When thinking about trends for summer, there are two major indicators for what styles we can expect: The fashion from the runways, and the fashion from the streets. The spring/summer 2020 runways give us a good indication on what new pieces will be popular, while the street style showcases what people are actually wearing from said runways. The two aren't mutually exclusive, and oftentimes what's popular on the runway for one season can extend beyond that as people continue to rock the trend IRL (for example: bucket hats). That said, we have a good idea of what the fashion trends of summer 2020 will look like, so we put together this guide for you of covetable pieces for summer inspired by our favorite It-girl outfits. Here's what you can expect your fashion-forward friends to be wearing this summer, and what to invest in to be among them.
Linen
When it comes to the products Marie Claire recommends, we take your faith in us seriously. Every product that we feature comes recommended by a MC writer or editor, or by an expert we've spoken to. Learn more about how we review products.
Stay cool in the summer heat with linen pieces. Though this fabric has always been an obvious choice for combating sweltering temps, retailers this season have been quick to offer even more variations of linen or linen mix clothing. Prepare to find linen versions of your favorite garments, from lightweight bottoms to one-and-done dresses.
If you imagined linen pieces only coming in boring neutral colors, prepare to be shaken up by these Farm Rio shorts. The tropical fruit print is an inviting design just in time for summer.
This linen shirt can be worn multiple ways, from layering over a t-shirt or crop top to using as a bikini cover-up. Tuck the shirt into your denim shorts or linen pants, then complete your outfit with braided woven sandals.
This linen wrap mini dress is a blank canvas waiting for you to dress it up with colorful accessories, or not (it looks good plain too!). The dress is sweet, feminine, and formfitting.
Sweat Shorts
It might be too hot to wear the sweatpants you've been in since quarantine, so swap them for a pair of sweat shorts. These athleisure bottoms offer the same level of comfort without leaving you perspiring heavily. Wear them while running your weekend errands or when you're just hanging out with a glass of rosé on the couch.
These simple sweat shorts are quickly selling out, so it's best to grab a pair asap. They're more comfortable than rigid denim cutoffs, especially if you're trying to go for a laidback outfit.
Add yourself to the waitlist for a pair of Reformation's sweat shorts. They come in three classic colors and have a high-rise fit with side slits.
The bright pop of pink in the drawstring cord adds a small but noticeable touch to this pair of peach-colored shorts. Rock with your favorite pair of sneakers.
Baby Doll Dresses
For summer, minidresses in the form of baby doll styles akin to the designs made popular by Cecilie Bahnsen will rule the streets. Expect to find the style in pastel summer hues and with variations in volume. These playful minidresses will keep the vibe of your ensembles light and breezy.
Own a Cecilie Bahnsen original. My pick is this baby blue dress that's cut from richly textured, floral matelassé fabric. To make it look less sweet, toughen it up with platform combat boots.
A jean alternative for summer is this denim baby doll dress with blousy sleeves. The dress comes in three different colors. Since the fabric is a bit thicker, you can easily wear this from summer into fall—just layer a pair of tights underneath.
Fashion influencer Danielle Bernstein launched a line with Macy's, and what do you know? She's offering a baby doll minidress just under $100. This minty green and white options are quickly selling out, a testament to the popularity of this dress trend.
Neon Colors
Neon colors will have a strong presence this summer, moving from the runways of Marni and Jacquemus to the streets. This is the time to wear your brightest brights and choose poppy colors that reflect the clear change in weather. The style lesson here? Don't be afraid to stand out.
The details on this lime green crepe top features drawstring ruching and voluminous balloon sleeves. Style with jeans for a daytime look or with a silky midi skirt and heels for nighttime activities.
This fuchsia satin shirtdress has strategically placed side seams to define your waistline, so it's not just a shapeless garment. Wear with neutral accessories to let the piece shine on its own.
For those hesitant about wearing neon-colored clothes, start off with neon accessories like this crossbody bag. The highlighter-yellow trimmings on this PVC bag is minimal yet impactful.
Bucket Hats
The bucket hat trend isn't over yet, which is great because I still have my eyes on a few more to add to my collection. The hat offerings reflect the diverse trends in ready to wear, from neon colors to PVC designs. Top off any outfit this summer with a bucket hat for that casual-cool fashion girl look.
For the logo-obsessed, you need Prada's PVC panel bucket hat. This one accessory will make anything you wear look extra fabulous, even when you're in sweats.
Don't worry about matching your bucket hat to your outfits with this all-white floral eyelet option. It goes with everything, from a sundress to a one-piece swimsuit.
Think of the bucket hat as a must-have accessory like your favorite ring or chain neckline. You never want to leave home without it. Keep this neon paisley print hat by the door and grab it before you dash out the door.
Bralettes
Bralettes under blazers were one of the biggest trends to hit the spring/summer 2020 runways, and street style stars eagerly adopted this casual-sexy look. Retailers are already offering a ton of cute bralette options for the season, whether you decide to wear one over a t-shirt or under a cardigan, so rest assured you'll find one you love. This look is definitely NSFW, so keep it to the weekends.
Katie Holmes wore a Khaite cashmere bra and cardigan set, so we need a Khaite cashmere bra and cardi set. This one is super soft and features ribbed details for a softly supportive fit. Yes to lounging around at home in this.
This ribbed Jacquemus top has a deep scoop neck, so if you're not ready to show that much skin, wear underneath a button-down shirt or linen top. The pastel yellow is soft and warm, adding cheerful energy into your outfit.
Bralette with pockets? I'm into it. This one looks best when paired over another top to give it that official fashion girl stamp.
Puff Sleeves
You've been mulling it over, and you're officially ready for the puff sleeve trend. Good news: This look is still "in" for summer 2020. This '80s-inspired silhouette has been around since last year, but designers show no signs in incorporating the design into their newer spring/summer 2020 collections. It's the perfect easy-to-wear detail that takes any simple white top from ordinary to exceptional.
I'm trading in all my black tees for this sheer, organza puff sleeve top. It's like your favorite baby doll dress shrunk into this perfectly sized top to wear with jeans or a denim skirt.
Rejina Pyo's known for its thin strappy sandals, but don't underestimate its clothing selections like this crisp cotton-blend poplin shirt. Rock this at the office during casual Fridays for a much-needed break in between your stiffer, white button-down shirts.
This top looks a lot more luxe than what you paid for, which is always a win-win situation for us. It feels fancy yet is wearable for everyday activities, from client lunch meetings to happy hour with your coworkers.
•••
For more stories like this, including celebrity news, beauty and fashion advice, savvy political commentary, and fascinating features, sign up for the Marie Claire newsletter.
-
With the Mystery of the Morgan House Solved, Will 'No Good Deed' Return for Season 2? Here's What We KnowThe dark comedy could be Netflix's latest hit to get the anthology treatment.
-
Prince William Reveals the One Embarrassing Christmas Tradition He's Totally Against"Some people don't even own one."
-
These Are a New Yorker's Favorite On-Sale Winter Jacket Styles18 under-$300 finds that will make your outfit.
-
Longchamp’s Le Pliage Is the Bag Unifying Millennials and Gen-ZYou have one. So does your mom. And now your cool little cousin wants one, too.
-
The Top Five 2025 Denim Trends Call Back to BasicsFar-from-fleeting styles like straight-leg jeans and denim maxis are here to stay.
-
8 Classics From Amal Clooney’s Capsule WardrobeFrom fitted blazers to delicate kitten heels.
-
10 Holiday Gifts Marie Claire Editors Are Giving and GettingUse our guide to simplify your shopping experience.
-
Can Emotional Support Accessories Get Me Through 2025?Stuffed animals are for adults now.
-
Put Winter 2025’s Powerhouse Bag Trends on Your WishlistFrom luxe suede to Y2K comebacks, these styles justify the investment.
-
Fashionable Gift Ideas for Every Type of Personal StyleFrom the classic dresser to the eccentric trendsetter.
-
Strathberry's Black Friday Sale Majorly Discounts Meghan Markle and Jennifer Lopez's Favorite BagsStrathberry's best styles are 25 percent off.
