Your guide to this summer's fashion trends.
With longer days and warmer temperatures just around the corner, fashion lovers are eagerly curating their wardrobes for summer. This season is all about thoughtful dressing: balancing on-trend statements with timeless staples. From fashion-forward pieces seen on the runway to minimalist summer wardrobe essentials that simplify getting dressed — and, of course, vacation-ready outfits that travel well — summer style invites luxury with purpose.
Here’s a complete guide to the luxury summer fashion wardrobe items worth shopping for this year.
Summer Fashion Trends: What’s Hot Right Now
Runway trends are setting the tone for women’s summer fashion, delivering a blend of soft femininity, structured silhouettes, and nostalgic touches.
Sheer Fabrics and Modern Femininity
Sheer dressing has become one of the defining looks for summer, with designers offering delicate organza layers and airy chiffon pieces that feel ethereal but wearable. Soft textures and lightness in fabric dominate collections this year, with sheer overlays and lingerie-inspired tops leading the charge.
Statement Suiting and Tailoring
While tailoring is a year-round staple, this summer’s take is all about unexpected silhouettes — short-sleeved blazers, Bermuda suit sets, and oversize jackets with crisp lines. Tailored shorts and structured shirts are your wardrobe heroes, balancing comfort and sophistication for warm-weather days.
Return of the Slip Dress
Effortless and elegant, the slip dress is back in minimalist satin or with delicate lace details. The piece is versatile enough to dress up or down and pairs easily with summer’s trending accessories, such as metallic sandals or a raffia clutch.
Powdery Pastels and ’90s Revival
Powder pink is a standout color this season, and it’s joined by a larger resurgence of ’90s influences, including low-slung waistlines, halter necklines, and plaid skirts.
Building a Minimalist Summer Capsule Wardrobe
A capsule wardrobe is about investing in versatile, high-quality items that mix and match effortlessly. For your summer capsule wardrobe checklist, the focus is on breathable fabrics, neutral palettes, and elevated basics. Pro tip: you can create your capsule wardrobe more affordably and support small businesses at the same time by shopping at local luxury consignment stores.
The Foundation Pieces
A curated summer capsule should include white denim, neutral-toned tank tops, lightweight linen trousers, a tailored white shirt, and at least one relaxed summer dress. These items form the base for dozens of outfit combinations.
Luxury Handbags as Investment Pieces
A capsule wardrobe isn’t complete without accessories, and handbags are the best place to splurge. Go for timeless luxury picks from brands such as Chanel and Hermès, as well as trending mini and structured bags in soft summer hues.
Sustainability and Style
Luxury today also means mindful shopping. Capsule wardrobes built with resale in mind promote sustainable consumption, and choosing long-lasting materials such as linen, cotton, or ethically sourced silk ensures your pieces last beyond a single season.
The Perfect Summer Vacation Wardrobe
Planning a luxury getaway? Your summer vacation outfits should strike a balance between comfort, packability, and style. Whether you’re headed to the Amalfi Coast or a breezy beach house, it pays to think ahead about your beach vacation wardrobe.
Lightweight Dresses and Sets
Flowy, breathable dresses — particularly in maxi or midi lengths — are vacation essentials. Consider sticking to a limited color palette to simplify your packing (which also helps to streamline your makeup palette). A matching coordinated set in linen or cotton is also versatile and can be worn as separates to extend your options.
Natural Tones and Eco-Friendly Fabrics
Natural fabrics such as linen, organic cotton, and TENCEL offer both comfort and luxury. Their editorial notes that soft white, terracotta, olive, and sea blue create a timeless vacation look that’s perfect for resort wear and day trips alike.
Trend-Forward Travel Pieces
You can embrace fashion-forward pieces even while on vacation. A crochet dress for beach days, an open-weave raffia tote, and oversize sunglasses bring drama and style without sacrificing practicality. The current trend of sheer clothing also plays well in vacation wardrobes, where layers can easily transition from poolside to patio dining.
Footwear and Accessories
Opt for stylish sandals in metallic finishes, espadrilles with arch support, and a wide-brimmed hat or silk scarf to stay chic while being sun-safe. A lightweight luxury wrap or blazer is also a smart addition for cool evenings or upscale dining.
Summer fashion is all about effortless luxury. With trends favoring soft silhouettes, nostalgic nods, and timeless tailoring, it’s easier than ever to mix high-end pieces with wardrobe essentials. A well-built capsule ensures you’re always prepared to dress with ease, while a thoughtfully packed vacation wardrobe ensures you’re photo-ready wherever you roam.
Create an Affordable Luxury Summer Wardrobe With North Shore Exchange
North Shore Exchange (NSE) is a nonprofit luxury consignment shop that offers pre-owned and pre-loved designer furniture, home decor, clothing, jewelry, and accessories. Our expert merchandising team carefully inspects all products to ensure authenticity, so you can shop for discount luxury items with complete confidence.
By shopping at NSE, you’re truly shopping not just for sustainability but for other humanitarian causes as well. Our philanthropic efforts support Chicagoland charities serving children and families living in poverty. We also offer grants to Chicagoland organizations that address the critical needs of hunger, homelessness, and abuse. Your best autumn deal won’t just be the one-of-a-kind item of your dreams but also one you’ll appreciate all the more for its power to do good in your community.
NSE is also happy to accept your luxe fashion and home items to be sold on a consignment basis. We offer complimentary home consultations to help you decide what to consign. If you prefer, you can send photos of your items to us or schedule a Zoom session to discuss the items you’re interested in consigning.
We pay competitive consignment rates, so you’ll get the best price for your pre-loved designer items. We sell 85% of the items we receive, and most of them sell within 30 days at full price.
We also pay out quicker than other resellers, so you’ll get a check for your sold items sooner.
So don’t wait — create an account with us and start consigning today!