Trends in fashion change like the weather. Each season, there is a different trend. Shopping for these trends can be expensive. To keep a versatile wardrobe that fits any trend, keep a few key pieces from each season's wardrobe that can be altered or elaborated with accessories as most trends repeat themselves.
Gladiator Sandals
Gladiator sandals are those that lace up, typically with leather, to the knees. Most styles of gladiator sandals have high, thin heels and thin soles. These are ideal for evenings out on the town with a special someone or wanting to make a statement at a major event. When the gladiator sandals are planned, always bring a pair of sensible shoes that will fit into your bag in case you need to make a change of plans.
Denim Mini-Skirts
Denim never seems to go out of style. Denim mini-skirts, especially those with an tapered front or rear cut-outs are the hottest options this summer. Light colored denim seems to be the shade-of-choice in the summer of 2016. The benefit of denim mini-skirts is that it can be dressed up or down to fit into any type of occasion. Consider accessorizing denim with leather as it is a classic combination.
Flatform Shoes
It seems that comfort is a theme for footwear this summer. Flatform shoes are basically a combination of sneakers and platform shoes. The soles are thick, but flat rather than conforming to the natural shape of a foot and without raised heels. These are great for a night out with friends dancing or when out for a long evening walk with a someone special.
Beads
Beads have been used since the early 15th Century to adorn the body. Beads are also strung onto clothes for intricate embellishments, sparkle, and personality. Modern designs include beaded patterns along pocket seams on jeans and pants or beaded necklines on tops. The use of beads to complement colors or accent focal points on clothing is a hot trend this summer.
T-Shirts under Spaghetti Straps
Gwen Stefani wears this look and makes it look natural. Celebs are catching on and are seeing that a plain-colored t-shirt (usually white in color) under a spaghetti strap dress or slip dress is a popular trend. The trend doesn't have to be stuck to just dresses. T-shirts can be worn under spaghetti strap tops with a nice pair of jeans for a casual look just as easily.
Sheer Tops
The "almost naked" look from sheer fabric has trended for a couple of summers now. Some have sequins, beads or alternative types of material covering unmentionable body parts. It is a good idea to have a jacket available in case you get a little chilly or get too many stares. This trend is fun, but also needs to be done in the right way to look elegant.
Victorian-Style Dresses
The Victorian era brought beautifully designed clothes that remain timeless. In most designs, taffeta or chiffon material are used to create flowing layers of ruffles or dimension to the dress. Although the dresses do look heavy, they are rather lightweight and allow your body to breathe plenty, even on the most humid summer days.
Patchwork
Patchwork, similar to the quilt your grandmother made when you were a child, designs are popular this summer. Most of the time the patchwork pieces are worn as a skirt or loose jacket to dress up a casual outfit like jean shorts and a tank top, for example. It is important to not mix and match different patchwork pieces in the same outfit. Pick only one piece and wear that with solid colors.
Mini-backpacks
Women have more to carry around these days with most of the world being mobile and busier. A mini-backpack is ideal for busy moms and businesswomen. You can pack a lot into a small backpack and toss it over your shoulder to carry. These are great for weekend camping trips, plans with friends in packed venues, and days at the beach.
Crocheted Items
Crocheting is not just for blankets and baby booties. Crocheted clothes, mostly dresses and tops, are trending this summer. The tight patterns may look solid, but each loop has a tiny hole in it, which allows for airflow to keep you cool on hot summer nights.
Closing Thoughts
If you don't have a huge shopping budget, some of this summer's trends are likely available at a local vintage clothing shop, thrift store, or consignment shop. Clothes that look like they were made decades ago, and some of them were, tend to trend in the summer time. Keep a little stockpile of your wardrobe to dress it up to meld into each new season.