Most of us can officially retire our puffer jackets and snow boots. Our days spent dreaming of breezy dresses, sandals, and basically any warm-weather gear is now a reality. As you step into spring/summer, what do you need to know? The top spring/summer trends of 2020, that's what. This season, designers are offering up a bevy of styles, from feathered tops to bralettes that look elevated and sophisticated when paired with a blazer. It helps to know what the most popular looks are so you can prep your shopping list in advance—we even provided "get the look" options so you can shop the pieces before everyone else starts wearing them. Knowledge is power, and with this trend info, you'll be the most fashionable dresser in your friend group. Want even more insider tidbits? Here are the top bags, jewelry, and shoe trends to know for 2020.
1. Feathers
As seen at Jason Wu, Valentino, Burberry, and Prabal Gurung
Will designers ever get bored of feathers? The short answer: no. Every season you'll find at least a few designers incorporating this embellishment into their designs. For spring 2020, fashion houses like Valentino, Jason Wu, Burberry, and Prabal Gurung all offered up feathery creations, whether it be a full dress or just along the sleeves. If you fancy a quick touch up to your everyday pieces, feathers will surely make the garment stand out.
COS Short Sleeve Feather Top
This all-over feather top can be dressed down with jeans or up with a black skirt and heels. No matter where you wear it, it'll make a statement. (Don’t forget to scoop up a COS promo code before you hit checkout.)
2. Short Shorts
As seen at Saint Laurent, Isabel Marant, Salvatore Ferragamo, and Chanel
Dare to bare your...butt cheeks? Or at least, a small part of them? Short shorts made a comeback on the runways of Chanel, Saint Laurent, and more. These bite-sized bottoms offer a cheeky vibe to your outfit (pun intended), whether you rock it with a knit cardigan or a bodysuit. We get it, however, if short shorts aren't for you. If you're a pass on this trend, you might want to try Bermuda shorts instead (we'll explain that further ahead).
3. Knit Dresses
As seen at Marc Jacobs, Zimmermann, Celine, and Altuzarra
Think of the striped knit dress as the transitional piece to wear in lieu of sweaters from the end of fall into spring. The piece provides warmth underneath a denim jacket, but will keep you cool if you go with a short-sleeve or midi length option. Dress it down with sandals for vacation or with kitten mule heels for after-work rooftop drinks with your besties.
Banana Republic Stripe Knit Dress
This black and white knit dress is your "no brainer" piece, a.k.a. the kind of dress you can throw on quickly and head out the door in. Since it leans towards the plainer side, dress it up with fun springtime accessories.
Frame Striped Rib Knit Dress
This calf-grazing tank dress contours to the body without making you feel suffocated. Style with a turtleneck top underneath, if it's still cold, or layer with a leather jacket. A pair of white sneakers completes this outfit.
4. Bermuda Shorts
As seen at Bottega Veneta, Givenchy, Tod's, and Valentino
First biker shorts were everywhere, now it's Bermuda shorts' turn. Bottoms are trending towards that middle length for spring/summer 2020. On the runways, Bermuda shorts came in all materials, from leather to silk to denim and styled with everything from blazers, tees, and blouses. This bottom will add a touch of sophistication to any warm-weather outfit.
Mango Pleated Bermuda Shorts
For bottoms that graze slightly past your knees, try this pair from Mango. It goes with every type of shoe from ankle boots, to strappy heels, to knee-high silhouettes.
5. Vests
As seen at Coach, Celine, Hermès, and Saint Laurent
Shake off the dust on your vests from yesteryear, because this garment made a comeback on the spring 2020 runways. Whether you opt for a sexy tuxedo design sans shirt like Kaia Gerber at Saint Laurent or a furry number for those colder months (see Coach), a vest is the optimal layering piece.
6. Drawstring Details
As seen at Bottega Veneta, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Salvatore Ferragamo, and Stella McCartney
Designers added drawstrings to anoraks, jumpsuits, coats, and dresses for a touch of sportiness. Anyone can wear this athleisure design, even if you've never played a sport in your life (me). I'm coming for that Bottega Veneta lewk.
7. Crochet
As seen at Jonathan Simkhai, Fendi, Marni, and Gabriela Hearst
Keeping cool won't be an issue in spring/summer 2020 thanks to crochet. You'll find this fabric is still in style for next season, with even better designs coming your way. For a sneak peek of what to expect, just look at Jonathan Simkhai's crochet blue dress and sweater combination (I need that) to Marni's all-over floral crochet gown. This vacation-vibes material isn't just for beach coverups and sarongs anymore.
8. Bralettes Under Blazers
As seen at Staud, Michael Kors, Jonathan Simhaki, and Jason Wu
The only way to wear a blazer next season is with a bralette. (Save this for your off-duty days, of course.) Designers played with the idea of showing off your midriff while still making you feel covered up. Take cues from Kors and Wu and opt for high-waisted bottoms for more coverage.
Dior Christian Dior J'ADIOR Knit Bra
Since this Dior knit bra is an investment, here are some ideas for how to wear it aside from under a blazer. You can style it over a button-up, let it peek out from underneath a silk shirt, wear it over a turtleneck sweater, or pair it as is with a high-waisted trouser.
9. Buttery Soft Leather
As seen at Khaite, Kate Spade, Sally LaPointe, and Coach 1941
There's no mistaking that leather—including vegan or faux—is the one material everyone's excited to work with in 2020. Though Nanushka practically built its brand on this look, more and more designers are finding new ways to incorporate the buttery soft material into their pieces. Personally, I am obsessed with that Kate Spade olive leather dress.
10. Sky-High Side Slits
As seen at Jason Wu, Dion Lee, Prabal Gurung, and Brandon Maxwell
Side slits are climbing higher than ever for spring 2020, so embrace flashing a little cheek. This effortless cut brings a whole new wave of sexiness to your skirts and keeps you cool when the temps start to rise. For more coverage, go up a size and layer jeans or linen trousers underneath.
11. Sheer Is Here
As seen at Sally LaPointe, Ulla Johnson, Bevza, and Oscar de la Renta
Designers embraced the idea of less is more for next season, working with chiffon and tulle to create airy looks. Since the material is basically all see-through, now's the time to show off your prettiest bras, or free the nipple completely.
12. Day to Night Sequins
As seen at Ralph Lauren, Adam Lippes, Sally LaPointe, and Cynthia Rowley
Don't be afraid to own the stage (streets?) in 2020. It's your time to shine—literally. Designers like Ralph Lauren and Sally LaPointe gave their stamp of approval to sporting sequins for both day and night. Whether you go with a sparkly gown or a shimmery suit set, prepare to stand out and be the peacock in your friend group.
13. Corsets
As seen at Dion Lee, Brock Collection, Jason Wu, and Christian Siriano
For spring, there will be a greater emphasize on defining one's silhouette. An easy way to do this is with a corset, which came in all forms on the runway. Brock Collection made the most romantic Victorian-esque top while Siriano showcased a more bare-bones structure. Get ready to cinch everything in.
Tibi Corset Bodysuit With Detachable Straps
For those who hate the whole process of tucking and untucking their shirts until it looks perfect, here's a corset bodysuit that will hold everything in place. For extra support, use the detachable straps.
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