Now that I’m back from England and summer is on the horizon, I’ve been taking stock of which spring styles are sticking around and what’s new for the season ahead. We don’t usually see anything radically different this time of year, but mainstream retailers often introduce fresh colors and a few fun micro-trends that help keep things feeling current.
When I round up seasonal trends, I try to focus on styles that feel wearable for women in their 40s, 50s, and beyond. I browse sites like Evereve, LOFT, J.Crew, and Anthropologie to see what they’re featuring and how they’re styling it all, then cross-check with trend reports to see what the “experts” are predicting. From there, I pull together a list of trends that feel modern, flattering, and easy to wear. So let’s get into it!
New (and Noteworthy) for Summer 2025
These are some of the most wearable summer fashion trends I’m seeing for 2025, and the ones I’m most likely to incorporate into my summer wardrobe.
1. Bold Color: Red (and Other Eye-Catching Brights)
photo credit: EVEREVE
Red is everywhere this summer—from bright cherry to deep crimson—and it’s not alone. Bold shades like cobalt blue, tangerine, and hot pink are holding strong too. If your closet leans neutral (like mine does), adding a pop of red—or another saturated hue—is an easy way to freshen things up. Want to go bolder? Try a monochromatic outfit in one standout color for a fun, fashion-forward look.
2. Matching Sets
photo credit: Gap Factory
Matching sets continue to be a summer style staple, and I love how easy they make getting dressed. Whether it’s a linen top with coordinating shorts or a knit tank and midi skirt, these sets look intentional but feel just as effortless as throwing on a dress. Bonus: You can mix and match them with other pieces in your closet, which makes them great for travel or capsule wardrobes.
3. Crochet, Lace & Mesh Textures
photo credit: LOFT
We’re seeing lots of open-knit styles this season—crochet tanks, mesh-stitch sweaters, lace details on tops and skirts. It’s a nod to the handmade look, but done in a way that still feels polished. These textures are light, breathable, and perfect for layering over a tank or swimwear. If you’re not into full-on crochet, try a mesh-knit sweater in a pretty neutral—subtle but on trend.
4. Skirts Are Having a Moment
photo credit: Gap Factory
I’ll be honest, skirts aren’t my favorite. But they’re popping up more and more this season, especially sporty minis and flowy midis. I’m seeing them styled casually with graphic tees and sneakers or dressed up with blouses and strappy sandals. If you find the right length and fabric, they can be just as versatile as your favorite jeans or shorts.
5. Statement Jewelry
photo credit: Anthropologie
Minimalist jewelry isn’t going anywhere, but there’s definitely a shift toward bolder pieces this summer. Think oversized earrings, chunky cuffs, and colorful beaded necklaces. I love the way statement jewelry can make even the simplest outfit feel styled—just add a white tee and jeans, and you’re good to go.
6. Wide & Barrel Leg Pants Still Going Strong
photo credit: EVEREVE
Not exactly new, but wide-leg and barrel-leg pants are definitely sticking around. If you haven’t tried this silhouette yet, now’s a great time—especially with all the lightweight options in linen and cotton blends. They’re comfortable in the heat and surprisingly flattering when styled with the right top (think: something more fitted or tucked in to balance the volume).
I’ve also been hearing that capris are making a comeback, but I’m not seeing them widely available yet—at least not in the mainstream retailers I usually shop. If they do take off, I’ll be curious to see how brands update the fit and styling this time around.
You may also like my post: Top Summer Denim Trends for Women in 2025
7. Elevated Blouses for Casual Wear
photo credit: EVEREVE
We all love a good basic tee, but this summer, blouses are stepping into the spotlight. I’m seeing lots of pretty details—ruffles, pleats, embroidery, and textured fabrics—that add interest without being over the top. These are the tops you’ll reach for when you want to feel a little more dressed up but still stay cool and comfortable.
You may also like my post: Skip the Tee & Try These Fresh Spring Tops Instead
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28 Responses
Count me in for everything (except the bold jewelry)!!! I love red, like monochromatic dressing, love trouser jeans, love lace and crochet, love my light flowy maxi skirts, and love a pretty blouse with slacks. 🙂
Wow, your readers sure hate capris/pedal pushers! LOL… I love my new Mother capris…..I think they look good. Saw them in a few boutique stores recently. Are you finding that all the new tops are really cropped?! I did a “girls shopping day” yesterday and the three of us tried on so many tops and sweaters that were way too short. Frustrating! JCrew has a really cute new textured sweater tee (saw it in your links above) that we all tried on (and we are different heights and body types) but it didn’t work on any of us. Unless you are blessed with a super toned, flat, and stretch-mark-free tummy, who over 50 can wear the tops that show the midriff? The color we saw everywhere was YELLOW.
Did you see a lot of gingham, too? That pattern seems to be back and everywhere. I’m trying out Lulu align 17″ crops. My style is pretty casual and if I struggle to style them, I can work out in them 🙂
Hey- Yes, I saw some gingham out there- especially on dresses at both Anthropologie and Nordstrom, but not a ton.
I like the cropped LLL align!
I didn’t get an email today.
Me either which is the first time in years. I’m curious to see if the next one comes in.
I didn’t get an email either on Thursday 🙁
I didn’t either.
I didn’t
I didn’t receive an email Thursday or today.
I didn’t receive your email today. It is the 1st one that I have missed.
I didn’t get the email either, first one I’ve missed too!
Me either!
I received the May 29 email again today (Friday).
Me too Debbie R.
Thank you for such a great post. I also didn’t receive your email but I just went to your website.
I like them all. I have yet to see red T-shirts that I really like and don’t cost an arm and a leg. I’m also a capri hater. I cringe when I see pictures of me wearing them in the past. I was wearing them in a fashionable way but my legs looked so short even with wedge heels.
Terri, if you’re looking for graphic tees, I find them on Etsy. Lots of “mom and pop” print shops, and most are affordable prices. Especially since tshirts are not a category I feel a need to splurge on! As to quality, most shops will specify whether they’re using Comfort Colors, Bella Canvas, Gildan, etc. I also check reviews for quality and fit info. Be aware that if you’re buying seasonal/holiday tshirts, they typically mark them up in the weeks leading up to it; but if you’re not in a hurry they’ll be marked down a good bit after. If you save them in your “favorites,” you can go back and check the price later or even sign up for sale notifications.
Didn’t get today’s email either.
I love the trends for summer minus the bold jewelry. That’s just not me; but I look forward to wearing all the others. I’m trying to update my casual wardrobe, so this is helpful! Thanks for all you do.
I am loving the elevated blouses and crochet tops/sweaters!! I have finally strayed away from skinny jeans which was really hard for me but am now enjoying the straight leg styles! have not been able to find wide leg or barrel jeans that i like on my petite self! Lovng the nice bright reddish coral color that is out for the season!! Just wanted to say thank you for showing a variety of price points as I cannot always justify indulging in Evereve’s prices (especially since they seldom have sales!).
Not a fan of wide-leg, calf-length capris OR their cousin, the jort (shudder). But I love, love, love pedal pushers. So Audrey Hepburn in Italy 🙂 I would definitely get a pair.
I do like a pop of red in the summer.
Great round-up. Thanks.
I have been looking for a year for shorts that just skim the bottom of my knee. Not too wide and not to slim. Saw them in Vogue last summer or green, styled with a blazer. I was talking to a stylist in a retail store and remarking on all the capris, and I described what I was looking for. She said her sister reported that look was “all over Milan”! So there’s the answer: apparently I just have to wait another year for that length short/capri to make it across the pond.
(BTW, I can’t seem to find the “like” button on your substack. Any suggestions?)
It’s right near the bottom, under the share button. It’s pretty small and a light grey color!
It says
LIKE. COMMENT. RESTACK
I tried to attach a photo and it wouldn’t let me!
It’s nice to know what’s hot for the summer, other than the heat. Because the humidity is really bad here in the summer, the lighter weight fabrics are the best. It’s getting where my tops, in particular, can’t be on repeat due to how much I sweat.
I received yesterdays email today?
Why are skirts so hard to wear. I never buy them? I think I’ve received all your emails correctly. Now I’ll have to check. Don’t remember missing any. Late reading this.
Thanks for the update Jo-Lynne .
I love all the ones that you’ve listed except I’m not on board with the bold jewelry so much. I noticed that there’s a lot of seashells and summary pieces being styled. I’m currently looking at those to add to my summer collection. I’m not one to wear red or even use red accessories, but I do like I think it’s called Poppy red this year almost a very deep coral that can take on a red hue. I’ve been seeing that all over the place. I think it’s called Poppy or crush! I bought a dress and a sweater tank in that color!
I’m a definite no on capris but I must say I’m not seeing a lot of cropped jeans around either! 🤷♀️ do we just roll up our jeans ?
I was also so sorry to hear about the passing of your mother in law. Please accept my condolences to you and your family. It’s never an easy time.
Love this fashion round up. Thank you.