Summer Fashion: 6 Trends You Should Update & What to Buy Instead

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Upgrade your wardrobe by swapping out old trends for the new.

Are you bored of everything in your closet right now? 

Okay, that might be an exaggerated question, but we know that feeling when you look into your wardrobe in the morning and you can't help but let out a big sigh. 

The easiest way to make your lineup more exciting is by adding in new trend pieces. Now, we're not saying to throw out last year's buys, but we suggest giving your over-worn pieces a break by swapping them out for of-the-moment alternatives. 

Ahead, see which of summer's biggest trends are worth upgrading for. 

Swap: Lucite Shoes

Buy: Strappy Sandals 

Photo: Christian Vierig/Getty Images

See-through, PVC, lucite footwear was everywhere in 2018 (we blame the Kardashian-Jenners), but this year is all about the strappy shoe. Heeled sandals with floss-like straps that give off minimalist '90s vibes is all the rage right now, and it's proving to be extremely versatile -- it literally goes with any outfit. 

Shop the Trend: 

Photo: H&M

Leather Sandals, $60 at H&M


Photo: Dolce Vita

Zayla Heels, $120 at Dolce Vita


Photo: & Other Stories

Knotted Sandals, $129 at & Other Stories


Swap: Straight-Leg Jeans

Buy: White Wide-Leg Jeans

Photo: Edward Berthelot/Getty Images

Vintage-inspired straight-leg jeans are a wardrobe essential. But if you're tired of blue denim, we recommend trying out white, ivory or cream-colored wide-leg, cropped designs. They pair flawlessly with summer tops and have a modern flair about them. 

Shop the Trend:  

Photo: Revolve

Free People Ranger Wide Leg Jean, $78 at Revolve


Photo: LOFT

Modern Wide Leg Crop Jeans, $80 at LOFT


Photo: Shopbop

AGOLDE Ren High Rise Jeans, $168 at Shopbop


Swap: Wrap Dress

Buy: Square Neck Dress

Melodie Jeng/Getty Images

Wrap dresses, short or long, continue to be a no-brainer choice for any season when you want to look feminine and polished (Kate Middleton seems to agree). However, fashion girls and influencers everywhere are currently obsessed with romantic, vintage-like frocks with square necklines and puff sleeves. 

Shop the Trend: 

Photo: Showpo

Feel Your Halo Dress, $54 at Showpo


Photo: Nordstrom

ASTR The Label Bea Minidress, $128 at Nordstrom


Photo: Reformation

Marabella Dress, $248 at Reformation


Swap: Leopard Print

Buy: Fruit Print

Photo: Claudio Lavenia/Getty Images

Animal print -- leopard in particular -- has been the top ubiquitous trend, both on and off the runways. This summer, shake up our print lineup with fruit motifs. It's playful, quirky and immediately exudes vacation vibes. 

Shop the Trend:  

Photo: Nordstrom

Socialite Print Tie Front Top, $39 at Nordstrom


Photo: ASOS

Bershka Fruit Printed Jumpsuit, $56 at ASOS


Photo: Revolve

Song of Style Blaire Pant, $188 at Revolve


Swap: Belt Bag

Buy: Top-Handle Mini Bag 

Photo: Christian Vierig/Getty Images

The reemergence of the belt bag, no matter how popular, was hard to chew for most. Luckily, a more wearable bag trend is well underway -- the top-handle mini bag. It's the combination of an elegant, ladylike tote and a going-out clutch, and today's iterations are fun. Just grab and show it off. 

Shop the Trend: 

Photo: Nasty Gal

Want Hanging On the Telephone Bag, $30 $12 at Nasty Gal


Topshop

Mason Mini Bag, $40 at Topshop


Photo: Zara

Zara Glitter Mini Bag, $50


Swap: Belted Swimsuit

Buy: Balconette Style 

Photo: Nordstrom Rack

The belted maillot was one of the most coveted swimsuit styles last summer. And although we are keeping the one-piece forever (it's so flattering!), we're seeking a bikini with a balconette top that provides support and defines our shape. 

Shop the Trend: 

Photo: Forever 21

Triangle Bikini Top, $18; High-Leg Bikini Bottoms, $13 at Forever 21


Photo: Monday Swimwear

Maui Top, $96; Maui Bottom, $79 at Monday Swimwear


Photo: Faithfull The Brand

Faithfull The Brand Djerra Check Print Bikini, $179


Each product has been selected, and each product’s style has been reviewed, by our editorial team; however, we may receive affiliate commissions from some links to products on this page. Prices listed are subject to change by the retailer.

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