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 The sheer number of outdated, “trendy” pieces I remove from my closet each season.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 2021, 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
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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.
Retiring: Bandeau Bikinis Keeping: Underwire Bikinis
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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 the matching Gavin Bikini Bottoms ($80)
Shop the matching Daphne Bottoms ($88)
Shop the matching Palmero Bikini Bottoms ($95)
Retiring: Shell Jewelry Keeping: Colorful Beaded Jewelry
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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.
Retiring: Neon Keeping: Bubblegum Pink
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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.
Retiring: Simple Knit Dresses Keeping: Slip Dresses
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If I’m going to wear dresses this summer, I’d rather wear a versatile one. Even better, a ’90s-inspired slip, which is a trend that continues to dominate.
Retiring: Straw Bags Keeping: Baguette Bags
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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.
Retiring: “Tourist” Sandals Keeping: Cushy Flip-Flops
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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.
Next: 9 Summer Trends We’re Skipping and 9 We’re Buying Immediately