7 Already-Outdated Summer Fashion Trends and What to Wear Instead

Trends come and go like seasons, quickly cycling through the fashion sphere almost as quickly as they emerge. Social media only accelerates this phenomenon, with a new viral aesthetic flooding our For You pages like clockwork. And unless you’re spending every waking minute consuming hauls, scrolling Pinterest, and tracking celebrity street style, it’s nearly impossible to keep up.That’s why I did the heavy lifting for you, creating a guide to the summer trends already losing momentum and the updated alternatives replacing them. (Think: trading dainty necklaces for statement pendants, and structured purses for boho-inspired silhouettes.) But IMHO, you don’t need to part ways with every single “dated” piece right away. If you love it, keep wearing it! Adding a slew of fresh swaps should enhance your wardrobe—not completely reinvent it.Ahead, discover seven it-girl-worthy summer swaps that will carry you through the remainder of the season. They’re surprisingly versatile, effortlessly relaxed, and seriously chic.Skip Dainty Chains—Swap for Pendant NecklacesPhotopix//Getty ImagesI’ll always love an elegant stack of dainty gold chains, but as minimalism declines and maximalism takes flight, fashion people are gravitating towards pendant necklaces. The statement accessory communicates individualism, with wearers able to choose from comb, shell, and architectural shapes. Wear the accessory with a simple white tank to let it shine.Parker Thatch Comb Pendant Necklace with Black Satin CordNow 32% OffLovers and Friends Jordan Shell NecklaceEttika Ettika Resin Drop Cord Necklace in Olive.Casa Clara Lina Pendant NecklaceNow 39% OffEttika Corded Bolo NecklaceSkip Oversized T-Shirts—Swap for Baby TeesPG/Bauer-Griffin//Getty ImagesThe Y2K revival has pushed boxy, comfort-first tops to the sidelines in favor of intentionally body-skimming baby tees. The nostalgic silhouette is reminiscent of Paris Hilton and Britney Spears, channeling early-2000s mall style. To seamlessly integrate the look into your rotation, pair it with a tiered maxi skirt and thong flip-flops.EDIKTED Drama Queen Rhinestone Graphic T-ShirtI.AM.GIA Odezia TeeFree People Monarch TopJoe's Jeans The Baby Tee ShirtJunk Food Clothing New York 97 Baby TeeSkip Structured Purses—Swap for Lived-In BagsDanny Beck//Getty ImagesEffortless, personal style is the name of the game, with polished perfection taking a backseat—making the shift from structured purses to lived-in bags inevitable. It’s all about practicality, choosing a piece that aligns with your day-to-day life (aka a spacious purse that fits your laptop, water bottle, books, and AirPods).Coach Tabby Shoulder Bag 36Credit: CoachQuince Siena Handwoven ToteNow 66% OffFree People We The Free Baby Emerson Tote BagCredit: Free PeopleJW PEI Hilary Shoulder BagQuince Full-Grain Leather Small Shoulder BagNow 51% OffAdd Cosmopolitan as a preferred source in your Google search results.Use your Google account to add this to your settings.Skip Cabana Stripes—Swap for Polka DotsXNY/Star Max//Getty ImagesCool girls have a thing for playful, vintage-inspired aesthetics, shifting away from resort-coded stripes and towards feminine polka dots (think less beach club and more Parisian chic). The best part? Polka dots can take on all silhouettes, from dresses to capris and everything in between. Style tip: Pair the print with solids to create a statement without overwhelming your look.Urban Outfitters Printed Polka Dot Claw ClipCredit: Urban OutfittersMORE TO COME Rialta TopNow 52% OffAbercrombie & Fitch Bra-Free Satin Slip Midi DressCarolina Silk SkirtCredit: ReformationMango Polka-Dot Strap SandalsNow 25% OffCredit: MangoSkip Micro Sunglasses—Swap for Bug-Eyed FramesDave Benett//Getty ImagesFashion is a pendulum, swinging from one extreme to the next. So, while some style circles are still loyal to micro sunglasses, dramatic, bug-eyed frames are taking center stage. The ultra-glamorous accessory channels cool-girl confidence, easily transitioning from a midday coffee run to a night out with the girls. They’re also more practical, providing extra coverage and a sturdier design.EB Denim X Szade Sunny SunglassesJimmy Fairly Aela SunglassesCredit: Jimmy FairlyFree People Reese Oversized Shield Aviator SunglassesQuay Australia NO COMMENTJoopin Oversized Polarized SunglassesNow 20% OffSkip Dad Sandals—Swap for Thong Kitten HeelsAeon//Getty ImagesThere’s still a time and a place for Velcro straps, cork footbeds, and fisherman silhouettes, but those in the know favor thong kitten heels. The minimal design delivers instant polish, great for counterbalancing bolder outfit choices. In my opinion, the versatility trumps it all; they can be worn with barely-there mini dresses to oversized trousers.Project Cloud 100% Genuine Leather Fashion Kitten HeelsCUSHIONAIRE Riot Jelly Thong Kitten HeelsNow 33% OffSam Edelman Amie Kitten Heel SandalCredit: Sam EdelmanJessica Simpson Yuri SandalCredit: DSWAnthropologie Flip-Flop Kitten HeelsCredit: AnthropologieSkip Denim Cut-Offs—Swap for Bermuda Shorts​Raymond Hall//Getty ImagesDenim cut-offs are a must in any wardrobe—but they’re no longer the only summer short in the spotlight. Billowy bermuda shorts are catching the eyes of savvy shoppers, serving as a natural extension of the wide-leg pants and chic tailoring trends that have dominated recent seasons. Best of all? The style seamlessly makes the leap from office presentations to weekend brunch.Reformation Clara Silk Bermuda ShortCredit: ReformationAritzia Touchpoint ShortCredit: AritziaBanana Republic High-Rise Twill Bermuda ShortNow 40% OffZara Long Pleated Bermuda ShortsCredit: ZaraHOTOUCH Bermuda Shorts for WomenCredit: Amazon