credit card and a lipgloss is over, with larger-than-life slouchy purses taking the stage for this summer and likely well into the fall and winter seasons. These sack-like bags are the perfect relaxed accessory to add practicality and interest to any summer look. Bottega Veneta’s iconic woven totes are ever growing in popularity and brands like Victoria Bekham and Max Mara put out several ginormous purses in their respective SS24 runway collections.