The Everyday Style School: Episode 10 - Wearable Trends for Summer 2025

Host: Jennifer Mackey Mary
Release Date: June 6, 2025

Introduction: Embracing Summer Style

In Episode 10 of The Everyday Style School, host Jennifer Mackey Mary delves into the top 10 wearable trends for Summer 2025, aiming to inspire women to elevate their everyday look effortlessly. With over 25 years of experience as a wardrobe stylist, Jennifer provides practical advice tailored to real-life women, addressing body shapes, budgets, and the dynamic nature of seasonal fashion.

Understanding Summer Style Challenges

Jennifer begins by acknowledging the common struggles women face when dressing for summer:

• Heat and Humidity: These elements limit layering options and necessitate lightweight fabrics, which can sometimes result in less interesting outfits. Jennifer notes, "The temperature and the humidity mean that layering is off the table and you want lightweight fabrics which can wilt and look sad really easily." ([01:30])

• Relaxed Vibes: Summer often brings a more laid-back attitude towards dressing, leading to feelings of being "frumpy" despite minimal effort. She shares, "Summer attitude often leaves us feeling frumpy. Even if we don't like the thought of putting a lot of effort in and getting properly dressed each day." ([03:45])

Jennifer emphasizes that summer doesn't have to mean sacrificing style for comfort. She encourages embracing trends to create outfits that are both cute and comfortable without added discomfort, such as eyeliner running or chafed thighs.

Trend #1: Farmer's Market Fashion

Overview: This trend celebrates fruit and vegetable motifs across various clothing and accessories.

Details:

• Motifs: From tomatoes and lemons to sardines, these prints are vibrant and playful.
• Application: Available on graphic tees, dresses, scarves, swimwear, and even bag charms.

Insights: Jennifer compares the popularity of produce prints to lasting trends versus fads. She distinguishes fruits as trends and vegetables as fads, stating, "Vegetable prints are a fad. Fruits are a trend." ([10:15])

Quotes:

• "Graphic tees, dresses, scarves, shoes, sweaters, swimwear... everything is covered in fruits and vegetables." ([04:50])

Tips: Start small with accessories like scarves or graphic tees to incorporate this trend without overwhelming your wardrobe.

Trend #2: Sea Lifestyle

Overview: A fusion of fisherman core and mermaid core aesthetics, focusing on sea motifs.

Details:

• Motifs: Shells, sardines, lobsters, and other sea creatures.
• Colors: Understated and neutral tones like navy and white are prevalent.

Insights: Jennifer highlights the versatility of this trend, noting that it can be mixed with other motifs like fruits. She humorously mentions the unexpected rise of sardine prints, calling them a summer fad.

Quotes:

• "Sea life is all over the place. I have not seen as many sardines on clothing... everywhere this summer." ([09:00])

Tips: Combine sea motifs with other trends or wear singular pieces to channel either an agrarian or seafaring vibe effortlessly.

Trend #3: Drop Waist Skirts

Overview: Skirts with a wide waistband or yoke and fullness starting at the hip, available in midi and maxi lengths.

Details:

• Styles: Tiered versions are popular, reminiscent of fuller skirts from previous years.
• Body Types: Best suited for women with long legs and shorter torsos.

Insights: Jennifer discusses the importance of waist placement in enhancing body shapes, advising those with wider hips to choose skirts where volume starts higher to camouflage and balance proportions.

Quotes:

• "These skirts are a reminder that there's a way for just about every body shape to make a trend work." ([12:30])

Tips: Experiment with different waist placements and volumes to find the most flattering style for your body type.

Trend #4: Long Shorts

Overview: Featuring denim jorts and Bermudas, these shorts extend to knee or above.

Details:

• Styles: From dressy suiting fabrics to casual chinos and athleisure versions.

Insights: While long shorts can make legs appear shorter and sometimes frumpy, Jennifer advises that they work best for those with long legs and shorter torsos. She cautions against using them to cover perceived body insecurities as it may exacerbate those issues.

Quotes:

• "Long shorts are tough to pull off. They cut your legs right in half, making them look shorter." ([15:00])

Tips: Opt for shorter shorts or ankle pants if long shorts don't complement your body shape. When choosing long shorts, balance the silhouette to maintain proportion.

Trend #5: Boxer-Inspired Women's Shorts

Overview: Women's shorts influenced by men's boxers, featuring striped cotton poplin and elasticized waistbands.

Details:

• Styles: Stripes, elastic waists, poplin fabric, and occasional drawstrings.
• Evolution: More wearable versions without the pajama-like appearance.

Insights: Jennifer notes the transition from high-end fashion to mainstream stores, making these shorts accessible to a wider audience. She suggests pairing them with graphic tees or basic tanks to maintain a stylish, effortless look.

Quotes:

• "These are sold in sets and often come with cute graphic tees or basic tanks." ([17:45])

Tips: Wear the shorts with open shirts or tanks to break up the look and avoid the pajama association.

Trend #6: Cane and Rattan Woven Handbags

Overview: An updated take on traditional woven bags using cane or rattan materials.

Details:

• Styles: More rigid and woody with an open weave, compared to flexible straw bags.
• Variations: Includes wicker bags reminiscent of picnic baskets.

Insights: Jennifer points out that while the terminology (cane vs. rattan) might be used interchangeably in stores, the key is the updated structure and durability. She emphasizes using woven bags to enhance summer outfits effortlessly.

Quotes:

• "Instead of the more flexible, tightly woven straw bags, this is a more rigid, almost woody material with an open weave." ([21:30])

Tips: Choose woven bags in neutral or classic styles to ensure they complement various outfits without overpowering them.

Trend #7: Vests as Tops

Overview: Vests that double as tops, featuring longer lengths and higher necklines.

Details:

• Styles: High crew necks, buttoned up to the top, often cut away at the waist.
• Functionality: Designed to be worn without layering, resembling blazers or standalone tops.

Insights: Jennifer explains that modern vests address previous impracticalities by providing more coverage and eliminating the need for layering. This makes them suitable for settings like the office while retaining a trendy appearance.

Quotes:

• "These new vests are clearly tops, not vests. They look like vests but provide much more coverage." ([24:10])

Tips: Incorporate these vests into workwear or casual outfits by pairing them with fitted bottoms to highlight the cutaway waist and maintain a balanced silhouette.

Trend #8: Cotton Poplin Fabric

Overview: Poplin emerges as the dominant fabric for Summer 2025, offering breathability and minimal wrinkling.

Details:

• Applications: Skirts, dresses, tops, and shorts are predominantly made from poplin.
• Advantages: More breathable and shape-retentive compared to linen and gauze.

Insights: Jennifer appreciates poplin for its practicality during summer, balancing comfort with a polished look. However, she advises caution with poplin pants as they can resemble pajama wear.

Quotes:

• "Poplin is just having a moment. If they look like pajama pants in your mind, you're probably never going to wear them." ([27:00])

Tips: Integrate poplin pieces into your wardrobe for a structured yet airy feel. Opt for solid colors or subtle patterns to maintain versatility.

Trend #9: Funky Sunglasses

Overview: A shift from oversized and classic frames to smaller, geometric, and colorful designs.

Details:

• Styles: Ovals, narrow rectangles, cat eyes, bold geometric shapes, and colorful acetate frames.
• Features: Less tinted lenses with UV 400 protection.

Insights: Jennifer highlights the dual functionality of sunglasses as both a fashion accessory and eye protection. She encourages experimenting with trends by treating eyewear as interchangeable accessories, especially for those with prescription needs.

Quotes:

• "Sunglasses aren't just a great way to look instantly polished, they are the SPF for your eyes." ([29:45])

Tips: Invest in trendy, affordable pairs to switch styles frequently without a hefty investment. Ensure all sunglasses provide adequate UV protection regardless of lens color.

Trend #10: Beaded Accessories

Overview: Beading adorns a variety of accessories, adding texture and personality to summer outfits.

Details:

• Applications: Headbands, handbags, bag charms, earrings, and shoes.
• Motifs: Fish, food items, pearls, and other whimsical designs.

Insights: Jennifer describes beaded accessories as an easy way to enhance existing outfits without significant effort. They serve as subtle yet impactful additions that align with other summer trends like sea lifestyle and farmer's market fashion.

Quotes:

• "Even with pearls, which can't get more neutral than that, you can find pieces that match your aesthetic." ([32:20])

Tips: Choose beaded pieces that complement your current wardrobe and personal style. Mix and match motifs to create unique looks that reflect your personality.

Conclusion: Making Summer Style Effortless and Fun

Jennifer wraps up the episode by encouraging listeners to embrace summer trends to keep their style fresh and enjoyable. She emphasizes that incorporating trends doesn't require extensive effort but rather thoughtful selection of pieces that elevate everyday outfits.

Final Thoughts:

• Experimentation: Summer is the perfect time to step out of comfort zones due to the minimal layering involved.
• Personalization: Select trends that resonate with individual styles to ensure confidence and satisfaction in daily wear.

Quotes:

• "The most important thing is that you have fun with style and feel great in whatever you wear." ([35:10])

Jennifer also highlights additional resources for listeners, including the Style Circle membership, which offers exclusive content, personalized coaching, and wardrobe guides to further simplify and enhance their style journey.

Note: For comprehensive details on the trends discussed and to explore shopping links, listeners are encouraged to visit the show's website and access the full episode notes.