Kaye Bassey is a Who What Wear editor in residence known for her near-decade-long career as a fashion and beauty content creator, influencer, and writer. She recently launch her Substack newsletter , covering trends, outfit ideas, shopping recommendations, and other insider tips.
Summer always feels like a reset button for style. Lighter layers, softer palettes, and a shift toward pieces that feel fun, effortless, and a little more expressive. After months of heavy coats, boots, and muted tones, there’s something exciting about getting dressed again with intention, where outfits start to feel playful instead of purely practical. The season naturally invites more skin, more movement, and more personality in what we wear.
This summer is especially exciting because fashion is leaning into that balance of ease and impact. From romantic boho tops and playful polka dots to statement sunnies, scarf styling, and other versatile wardrobe heroes, the focus is on pieces that feel beautiful but still wearable in real life. It’s less about overthinking trends and more about curating items that can be styled multiple ways and worn on repeat without feeling repetitive. There’s also a strong sense of nostalgia running through the season, with vintage-inspired silhouettes and prints being reimagined in fresh, modern ways. These are the trends I’m most excited to live in this summer. They bring back that feeling of getting dressed just for the joy of it, where style feels personal, expressive, and effortless all at once.
Fun Flowy Fringe Fringe is such a major moment this season. From accessories like scarves, handbags and belts to skirts, dresses and tops. It is a fun way to switch up an outfit making it more interesting. Fringe encompasses a carefree feeling which is very reminiscent of the warmer Spring months. As the temperature rises, fashion tends to lean more towards trends that feel fluid, expressive and breathable. It adds so much interesting texture and motion to an outfit.
This trend really plays into the resurgence and reawakening of the bohemian and Western-inspired aesthetics. Fringe really ties into that effortless, slightly undone vibe while still feeling elevated when styled right.
L’AGENCE
Taylen Fringe Midi Dress
JW PEI
Chloe Metal Handle Fringe Top Handbag – Black
superdown
Katalia Halter Top
L’AGENCE
Karolina Fringe Skirt
Topshop
Topshop Tassel Oversized Weave Clutch Bag in Natural
Jimmy Choo
Medium Cinch Fringed Shoulder Bag
Déhanche
Fringed Leather Belt
Shn
Renee Lurex Crochet Maxi Dress
Cult Gaia
Viera Raffia Clutch Bag
Whimsical Polka Dots Polka dots surge every Spring because they visually capture the lightness and optimism of the season. With the close of the dark colder months, it makes sense that we all want to gravitate towards feeling fresh and playful. They are so easy to wear, especially for tops, dresses and skirts.
They have been super popular and come in about out of fashion, so naturally, there is a timeless, nostalgic element driving their popularity. Polka dots have routes in vintage fashion, from classic Hollywood glamour to 1950s silhouettes and that sense of femininity keeps coming back in cycles. With modern cuts this trend feels easy to embrace and less outdated.
ZARA
Polka Dot Combination Dress
Qdm
Dinah Lace and Satin Maxi Dress
DISSH
Vanessa Bitter Choc Sleeveless Spot Cami Top
MANOLO BLAHNIK
Jadaron 70 Polka-Dot Silk-Satin Mules
ZARA
Asymmetric Polka Dot Midi Skirt
Reformation
Paula Heeled Sandal
ZARA
Long Polka Dot Skirt
Ganni
Bou Polka-Dot Pouch in Black
Bold Statement Sunnies Bold, big, statement sunnies take off every Spring because they’re the easiest way to shift your whole look without changing your entire outfit. A bold frame, tinted lens, or oversized silhouette instantly elevates even the simplest Spring outfit, like a tank and jeans or a breezy dress. They also draw attention to the face, making them a go-to accessory when people are leaning into beauty, glow, and that effortless “I just threw this on” energy.
Recently, just added these Miu Miu frames to my collection and I am loving them. The giant shield sunglasses trend is something I am so excited to have on my face.
Miu Miu
Rectangular Sunglasses
GUCCI EYEWEAR
Nuances Institutional D-Frame Acetate Sunglasses
Bottega Veneta
99mm Acetate & Nylon Shield Sunglasses
Set List Black/dark Apricot
Le Specs
Veiled | Bright Gold Vermilion
Versatile Scarf Styles Whether you’re wearing them in your hair, wrapped around your waist or tied loosely around your bag… scarves are here to stay and play. But of course, we are ditching the wool and cashmere for lighter alternatives like silk, chiffon – think light and breezy. Versatile scarf styles always surge in Spring because they bridge that in-between weather effortlessly. When it’s too warm for heavy layers but still breezy enough to need something extra, a scarf becomes the perfect transitional piece. That adaptability makes scarves feel both practical and fashion-forward, especially in a season where outfits need to keep up with constantly shifting temperatures. A single scarf can completely change the vibe of an outfit by adding color, print, or texture without requiring a full wardrobe change.
Lack of Color
Solar Groove Scarf
Aritzia
Vitti Silk Triangle Scarf
dissh
Andrea Sandstone Cupro Lace Scarf
ANNA SUI
Pueblo Deco Fringe-Trimmed Printed Lyocell-Blend Pareo
Gap
100% Cotton Eyelet Bandana Scarf
ZIMMERMANN
Printed Silk Headscarf
Madewell
Medium Silk Bandana
Lovers and Friends
Josefina Triangle Scarf
Sezane
Pio Scarf – Rama – Wool – Sézane
Zimmermann
Lace Neck Scarf
Manière De Voir USA
Kadia Lace Head Scarf
Boho Romantic Tops Boho romantic tops are big for Spring because they perfectly match the seasonal shift toward softness, lightness, and ease. Elements like lace, embroidery, smocking, puff sleeves, and flowing cuts feel especially right for Spring because they echo the season’s themes of renewal and femininity. These tops also pair effortlessly with denim, skirts, and sandals, making them an easy go-to for transitional dressing.
They’re also trending because fashion continues to cycle back to nostalgic, feminine aesthetics with a modern twist. The boho romantic look draws from vintage prairie styles and 1970s bohemian influences, but designers are reworking them with cleaner lines, softer palettes, and elevated fabrics so they feel current. In a season where people want to look effortlessly put-together without overthinking outfits… these tops deliver that balance of charm and wearability.
J.Crew
Puff-Sleeve Button-Up Shirt
Free People
Hannah Embroidered Cutwork Top
Urban Outfitters
Kimchi Blue Nora Lace Trim Puff Sleeve Button-Up Blouse
STEVE MADDEN
Montana Knit Top
Free People
Estelle Chiffon Blouse
MANGO
Ruffled Embroidered Blouse
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