6 Trends Our Editors Love for Summer (and 4 We’re Ready to Retire)

Think: belted dresses à la Lady Amelia Windsor at the most recent royal wedding. Our resident royal expert is obsessed with this trend saying, “These feel Princess Diana-approved. Plus, they cinch you in at the waist for a super-flattering silhouette.”

Get the look: Topshop ($95); Rachel Parcell ($155); Gül Hürgel ($736)

They’re just so damn fun. PureWow’s fashion editor explains, “They dress up any outfit with a lil' extra volume! The '80s pouf can turn even the most simple shift dress into an outstanding lewk that you are actually excited to steam in the morning...and then wear to work.” 

Get the look: ASTR the Label ($30); Madewell ($78); Reformation ($148)

We haven’t quite figured out the whole time travel thing yet, but this ’70s-inspired trend is the next best thing. One editor says, “This summer, you will only see me in neons and tie-dye.” Bonus points if you rock both in the same outfit.

Get the look: Prince Peter ($42); Topshop ($75); Cinq à Sept ($365)

We love how this trend brings beach vibes to a steamy NYC day in the daintiest way possible. Plus, as a well-accessorized editor puts it, “Is there anything more nostalgic than puka shells and a sun-kissed glow?” Nope.

Get the look: Madewell ($18); Panacea ($28); Ettika ($50)

It’s. About. Time. We’re elated that so many major brands are going sustainable with their swim lines and doing their part to reduce the fashion industry’s impact on the environment. Not only are some suits made of recycled plastic water bottles, but others are actually using waste found in oceans to create said fabric. A beach-ready PureWow editor notes, “If I can look good and do good for the planet, I’m sold.”

Get the look: Madewell ($45); Chromat ($270); Mara Hoffman ($275)

No, not the jegging-esque, jewel-tone skinnies you wore in 2013. This spring, our editors are loving the rainbow hues popping up on the denim scene. PureWow's quintessential millennial editor can’t get enough and is dubbing it her summer look. “I’m so ready to try out high-waisted, pastel, acid wash jeans...even if the trend is over in two months!” she explains. We’re giving our regular blue jeans a bit of a rest and swapping these fun colors into our lineup.

Get the look: BDG ($69); NYDJ ($109); J Brand ($248)

Our fashion editor has spoken: “I totally get the appeal of a barely-there shoe, but when I look at teetering four-inch heels with a plastic strap, all I can think about is: OMG, so many blisters.” Plus, have ever you seen the gross condensation that happens inside a PVC boot? Google it. Just…no.

Four PureWow editors had *strong* feelings about this trend. One of them stated it perfectly, saying, “Can we call a spade a spade? Dad sneakers are hideous and we are going to look back at this trend with deep shame.”

Cute if you’re still into KonMari-ing every single thing you own. Not so cute for everyone else. Our news editor says, “None of the stuff in my purse is pretty or organized. Plus, what do you do with all the receipts, hair ties and gum wrappers?!”

While a single staffer stands by these gems: “They’re leggings for summer!” About seven of our coworkers have a very strong dislike for them. An irked editor put the kibosh on the look saying, “Whatever is going on, I truly cannot get on board with it. I hope this trend fades fast.” Honestly, same.