As the cold weather winds down and the days grow longer, we are all looking forward to shedding the layers while staying fashionable and on-trend. But with all of the summer weddings, concerts, and other events coming up, sometimes we aren’t sure what we have in our wardrobes to fit the bill. We hit up some of the most popular boutiques in NoVa to get their take on what’s in this season.
Corset Tops
With Bridgerton Season 2 now topping Netflix as the most-watched English-language program of all time on the platform, it’s no wonder dreamy and romantic corsets remain all the rage this summer. Katherine Glorioso Dress, of Arlington boutique Gossip on 23rd Street, says corsets have been selling out all spring at her store. And while donning a corset might not catch you a viscount, it will provide a stylish statement at your next wine & cheese or summer picnic.
‘70s Style
With its boho and whimsical nature, it’s no surprise that just as the summer is rolling around, 1970s fashion is coming back in a big way. It can be tempting to embrace your inner flower child and opt for a full ‘70s fit, disco glasses and all, but if you’d like to take more of a subtle inspiration, there are plenty of options to choose from. Alicia Russman, the owner of Undeniable Boutique in Fairfax, says she’s seeing a rise in patchwork prints, crochet tops, and, biggest of all, bell bottoms. With its easy breezy vibe, the 1970s is the perfect decade to take inspiration from this summer.
Lounge Sets
Probably the least surprising addition to this list, the lounge set trend continues to reign supreme. While athleisure was already big before COVID-19, the pandemic has amplified the trend. After being able to wear sweatpants to virtual meetings for two years, it’s no wonder we still want to be comfortable. And while sweat sets might be a little heavy for those humid summer days, terry cloth sets, which have been exploding on the market this season, make a perfect compromise between cooling and comfort.
Sweater Vests
Though sweater vests might not scream summer, they are continuing to sell out this season, Dress says. It’s likely this trend is somewhat inspired by the recent ‘dark academia’ aesthetic that has swept the Internet in recent months. Picture woolen cardigans, plaid prints, and embroidered blazers, and you’ve got dark academia. Participate in the trend in a subtle way this summer with a light cable knit sweater vest. Pair it with a casual pair of jeans and some loafers, and you have a casual dark academia-approved look.
The ‘Dressed-Up’ Look
I know, I know, we just said that lounge sets are still popular. But with mask mandates being lifted and summer events coming back in full swing, Russman says she’s seeing a huge resurgence in dressy tops, pants, and dresses. Floral summer dresses in particular are flying off the racks at her boutique, she says. Cut-out styles in dresses, rompers, and jumpsuits are also huge this season, perhaps representing a shift towards bolder style coming out of the pandemic.
Sustainable Fashion
While it might seem like sustainable fashion is inherently opposed to the trend cycle, there’s been a rise recently in sustainable fashion that both helps the planet and looks timeless, no matter the trend cycle we’re in. Even notorious fast fashion brands like H&M and Forever 21 have recently released sustainable fashion collections. Elyse Smith, the owner of thoughtfully sourced Leesburg boutique Muz & Rose, says she hopes for the sustainability trend to inspire people to dress with their individuality and personal style in mind.
Feature image, Alena Ozerova/stock.adobe.com
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