Refreshing your closet after years of major fashion changes can be a challenge. But I know many of you made lots of updates thanks to my ways to update your Millennial outfits post here. With spring and summer here, I thought we’d focus on the essential pieces of this particular season that you can update to give your closet the refresh it needs.
Trends come and go, things need updating. That’s just how it is. Whether you’re a fashionista who loves to stay on top of the trends, or someone who is just feeling a little blah when they go to get dressed with your current wardrobe, I hope this post will help you on ways to update our basic millennial outfits for summer.
12 Ways To Update Your Basic Millennial Outfits For Summer
Update Your Summer Bag
Instead of the Cult Gaia bamboo bag (which okay maybe keep, but let’s not wear it with everything) or even this straw bag that we all have, let’s make a bit of an update here. Let’s update it with a jute tote, or a rattan crossbody bag. There are also some great woven leather options too.
Update Your Summer Dresses
Forget the high low hems, we’re doing minis, midis or maxis. Keeping that hemline consistent! I feel like my summer dresses tend to work for me the longest in my closet. But definitely think about swapping anything with a mixed hemline, and anything polyester.
And I’d be remiss to not mention the shrunken fitted denim jacket of this look. let’s swap it for a cropped slightly oversized versions, or a boyfriend oversized fit.
Update Your Summer Wedges And Heels
Summer shoes are always a favorite of mine to shop. And right now we are seeing lots of platforms, and lots of strappy low heeled shoes too. A real wide range.
My general rule is if I have had a fashion forward shoe for more than 5 years, it’s likely time to udpate it. You can check out some of my favorite spring and summer shoes to shop right here. A few fun ideas are a fisherman sandal, a strappy kitten heel sandal, and anything platform. Mules and slides are also having a big moment!
Update Your Summer Shorts
These photos truly speak for themselves. Say goodbye to the ultra low rise short and micro inseam, and say hello to a high rise with a slightly longer inseam. It’s more flattering, more comfortable, and so much more age appropriate too. I can’t even believe how mini these shorts were!
You can browse some of my favorite cute summer short outfit ideas here.
Swap Out Those Floppy Hats
Oh how I cringe when I see a big floppy sun hat. These rounded wide floppy hats are to be left in the past. Instead, try a structured wide brim fedora. And don’t forget to invest in a TopTote hat clip for your hat!
You may also want to try a bucket hat which is having a big moment right now. Or a visor for summer. Lots of new options to try!
Refresh Your Summer Skirts
I had so many of these Express mini a-line skirts. Admittedly, I had prints, I had solids, you name it, I bought it. I lived in them. To update this style, try a micro mini that’s more fitted. Or a midi a-line skirt for spring and summer.
Say Goodbye To Skinny Ripped White Denim
I know many of us have a death grip on our skinny jeans, but please, let’s at least swap the ripped up skin tight white skinny jeans. They are not doing anyone any favors.
To update your favorite white skinny jeans, try a wide crop jean. These are my favorite silhouette for spring and summer. Another option is just a classic straight leg jean. Which is the perfect update to your skinnies that don’t feel like a huge adjustment. Easily pair with your favorite cotton tees, a pretty eyelet blouse and some sandals for a complete look.
Update Your Espadrilles For Summer
I think we all had the Marc Fisher espadrille circa 2018. But this was over 5 years ago and it’s time for an update. I prefer a more classic espadrilles style like these Castaner ones on the right. And you can even try a lower wedge, or an open toe option.
Try incorporating some new trends into your espadrille choice if you like. The fisherman trend in an espadrille like these is perfect! Or embracing the strappy trend and maybe trying these. I’m team classic which is why the ones on the right have lasted me years! PS, here’s how to properly tie those espadrilles!
Update Your Millennial Sunglasses
Say goodbye to the blue mirrored Ray-Bans (and even the pink ones, RIP). It’s all about resin sunglasses and fresh shapes. We’re seeing a lot of cat-eye styles or wide narrow rectangular ones.
You can still definitely wear aviators, they’re truly a classic. Ray-Bans are a great brand and metal rimmed glasses are always going to have a place in fashion. But as with everything, it shifts a bit. And we aren’t seeing as much colorful lenses with the Ray-Bans.
Update Your Swimwear
Can we all just say a hell yeah for high-waist bikinis? There are lots of swimwear options to choose from. But a few trends to keep in mind while updating are higher cuts on the legs for a sexier fit. High waisted options (although low rise is still great, but you can definitely tell the higher cut on the leg is more flattering and on-trend).
And when it comes to the tops, a triangle will always be on trend. But I do love a demi cup bra style top. I find them to be more flattering and sexy! A few other cool trends at the moment are one shoulder styles, and cute cutouts.
As for a one-piece. A higher cut on the thigh is always a good idea. And we are seeing lots of fun and different cutouts. I always like to have a classic one piece. But with everything, it changes. I had one that was very low cut almost brief style on the bottom. Now I’d want a more 90’s inspired super high cut one for a fresh(er) take.
Update Your Khakis, Chinos And Linen Pants
Forget the tight linen pants, or chinos. And maybe we especially don’t pair them with stilettos come summer (why was this our go-to?). Instead, try linen trousers or joggers as a nice change of pace. And update those shoes while you’re at it!
I love pairing my linen trousers with a block heel or even a sneaker. And note the styling here. Fitted tank tucked in instead of a billowy blouse. While we do love a blazer, we’re seeing more oversized fits than this more fitted blazer vest style from the past.
What To Wear For Summer Events And Date Nights
Forget the long silky maxi dresses. Instead, let’s swap them for silky slip dresses. You can choose whichever length you like, mini, midi or maxi. But the slip style is definitely more on trend right now than a flowy maxi dress.
