I think about trends a lot (it's my job, after all), but the truth is I'm quite picky about the trends I actually buy. The reason? The sheer number of outdated, "trendy" pieces I remove from my closet each season. Don't get me wrong—I still invest in plenty of trends, but I prefer to wait a bit before purchasing to see if said trend will stand the test of time (no one-season wonders for me), as I hate having to donate something I only wore a handful of times. But it happens, so before I add to my closet each season, I usually weed out the expiring trends that I know I'm done wearing (for the foreseeable future, at least).
For summer 2022, I've been busy shopping for bubblegum pink, baguette bags, longer shorts, and much more, so a closet clean-out was imperative. Scroll on to find out which summer trends sadly didn't make it into the "keep" pile and which ones sparked enough joy to stay.
Retiring: Super-Short Cutoffs
Keeping: Mid-Thigh Denim Shorts
I'm very happy to do away with my short shorts and replace them with pairs that are a little more modest. That said, I'm going for pairs that hit at mid-thigh this summer rather than Bermuda-length.
Shop mid-thigh denim shorts:
Levis' best-selling jeans now come in cutoffs.
The perfect relaxed fit.
I've been wearing this pair on repeat all summer.
Retiring: Bandeau Bikinis
Keeping: Underwire Bikinis
There's a time and a place for bandeau bikinis (when you're going for those minimal tan lines, for instance), but every time and place is for retro underwire bikinis, in my opinion.
Shop underwire bikinis:
Yep, it's reversible.
Shop the matching Ornate Borders Bikini Bottoms ($69).
This brand has all the good retro prints.
Shop the matching Escape Hoop Bikini Bottoms ($110).
An instant wardrobe staple.
Shop the matching Uma Core Smile Bikini Bottoms ($40).
Retiring: Shell Jewelry
Keeping: Colorful Beaded Jewelry
I wore so much shell jewelry over the past few summers that I've amassed quite the collection. I learned from that mistake and am now diversifying my jewelry archive.
Shop beaded jewelry:
Makes any outfit more fun.
So delicate.
An instant mood-booster.
Retiring: Neon
Keeping: Bubblegum Pink
I gave the neon trend the old college try, but I ultimately decided it's a little too loud for me. Luckily, I predict that it won't be around much longer. Shades of bubblegum pink, on the other hand, are all I want to wear this summer.
Shop bubblegum pink:
These are peak Barbiecore.
To wear over a swimsuit or with denim shorts.
Obsessed is an understatement.
Retiring: Simple Knit Dresses
Keeping: Slip Dresses
If I'm going to wear dresses this summer, I'd rather wear a versatile one. Even better is a '90s-inspired slip, which is a trend that continues to dominate.
Shop slip dresses:
A closet classic.
This color is so stunning.
A hint of Y2K.
Retiring: Straw Bags
Keeping: Baguette Bags
I strongly believe that straw bags will always be a major thing again, so I'm not getting rid of all of them to make room for under-the-arm baguettes, but I'm certainly reducing my collection of the oversaturated bag trend.
Shop baguette bags:
The It bag that just won't quit.
An everyday luxury.
Want!
This looks far pricier than it is.
Retiring: "Tourist" Sandals
Keeping: Cushy Flip-Flops
I didn't think I'd care for this sandal trend, but I've already bought two pairs (and counting). I still have a few pairs of sporty Velcro sandals, but these cushy thongs feel so fresh this summer.
Shop cushy flip-flops:
The pair that started it all.
The best quality sandals in the game.
Such a good deal.
Add a hint of trendiness to all your summer 'fits.
Next: 9 Summer Trends We're Skipping and 9 We're Buying Immediately
