By: Saije Rusimovici, Staff Writer
While fashion trends and fads are manufactured by fast fashion corporations to keep us buying, it can still be fun to join in on nostalgia for past eras, find second-hand dupes of popular items, and experiment with fun aesthetics. As we prepare our wardrobe for hot weather, here’s what I’ll be sweating in!
In: Coastal aesthetic
I might carry some personal bias towards this particular trend, but you have to admit there is something about styling outfits to carry you from hot summer days into breezy West Coast nights. Your colour palette is built of periwinkle, ivory, and soft beige; think white linen pants, loose-fitting collared shirts, and slip-on sandals covered in sand. Flowy paisley prints also go well with this look. Take a trip to your local thrift store for affordable finds. Throw a straw shoulder bag packed with a worn saltwater-kissed paperback book, fruit-infused water, and a large pair of sunnies over your shoulder and head to the nearest body of water. And don’t forget to bring your sunscreen — a Coastal Legend never forgets to take care of their skin.
Out: Low-rise pants
I know we were pushing for the Juicy Couture era to make a comeback for a while there, but do we really want it? I’m all for a good early 2000s trend, but jeans and cargos that fall below the belly button can be uncomfortable. There’s also something to be said about the unhealthy body standards, promoted in the emphasis on flat stomachs, accompanying this trend — body types do not “trend.” Don’t let any standard stop you from rocking them if they’re your style, but personally, they’re just not for me. I’ll be sticking to snug, high-waisted cutoffs this summer!
In: Tote bags
I’ve been obsessed with tote bags lately. What’s not to love? They come in a variety of sizes, styles, and colours that show off your interests or personality, like retro fonts, local organization logos, or your favourite pop culture icons. Not to mention they’re so practical and versatile. Tired of carrying around your laptop in a clunky backpack? Need a flexible spot to store your packed lunch? Grocery shopping after class? Throw it in the tote bag. I’ve made more trips to the library this month than in the last year, all because of how satisfying it feels to walk home with my tote bag full of books. Be sure to check out local sellers like kellybeanstudios and Cold Tea Collective to support small businesses!
Out: Platform shoes
Is it just me, or are these shoes unbearably uncomfortable? Personally, if my feet are going to be that far off the ground, I’m wearing heels. Platforms are heavy and impractical to walk in. These shoes can also draw attention away from the rest of your outfit. For some, this might be the goal (I, too, like to have my shoes in the spotlight sometimes). If you’re strong enough to endure this clunky shoe, props to you!
In: Sheer & sparkles
Only Taylor Swift fans could turn an album into a fashion trend. The Midnights aesthetic is all over Pinterest and summer music festivals like Coachella. These outfits are built around dark, moody, mysterious basics in black, navy, or purple, and studded with shimmering flecks of silver and gold. Glitter and rhinestones dance on silky skirts and mesh tops, “making the whole place shimmer.” Check out a tutorial by Alexandria Layne on YouTube to learn how to make your own version of Taylor’s iconic top. Wear it on a night out as the sun sets and the night sky settles — you will feel absolutely bejewelled.
Out: Baby tees
These cropped, tight t-shirts with phrases like “baby” and “cherry” come from the cute aesthetics of the late ‘90s and early 2000s — but they’ve lost their charm. The mass production of these mini shirts by fast-fashion companies like Shein have ruined the nuanced loveliness of the baby tee. Not to mention they are often poor in quality and last barely one machine wash (forget about putting them in the dryer, unless your intention was to make a napkin). A great alternative to achieving a cutesy, flirty aesthetic is to hunt down genuine vintage second-hand or crop shirts that may be too long. Or, like me, you could forego them all together because they’re just not your style!
