13 Trends Stylists Say to Leave in Spring, and 13 to Bring Into Summer
These expert-approved picks start at $14.
Real Simple / Marcus Millan
Whether you're committed to incorporating new trends into your summer wardrobe or prefer sticking with the classics, it can be hard to strike the perfect balance when trying to equip yourself for a new season. That's why we turned to 12 styling experts to help us figure out how to seamlessly transition our closets from spring to summer.
For stylish and affordable pieces, we looked to Amazon to help us build a solid seasonal wardrobe without shelling out an arm and a leg—and we weren't disappointed. Keep scrolling to find out 13 items to leave behind and what to take into summer instead.
Top Stylist Recommended Amazon Summer Fashion Buys
Out: Tight LeggingsInstead: Breezy Palazzo Pants
Amazon
$26
Buy on Amazon
"Connecting great style and comfort can be a challenge during the hot, dry, or humid months of summer, but not to worry if you have a pair of pull-on easy, breezy wide-legged palazzo pants in your Summer wardrobe," Brenda Cooper, stylist of the iconic 90's hit TV show, The Nanny, tells us. "Leave those tight, constricting leggings in the drawer, and let your legs be free as you float through your day wearing lightweight, flowy palazzo pants in either a fabulous print or solid color. They're so quick and easy to combine; simply add a tank top, cropped or regular, and a summer flat, either a bejeweled dressy number or a simple thong. Your palazzo pants can go to a cocktail party, poolside party, or even the beach."
Out: Long SleevesInstead: Tank Tops
Amazon
$18
Buy on Amazon
Cooper insists on leaving your long sleeves behind and embracing warmer temperatures with the ultimate tank top. “Versatility is an essential pillar of my style philosophy, and this elongated tank offers several options for the price of one! I like tanks to cover the hip and butt areas which creates a smoother and more flattering line to your look. That, in turn, allows you to wear this tank not only with pants, shorts, or a skirt but also as a beach cover-up or mini dress with a pair of fabulous sneakers, flip-flops, or summer sandals. It's your number one summer go-to item for hot, balmy days, and to shorten it to regular length, tuck it under to high hip length."
Out: NavyInstead: Sky Blue
Amazon
$27
Buy on Amazon
"Navy is a classic color for any stylish woman's spring wardrobe, but the big news for summer is sky blue," explains Shari Braendel, founder and CEO of Style by Color. "It was a prominent shade during Paris Fashion Week and looks crisp when worn with red instead of traditional navy. This sky blue top with a V-neck has a flowy fit is perfect for the summer temps."
Out: Animal PrintsInstead: Flowy Florals
Amazon
$18
Buy on Amazon
Celebrity red carpet fashion expert Melissa Rivers wants you to leave behind harsh animal prints for soft florals instead. "Animal prints always ebb and flow and often reappear in fashion, but I haven't seen much of the trend this season," she reveals. "Something that I've been seeing everywhere is floral prints and I've been loving it. They're so feminine and give off European-summer vibes. Definitely invest in a few pieces this summer."
Out: Pleated SkirtsInstead: Skorts
Amazon
$30
Buy on Amazon
Keep your athleisure wear up-to-date. According to Shana Draugelis, founder of The Mom Edit, "tenniscore is coming on so strong for summer (thanks, in no small part, to Zendaya's style in Challengers).” She added, “We're ditching spring's pleated skirts for skorts. Lean into the tenniscore look by pairing your skort with an oversized polo shirt, or make it more refined with a boxy linen tank—I also like a monochromatic moment for an easy and chic look."
Out: Oversized BlazersInstead: Floral Kimono Cardigan
Amazon
$15
Buy on Amazon
CEO of OpenLuxury, James Firestein, thinks it's the optimal time to drop your bulky, oversized blazers for something more lightweight and versatile. "While chic and stylish during the transitional weather, loose blazers can feel heavy and overwhelming come summertime. Instead, I recommend welcoming breezy kimonos and dusters into your closet this summer. These lightweight layers perfectly complement the warm weather by providing a bit of coverage while still allowing your skin to breathe. An airy, floral kimono adds a pop of color and femininity to any summer outfit. Pair it with a tank and shorts for a casual daytime look, or throw it over a sundress in the evening. The kimono is a summer must-have that seamlessly transitions from day to night."
Out: Little Black DressInstead: Little White Dress
Amazon
$23
Buy on Amazon
This season, we're waving goodbye to the little black dress and making room for the little white dress instead. At least, Jennifer Ann Johnson, founder of True Fashionistas, argues so. "The white sundress is always a perennial favorite, and white is hot this summer," she begins. "I love to pair a little white dress with a faded denim jean jacket for a more casual laidback look or throw on a colorful blazer or cardigan for a more professional look. White looks good on everyone as long as you accessorize; think colorful shoes and great jewelry."
Out: Bulky PlatformsInstead: Strappy Sandals
Amazon
$24
Buy on Amazon
"While platform shoes can add height, they can also appear too heavy and clunky on petite frames, disrupting the proportionate look you aim for," says Avonne Thompson of Ever Petite. "Strappy sandals are a summer must-have. They provide a subtle lift without overwhelming your frame, maintaining a delicate and proportionate look. These sandals are simple yet stylish, with a design that elongates your legs and complements a variety of outfits. They can be paired with dresses, skirts, shorts, and jeans, making them a versatile addition to your summer wardrobe."
Out: Flat PastelsInstead: Metallics
Amazon
$14
Buy on Amazon
Celebrity stylist Michelle Barrett advises that you should let go of soft pastel shades for pieces that are edgier and eye-grabbing, like fun metallic accessories, from bags to shoes. "Go for gold if your coloring is warm and silver if it is cool," she suggests. "Summer metallics are more muted this year, in soft, almost beige/gold shades. Team them with simple neutral colors like white, brown, and cognac."
Out: Skinny JeansInstead: Wide-Leg Cropped Jeans
Amazon
$40
Buy on Amazon
"Say goodbye to your spring skinny blue jeans and hello to these trendy wide-legged cropped jeans for summer," stylist Linda Stamko tells us. "These wide-legged denim jeans from Amazon are a summer essential. The high waist makes them both on-trend and figure-flattering. Stay stylish and chic in the heat by pairing them with a colorful tank top and flats for a laid-back look, or dress them up with high-heeled sandals for a more polished vibe."
Out: An Array of Bold BrightsInstead: Soft White
Amazon
$42
Buy on Amazon
According to the founder of The Haute Edit, Amanda Wood, "The bold and bright colors we saw in early Spring" are being replaced with "soft white as a mainstay to bring into summer.” Wood also says, “Your go-to's here will be pieces with clean lines, like a white T-shirt paired with soft white straight-leg jeans, a tan belt, and your tan sandals for timeless style."
Out: MaximalismInstead: Minimalism
Amazon
$26
Buy on Amazon
Stylist Nina Vargas states, "Neon colors are ready to be left behind as your styling and classic basics will stay with you year after year and can be worn over and over again." It's time for timeless neutrals and classic nudes to take their place in your closet. "These will always be in and worth wearing season to season because they are staples for a range of outfits and occasions." She says embracing minimalism in your closet "will get your bang for your buck!"
Out: Midi SkirtsInstead: Maxi Skirts
Amazon
$30
Buy on Amazon
"While midi skirts are still great, especially for certain heights and body types, maxi skirts are dominating the summer season, whether silk or denim if you want to make an update," asserts Liz Wendler, a style coach. "Maxi skirts offer a streamlined sophistication and a simple yet refined look paired with a tank top and sandals. As the weather heats up, a maxi skirt offers a flowy and comfortable elegance. It's more versatile than a dress since it can be added to a wardrobe capsule to be paired with a tank top, bodysuit, or a T-shirt."
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