Ask anyone what their go-to outfit is during a hot summer, and I'm willing to bet the most popular answer is “a white midi or maxi dress,” and don't we all have at least one in our closet? There's nothing wrong with wearing classics, of course, and I think that Never I'm a big fan of throwing away a perfectly good piece of clothing, but the dress I was so excited about when I bought it is starting to feel a little “samey,” and I'm actively looking for an alternative. In my role as fashion editor at Who What Wear, I pay close attention to street style for inspiration for my new outfits, and this year, I've noticed one trend in particular: fashionistas have stopped relying on summer dresses.
It's controversial, I know, but the days of being unable to travel to wear floral maxi dresses are over: from London to Lisbon, social media's best-dressed ladies are packing separates in their suitcases. And please, don't shoot the messenger.
I could go on and on about my love for dresses, but with this newfound awareness, I decided to talk about the seven summer fashion trends that have replaced them. Some are old favorites (linen is a wardrobe staple for a reason), others are brand new for 2024 (there's a '90s throwback that no one saw coming), but from pants to skirts (and a healthy selection of shorts), these are the pieces you'll notice the most now that you know what to look out for.
So whether you're a dress enthusiast eager to keep your outfits fresh, or you've already stocked up on mix-and-match bottoms and need some outfit inspiration, keep scrolling to see and shop the seven anti-dress trends the fashion crowd is rocking in 2024.
1. SHORT LONG
Style notes: In short, micro-hems are coming out in 2022 and this year, Bermuda shorts are in the spotlight. In denim, tailored, linen or cotton, the longer the shorts, the better. All you need to complete the look is a simple white tee or tank top and a pair of comfy ballet flats and you'll have nailed your casual look.
Buy long shorts:
Karen Millen
Fitted walking shorts with compact stretch seams
Ultra-high to fit perfectly at the waist.
These are perhaps the most perfect shade of blue.
Add a crisp white shirt and fisherman sandals for a 10/10 office look.
2. PANTS IN POP COLORS
Style notes:Remember when dressing up meant “jeans and a cute top”? Allow me to introduce you to the equally chic, the chic top and pants. Keep your outfit simple (like Tylynn’s perfect use of black) [pictured above]), and let a pair of statement pants make all the difference. No need for crazy prints or gimmicks when a pop of color seems so expensive, and whether you opt for pastels, jewel tones or brights, this easy formula is guaranteed to garner compliments.
Shop bold pants:
Nobody's child
Yellow casual tailored pants
The set looks great, but these pants will go with many pieces.
VICTORIA BECKHAM
Woven Tapered Pants
VB's color blocking perfection.
ME+EM
Extreme Tapered Utility Pants
The color caught my eye, but it was the silhouette that hooked me.
3. MAXI PENCIL SKIRTS
Style notes: Make way for the chic new skirt shape that's coming, and if you're wondering how to do summer at the office, this might just be the answer. Maxi skirts are always chic, but these sleek column skirts are like the boho skirt's grown-up big sister, but are more laid-back than the OG pencil skirt, so you can wear them on the weekends, too. Did I mention how great they'll look in the fall, too?
Buy long skirts:
Walk
Fitted wool blend skirt
I can't believe this product isn't already out of stock.
SILENCE
Farrah Column Long Skirt
Wear now with a tank top and in fall with a thick cardigan.
New look
High Waisted Midi Skirt with Stone Split Hem
This camel and white combination is just *chef's kiss*.
4. CHILDREN'S SKIRT
Style notes: It's always satisfying to see a trend you've been on board with for years continue to stick around, and for me that's the satin slip skirt. I've been wearing the same black slip skirt over and over for the past 4 years because it's truly one of the most enduring pieces in my wardrobe. Parties, shopping, dinners, work: these skirts do it all, and I'm screenshotting Leasy's shirt + skirt + sandals combo for later [pictured above]It's simple yet elegant, a winning combination that I'm determined to transform into a refined art.
Shop for slip skirts:
City
Vila satin long skirt in chocolate beige
M&S Collection
Midaxi satin slip skirt
Tank tops and sleeveless t-shirts really do go with everything, don't they?
Nobody's child
Mila Olive Green Satin Midi Skirt
So many different colors to choose from.
5. CORSAIRS PANTS
Style notes: It would be impossible to give a complete summary of 2024 without mentioning the capri, the pants once known as the “pedal pusher.” And yes, when we first heard the news, we had no idea how to wear them as women over the age of 7, but it’s now clear that the capri is much more than the pants worn by tweens. In the right hands, the calf-skimming pants can be the polished alternative to casual baggy shorts, just be sure to stick to a neat tailoring to keep the look as polished as possible.
Shop Capri Pants:
Mango is my go-to brand for capri pants and leggings.
MANGO
Side-slit Capri jeans
Seriously, they have the best range of colors and cuts on the market.
Monk
Stretchy Short Capri Pants with Front Slit in Black
I love the subtle slit detail in the front.
6. LINEN COORDINATES
Style notes: It’s not fair to call linen a “trend,” as it remains in vogue year after year. However, wearing linen in a coordinated outfit has become very trendy over the past three years, with cool girls everywhere pairing matching shorts and pants with oversized shirts as part of their summer rotation. But don’t worry if you stick to white, as the market has more options than ever, and you can find matching linen in almost every color imaginable.
Shop matching linen items:
DEIJI STUDIOS
Washed linen shirt and shorts set 03
COS
Wide linen pants with drawstring
NA-KD Classic
Wide linen pants
How beautiful this fresh sky blue is!
Without anything underneath
Weekend: Hemp, Navy Blue
WNU is an expert in breathable fabrics and flattering fits.
7. Sports shorts
Style notes: In case you missed it, tenniscore has been enjoying a style resurgence lately. Preppy sweaters, pleated skirts, baseball caps, and all-white ensembles have filled my feed, but the standout piece? The humble (and very retro) pair of sweat shorts, which are best paired with tees, polos, cardigans, and often a white tube sock and matching sneakers. It's unlikely we'll be working out in this outfit, but no one else needs to know that…
Buy sports shorts:
lululemon
Track That 3″ High Waisted Lined Shorts
SPORTY AND RICH
Candy Drop Embroidered Stretch Organic Cotton Jersey Shorts
There's nothing not to love about these comfy shorts.
Free people
Varsity Blues Shorts
BRB, I'm copying this whole look.
Next, it's my job to find amazing shopping picks: These 9 New Buys Are Too Good To Miss
