5 best Summer 2024 fashion trends, according to an expert

With the official start of summer just a few weeks away, it’s time to say “goodbye” to the cozy sweaters you’ve been living in and say “hello” to your warm weather wardrobe.

Based on the styles we’ve seen from fashion week and the spring trends on social media, you might have an idea of the summer dress code. This past spring, we’ve noticed ballet flats, crochet dresses and colorful accessories in the mix. But for the summer, they’ll be making a comeback, except with more textures to play with, and styles you can wear to the tennis court and errands.

What are some of the trends you can expect? Tenniscore, vests, pleats/textures and red accessories are what you should see this summer, and our style expert, Rajni Jacques, recently shared with TODAY ways to style each with some of her top picks. Plus, we included some of our own favorites based on her advice.

Read on to discover these trends and their must-have pieces.

Seen on TODAY | More styles to shop | How we chose

Best summer fashion trends seen on TODAY

Tenniscore

Artizia TnaMOVE Overhand Pleated Skirt

Tennis skirts aren’t just for the court. When paired with a dressy top, you can easily get away with wearing it to your next girl’s trip. Tenniscore is making headlines this summer because it’s simple to put together, suggests Jacques, and just requires the right accessories to make it appear intentional. “[It]…gives quiet luxe,” she notes, since the trend is “all about understated silhouettes and colors.”

Mango Mesh Ballerinas with Buckle Strap

Ballerina shoes continue to be a popular footwear for the summer, but with a twist: mesh fabric. Spring has seen this style, but summer should expect it, too.

Editor’s note: Since Jacques’ pick is out of stock, shop the alternative color in the same style below:

Aritzia Posh Tube Top

We are instantly drawn to the princess seams on this tube top because it shapes and flatters the silhouette. But most notably, we love that it is made from the brand’s beloved Japanese crepe fabric, which should feel breezy and comfortable on — and, according to the brand, it hardly wrinkles.

Uniqlo 3D Knit Mesh Long-Sleeve Cardigan

Layer the cardigan with a contrasting or monochromatic top to tie the tenniscore trend all-together. Jacques suggests this pick from Uniqlo for its texture, as it adds “some weight to the look” since her other picks have a smoother fabric. Plus, the lightweight fabric means you can wear it for those cooler summer nights, too.

Aritzia New Izzy Cardigan

What we love most about this cardigan is that it can easily be worn on its own since it has all the structure and warmth to stand out. But unbuttoning it can turn the top into a cropped layering piece over Jacques’ suggested top or one of your own.

Vest tops

Aritzia Denim Forum The ‘90s Mia Denim Vest

“I love how this vest is structured denim,” says Jacques. “It makes something that is usually reserved for ‘suiting’ more accessible.” The vest is also in a classic, v-neck structure that “cinches in the waist to create a modern, Victorian-esque look.” You’ll surely feel confident in it.

Aritzia Sunday Best Bubbly Poplin Skirt 

Bubbly skirts are totally back, and make this look more romantic to wear. Opt for the green, white or black shades to pair with the vest and have on rotation this summer. “It’s such a versatile look — you can dress it up (slacks) or keep it casual (linen skirt, or a fun bubble skirt),” notes Jacques.

Mango Platform Strap Sandals

Add a little pep into your step with a platform sandal. This pick from Mango combines a strappy and thong sandal into one for an elevated (literally) design.

Uniqlo Square Sunglasses

We can’t have summer without a good pair of sunnies! Since this look is filled with neutrals, the colored lenses in this Uniqlo pair adds a pop of color.

Pleats and textures

Gap Pleated Tiered Maxi Dress

“Think of this as your remixed pleats — pleats for summer as I like to call it,” says Jacques. “I love this because it’s not only pleated but it’s also tiered.” The dress also comes in regular, tall and petite lengths for XXS-XXL, depending on the length.

Gap Patchwork Denim Shirt

Although we might be used to the warm sun during the summer, sometimes the weather can be unexpected. Layer this denim skirt over the pleated dress, for instance, or use it as a piece to add texture to the fit.

Madewell The Mena Slide Sandal

“With this full look we truly wanted to play with textures as well,” says Jacques. While the denim shirt adds a mix of fabric, the weaving of these Madewell Sandals is a complimentary contrast to the apparel. And according to the brand, the sandals have some padding for extra cushion.

Aritzia Babaton Curator Bag

To pair with the braided sandals is Aritzia’s Curator Bag, which is quilted throughout from a lightweight fabric. You’ll have enough space to carry all of your essentials inside, but the design of it is too cute to pass up.

Red accessories

Gap Linen-Cotton Tote Bag

The ruby red color will add some flare to your wardrobe, especially if you’re like us and prefer neutrals. But what’s especially nice about Gaps Tote Bag is that while it might compliment your outfit well, it holds tons of room for all of your belongings and more.

Gap Vegan Leather Belt

Compliment your red tote bag with a red belt. Jacques’ personal favorite is Gap’s, which just so happens to be highly rated by reviewers for its fit and quality.

Madewell The Crocheted Shoulder Bag

Nothing is more summer-y than crochet. To take part in the trend, Jacques recommends this crochet tote bag from Madewell that comes in a vibrant red hue.

Madewell Danika Knotted Sandal

One thing about Madewell is that the brand hardly misses when it comes to accessories, especially footwear. These open-toe sandals are swift to slip on and are supported by the unique knotted design on the upper.

Madewell The Greta Ballet Flat

Madewell says the updated Greta Ballet Flat is suitable for all kinds of weather, warm conditions included, offering padding on the soles and natural stretch so that you have room with every step.

More summer fashion trends to shop

Style expert Melissa Chataigne previously joined Hoda & Jenna to share inexpensive ways to refresh your closet so you can walk out this summer with confidence. Plus, we included some of our favorite picks based on our experts’ recommendations.

Abercrombie & Fitch YPB motionTEK Lined Pleated Skirt

When it comes to tenniscore, you can never have too many tennis skirts. One of our favorites is this one from Abercrombie, which comes lined, pleated and in multiple colors for each size.

Zara Mini Crossbody Bag

Zara’s Mini Crossbody Bag is at a reasonable price point for a bag that you’ll surely wear all-year long. And for just $3 more, you can personalized the bag with your initials in a color of your choice.

Steve Madden Hayden Leather Sandal

The cut out details in the Steve Madden Hayden Sandal add both texture and flare to your modern sandal. The only trouble you should have with these is choosing one of the 13 colors to wear.

Madewell The Petite Harlow Wide-Leg Pant in 100% Linen 

You can also wear pleats in your trousers, with this pick from Madewell having a bit of pleat through the top of the pant leg. Although this is the petite version, Madewell also offers it in regular, tall and plus.

Meshki Cotton Button Up Shirt

This button up shirt adds a contemporary flare to the classic with long sleeves, cropped length and long cuffs. And while it is long-sleeved, the top is crafted from cotton so you can trust it will be breathable to wear even in warmer conditions.

Aritzia Sunday Best Bubbly Mini Poplin Skirt

We loved the midi version of Aritzia’s Bubbly Skirt that we had to recommend the shorter version, too. It’s crafted from the same fabric but in a low-rise waistband.

Aritzia Contour Sterling Halter Bodysuit

Although red accessories are trending, you can also add red to the rest of your attire, too. Pair this Aritzia bodysuit with any bottom of your choosing to dress it up or down. You’ll won’t want to take it off since the Contour fabric is incredibly smooth and like “second-skin,” according to the brand.

Alo Yoga Tennis Club Sweater Knit Skirt

To add some variation to your new tennis skirt collection, Alo Yoga offers their’s in a matching knit version that’s just as cozy as it looks. We can’t help but mention that it is high-rised and has built-in short — everything you’d want in a skirt.

Old Navy Linen-Blend Vest

Whether it be a denim or linen vest, the vest style isn’t going anywhere this summer. Score this one from Old Navy at an affordable price point in both red and oat.

Meshki Leonora Sleeveless Suiting Mini Dress

Meshki recently released their Dolce Vita collection inspired by Italian summers and most notably, la dolce vita — the sweet life. The collection is filled with romantic and breezy styles you’ll want to wear on your next trip. We especially adore this ruffled hemmed dress from the collection, which suits every vibe.

Abercrombie & Fitch Crochet-Style V-Neck Mini Dress

Crochet, crochet, crochet! That’s all that we will be wearing this summer, especially this number from Abercrombie that comes in various lengths and sizes.

Garnet Hill Short-Sleeve Weekender Tee

One summer piece that never goes out of style year-after-year is the short-sleeve T-shirt. This tee will fit seamlessly into your wardrobe and can be paired with practically any bottom. It is also available in 11 colors, so you can choose what works best with your personal style.

Bsubseach Rayon Beach Cover-Up

Chataigne loves this stylish flowy duster for adding a pop of color to a monochrome look. Available in a variety of fun patterns and colors, you can select the one that speaks to you and wear it to the beach, or as a wrap over other staples.

Madewell The Gabi Thong Slide Sandal

It’s about to be flip flop season! Since summer 2024 is all about red accessories, style your beachwear and other casual attire with Madewell’s bright red strappy thong sandals.

Abercrombie & Fitch Pleated Mini Sweater Dress

Combine two great summer trends together — tenniscore and pleats — and you get Abercrombie’s sweater dress. The pleated detailing on the skirt with the high neck detailing instantly reminds us of what we’d see on the court.

Poppy + Sage Camilla Bag

This round rattan straw shoulder bag sells out weekly according to the brand — and it is clear to see why. Rattan is a trending texture for the summer and this chic bag is the perfect way to get in on this fashion must-have.

Poppy + Sage Straw Sun Visor

A great hat is a summer essential, and this handwoven hyacinth straw visor is the perfect go-to for protection from the sun. Whether you are hanging by the pool or spending a day on the beach, it will elevate your look, effortlessly.

How we chose

The Shop TODAY team spoke with style experts in the fashion industry, including Global Head of Fashion and Beauty at Snapchat Rajni Jacques and stylist Melissa Chataigne, to gain insight into the latest summer fashion trends, as well as tips for proper styling.

We then scoured the internet and chose shopper-loved items that met the guidelines provided by the experts. We also shared a few of our personal favorites.