32 Trendy Summer Pieces Under $100 We’re Buying Right Now
8 min read
Just because our summer plans are currently on hold doesn’t mean we can’t still indulge in a little wardrobe update. No, we won’t be stocking up on strappy heels or cocktail dresses, but there are still some comfy, easy trends we plan to indulge in. Best of all, you don’t need to spend a fortune to start sporting summer’s best styles. Here, 32 trendy pieces under $100 that will revive your warm-weather wardrobe.
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Step aside, short shorts. This is the year of the long Bermuda short (thank god). The extended inseam means you won’t have to worry about looking like a camp counselor, as they lend a more sophisticated feel than leg-baring styles. Silhouettes that are a bit looser tend to be more flattering, so avoid pairs that look like cut-off skinny jeans.
1. Vero Moda City Shorts with Belt
The matching belt is removable should you want a simpler look or if you’d rather wear it over a dress or jacket instead.
Available in sizes XS to XL
Long-legged ladies, this pair is for you. The 10-inch inseam is definitely long enough to look like a real Bermuda short on your frame, plus there’s a matching blazer ($125), if you want to rock a full shorts suit.
Available in sizes 0 to 14
Yes, you could opt for regular beige linen, but this pale mint hue is every bit as versatile and significantly more fashion-forward.
Available in sizes 14 to 24
We like to think of bike shorts as the athleisure version of Bermudas. Or summer’s answer to the leggings and sweats you’ve been wearing for two months straight. If the spandex style is new to you, we suggest starting with a classic black pair and wearing them with a longer tee, sweatshirt or tunic top before graduating to bold prints or bright colors.
4. Girlfriend Collective High-Rise Bike Short
These best-selling shorts are made from fabric that is both recycled and recyclable. Plus. it comes in ten different colors and is offered up to a size 6XL. What’s not to love?
Available in sizes XXS to 6XL
One step beyond plain black spandex, these monochrome shorts are best paired with other sporty pieces, like a cropped sweatshirt o
r loose long-sleeve tee, rather than more formal tops, like a silk tunic.
Available in sizes XXS to XXL
Don’t worry, this camo pair from Spanx is not nearly as constricting as the brand’s beloved shapewear. You will get all the same smoothing and shaping technologies just with way more breathing room.
Available in sizes XS to 1X, and 2X to 3X
Ready to embrace this comfy trend all out? Try an animal print pair of bike shorts, worn with solid-hued basics and some chunky sneakers.
Available in sizes XS to L
Has your Instagram been flooded with photos of everyone you know rocking tie-dye sweat suits? Same. And the ‘60s pattern shows no sign of slowing down any time soon.
8. T.La Martha Flutter-Sleeved Tee
Swap your go-to sweatshirt for a lightweight T-shirt as the weather starts to warm up. (It will still look adorable paired with your beloved tie-dye sweatpants, we’re sure.)
Available in sizes XS to 3X
Wear them with a plain white tee or, if you’re really into the tie-dye vibe, you can pick up the matching tank top, sports bra or long-sleeve tee. (Heck, with that many options you could rock this blue and green pattern all week long.)
Available in sizes XS to XL
Why pick just one pastel when you can rock three at once?
Available in sizes XS to L
This summer’s statement sleeve is not so super-sized, but instead has a romantic, cottagecore vibe. Basically, it’s time you tried out the princess puff.
11. Eloquii Puff Sleeve Square Neck Peplum Top
The elasticized neckline on this cutie can actually be pulled down to create either a one-shoulder or off-the-shoulder silhouette, making it kind of like getting three tops for the price of one.
Available in sizes 14 to 28
The lace insert and high-neck give this buttercup yellow top a Victorian feel that balances well with an pair of light wash jeans.
Available in sizes XS to XXL
For the woman who is constantly asking, “but does it come in black?” Bonus: The moody hue tempers some of preciousness that comes with such a voluminous silhouette.
Available in sizes 0 to 10
Forget black-and-white checked pants, this year we’ll be rocking the picnic print from head to toe in the form of…this blouse.
Available in sizes 0 to 12
Chain-link necklaces in particular are having a major moment, although what started as a movement toward oversize chunky links has pivoted toward thinner, more delicate styles thanks to one Irish heartthrob that we met on Hulu. Okay, to be honest we’re not really sure who is the bigger breakout star from Normal People, Daisy Edgar-Jones, Paul Mescal or Connell’s chain necklace.
15. Gorjana Parker Wrap Necklace
Take all the guesswork out of layering necklaces with a single piece that you can wrap a few times and voilà! A gorgeous layered look with little to no effort.
According to the shopping platform Lyst, searches for “chain necklaces” spiked within 24 hours of Normal People dropping on Hulu and have continued to grow every week since.
This gold-tone stunner perfectly meshes the toughness of an oversize link with a more delicate appeal.
Available on June 4, 2020
Four necklaces in one, just without any frustrating tangling or knotting.
While we certainly hope stay-at-home orders begin to lift soon so we can enjoy our summer to the max, we’ve gotten pretty used to prioritizing comfort over style these past few weeks. In particular, our feet have loved wearing nothing but Crocs, sliders and other basic but supportive kicks. You can expect that trend to continue, with chunky-soled sandals, Birkenstocks and solid walking shoes replacing last year’s strappy heels and minimalist sandals.
19. Papillio by Birksenstock Arizona Birko-Flor Slide Sandals
Platform Birkenstocks? You bet. And yes, they’re every bit as good for your feet as their thinner predecessors.
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Sure, you could opt for a more classic all-black or, if you’re a real minimalist, an all-white version pair of Tevas. But we’re obsessed with the gorgeous mix of turquoise, cream and rust on this platform pair that have a definite Wild West spin.
Who knew the general public would ever become so enamored with Crocs again? (Other than executive editor Dara Katz, that is.)But the clunky, waterproof footwear adored by chefs and nurses having a major moment. If the classic sling-back silhouette isn’t really your style, don’t fret—there are a ton of other options that offer the same support but with a bit more of a fashion edge.
If you really, really miss the strappy sandals of yore, try a pair with wider and more strategically placed straps. This style from Hawaiian brand Olukai was designed to maximize foot support, both in the footbed and with the placement of the straps.
Between tie-dye, Tevas and now jewelry with a DIY appeal, we’re clearly feeling nostalgic for our youth. Brightly colored beads, funky charms and lanyards abound and are particularly en vogue when worn in stacks of three or more.
23. Serefina Sunshine Stretch Bracelet
Whether you decided to mix and match for an eclectic look or keep things neat with three of the same, these bracelets are delicate enough to not feel quite so juvenile while still giving you a bold pop of color.
We likely have Roxanne Assoulin, a fashion-industry favorite, to thank for the resurgence of brightly beaded jewelry. While many pieces come in over $100 (especially if you’re looking to buy a set), these dainty beauties won’t break the bank and will give you plenty of styling options.
For those who like to wear their heart on their sleeve. Or their wrist, we suppose.
Whether you decide to give the second style to your BFF or keep it for yourself is entirely up to you.
Buy it ($38; $30 for set of two)
These easy, breezy frocks are a sort of halfway point between a full tent dress and a frilly ruffled number. They have a bit more structure than the billowing tents of summer 2019 but are still incredibly comfortable.
27. Madewell Tie-Sleeve Tiered Midi Dress
We’re obsessed with this gorgeous tomato red hue. Plus, the puff sleeves are a nice double-trend bonus.
Available in sizes XXS to 3X, also in petite
You might not think of plaid as a particularly summery print but when created with a pop of blush pink, it fits right in with the rest of your florals, polka dots and stripes.
Available in sizes 0 to 14
While you can certainly rock a maxi version of this trend, we prefer mini and midi lengths so you can show off your stems and avoid turning into a shapeless blob.
Available in sizes 12 to 20
The days of tiny Matrix-style sunglasses are behind us, a fact we are more than happy to shout from the rooftops. In their place we’re seeing a rise in not just oversize frames, but specifically square styles with slightly rounded edges.
30. Diff Carson 53mm Polarized Square Sunglasses
A larger lens and thicker frame means even more protection from the sun’s harmful rays (you know, in addition to your sunscreen).
This is like the square version of a cat-eye. Plus, if they’re good enough for Chrissy Teigen, they’re certainly good enough for us.
Just because we’re seeing a return to a more classic style doesn’t mean you have to stick to black or tortoiseshell. Semi-sheer pink is just as chic (and infinitely more fun).
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