Your Summer Wardrobe Needs a Wake-Up Call—Swap in These Unexpected Trends

So, your summer style is feeling a tiny bit basic. Those denim cut-offs and five-year-old flip-flops have served you well, but your warm-weather wardrobe needs a boost overall. As a fix, you could explore a new direction with whatever trendy aesthetic TikTok is buzzing about—but, try as you might, a gruff, sea-faring fisherman just doesn’t resonate with who you are as a modern woman living on land.

Instead of scrapping your entire personal style and starting from scratch, swap out the staples that feel stale for a handful of summer 2025’s fresher trends. This way, you won’t experience a total closet identity crisis but will benefit from a few strategic updates that align your style more closely with what’s currently happening in fashion.

Denim shorts are a summer essential that never goes out of style, but now is the perfect time to retire the pair you’ve worn thin in favor of jean Bermudas, the season’s defining denim trend. Say goodbye to those rubber slides that are on the brink of falling apart and swap them for sleek toe-ring sandals that fashion insiders can’t get enough of. Your summer style will still reflect your personality, but with a fresher look unique to the '25 season. Keep scrolling to discover more trending swap suggestions that will rejuvenate your wardrobe.

Swap Breton Stripes for Plaid

There is nothing wrong with nautical, navy, and white Breton stripes. The print is synonymous with summer and the seaside and, as a classic, resides in fashion's untouchable hall of fame. But if you're seeking a more engaging print, plaid, an unexpected trend for summer 2025, offers greater intrigue. Think beyond classic picnic gingham and try pastel tartans, and if you're in a Y2K mood, consider Burberry's iconic check bikini, which is back in a big way.

Swap a Straw Tote for a Beaded Bag

If you've missed the TikTok videos about the viral $34.99 beaded lobster bag or haven't seen Gigi Hadid carrying Staud's signature bauble bag, beaded bags are experiencing a major surge in popularity. The summer '25 bag trend isn't meant to replace your straw totes—they'll always deserve a spot in your summer rotation—but serves as a more playful alternative. They're also a great beach bag since their beaded strands filter out sand while keeping your essentials secure.

Swap Flip-Flops for Toe-Ring Sandals

Flip-flops are another summer staple. I'm merely suggesting you set aside at least one pair for the '25 season and welcome a pair of trendy toe-loop sandals instead. They serve the same purpose as thong sandals by giving your feet some air, but their wrap-around toe design adds more intrigue than the usual Y-shaped strap. Bonus points for a pair with a metallic toe ring, as it does the accessorizing for you.

Swap Denim Cut-Offs for Tailored Bermuda Shorts

On the summer runways, splashed across celebrity street style, and selling quickly at today's top retailers, Bermuda shorts are, without a doubt, the bottoms to wear this season. While the longline silhouette might frighten some (no one can deny they are distinctly 'dad on vacation'-coded), this summer highlights the shorts’ versatility, with brands offering options that hit comfortably above the knee and are made of classic, crisp indigo.

Swap Leopard Spots for Polka Dots

Everyone loves leopard print—some maximalists claim it as a neutral. But after its continuous presence during last year's fashion month circuit, the feline-spotted print deserves a break. Polka dots are a welcome, equally eye-catching alternative to consider. Some designers use the pattern in bright and bold ways, combining colors that shouldn't work but surprisingly do. Others simplify the pattern with neutral shades and natural-looking dots, making it less eccentric and easier for the eyes to digest.

Swap Ballet Flats for Boat Shoes

This is not a call to toss your ballet flats forever. In fact, the trend continues to evolve and take new shapes (two words: ballet sneakers). For summer 2025, I merely suggest adding a pair of deck-ready boat shoes to your summer shoe lineup and reaching for them in the moments when you'd instinctively go for your pointe-proof Repetto flats. The loafer introduces a touch of outdoorsy prepster, adding a nuanced, fascinating element to play with. Think: boat shoes styled with relaxed linen pants or a frilly skirt that aligns with summer's boho fashion trend.

Swap Jelly Sandals for Garden Clogs

Yes, garden clogs are currently enjoying their moment in the spotlight. Thanks to several designer collaborations—see: Proenza Schouler x Sorrel—and celebrity endorsements—including Bella Hadid and, earlier this week, Jennifer Lawrence—the formerly frumpy shoe is receiving the fashion-forward treatment. If you were a fan of last summer's jelly sandals, consider putting the cute, childlike shoe on hold and trying the funky clog instead.

Swap a Bucket Hat for a Silk Scarf

As modish glamour gains traction among tastemakers, with retro-inspired beach outfits now populating Pinterest and Instagram feeds, you've likely seen the silk scarf trend. Tossed over your head and tied under your chin, a fresh foulard provides effortless elegance with one simple knot. That said, a silk scarf doesn't offer the same sun protection as a bucket hat or baseball cap, so keep an eye on the UV index when recreating Jackie Kennedy on the Italian Riviera.