Summer is finally here and so is the time to update your wardrobe for the season. With the presence of social media platforms, trends tend to spread like wildfire, making it possible for everyone to discover their style. Whether you're exploring new cities, lounging by the beach, or even relaxing at home, there's a summer aesthetic that's right for you.
So, what are you waiting for? Here are four summer aesthetics to follow in 2024 that you won't want to miss! Sit back, relax, and enjoy!
Let us slide into your dms 🥰
Get notified of top trending articles like this one every week! (we won't spam you)1. Maximalist Summer Fashion
In fashion, maximalism appeared in the 50s after the Second World War. This concept emerged after a long period of sadness reflected in shapeless and colorless clothing designs; women wanted to lighten their mood by projecting exaggerated femininity. Since then, maximalism has grown to feature many colors, shapes, and textures and serves as a way to break away from traditional norms. Channeling that bright and chaotic energy is exactly what makes maximalist summer fashion so exciting.
To achieve this bright and colorful look, shop for the following clothing items at your local thrift stores, secondhand stores, and flea markets.
- Bright, chunky rings, bracelets, and necklaces
- Colorful plaid/patterned dresses
- Bright boots
- Fun colored, patterned, or cut tops
- Maxi skirts
- Fun tights
- Chunky glasses
Finally, seal the look by experimenting with fun maximalist makeup and nails to complete your summer look!
Say goodbye to neutrals and hello to color. Opt for vibrant shades (pink, purple, blue, green, red) and wild shapes using bright eyeshadows, eyeliner, and blush to create a beautiful eccentric look. As any maximalist would say, “The more the better!” So, don’t be afraid to try new things with your makeup look.
As for nails, ask for a full set, either acrylic or gel of textured nail art. Have some fun browsing Pinterest to find your perfect maximalist nails and request fun, bright colors with tiny designs or gems.
For more maximalist fashion, consider following fashion influencer and content creator Alix Scherer on her Instagram (@wearingalix).
Take the Quiz: How Delulu Are You? Take This Quiz to Find Out!
Wishful thinking or radical optimism? There's a fine line between the two—and let's be real, we have all crossed it at some point. But are you just...
2. Mediterranean Summer
Mediterranean summer aesthetic, also labeled “La Dolce Vita,” “Mediterranean Chic,” and “Coastal Cool” is meant to serve as an escapism of a coastal holiday. This aesthetic is perfect for those who admire the seaside living, patterned tiles, and vast iron and rock balconies that come from countries like Italy, Spain, Portugal, Morocco, Greece, and Turkey.
Whether you are planning on visiting one of these nations or would like to live out your dream European summer right from home, opt for a modest monochrome style by shopping for the following clothing items:
- Flowy, muted dresses (especially maxi dresses)
- Sandals
- Denim shorts/skirts/jorts
- Patterned flowy tops
- Flowy linen pants
- Button-up shirts
- Sunglasses
- Corset fit and flare dresses (either muted or patterned)
Another aspect of the Mediterranean summer aesthetic is the soft and natural makeup. To achieve this gorgeous look, first focus on achieving glowy skin with daily SPF protection, exfoliation, proper cleansing, and a healthy lifestyle. Use very little concealer and focus on accentuating your brows and eyelashes.
Add some dewy blush and fake freckles! The goal of this look is to make it look as natural and as fresh as possible. Browse through Pinterest pins of this aesthetic to capture the glowy look of it all.
3. Coastal Cowgirl
To be completely honest, before doing some research for this article, the term “Coastal Cowgirl” seemed like a confusing juxtaposition. However, I have since learned that this trend combines Western and beachy styles to create a new, versatile, unique style. Emblems like cowboy boots, denim jeans, and cowboy hats recognize Western wear.
These were essential for 19th-century Wild West blue-collar workers, ranchers, and cowboys working in the desert. In contrast, a coastal aesthetic became increasingly popular in the 1950s as people retreated to seaside resorts and vacation homes to escape city life. This style was recognizable by strapless and halter-top swimsuits, pirate pants, and island-inspired straw hats.
Although it might seem contradictory at first, when grittiness meets softness, a new unique, and versatile aesthetic is born.
Discover the beauty of this style by shopping for the following clothing items:
- Timeless cowboy boots
- Flowy sundresses and skirts
- Denim jeans and shorts
- Crop tops
- Graphic tees
- Puka shell necklaces and bracelets
- Sunglasses
- Crochet, fringe, and lace EVERYTHING
- Woven Totes
- Bikinis/swimsuits
- Belts
- Jumpsuits
- Overalls
As an extra little DIY project, follow the tutorial below to make your very own coastal girl cowboy hat complete with cute shells and charms! This craft is extremely easy and all materials can be found at your local craftstore.
The coastal cowgirl aesthetic is meant to be an effortless and feminine style representing the beauty of a youthful, carefree, and laid-back lifestyle that is easy to replicate. Follow amazing content creators like @emilyyjenkinsss to get some inspiration!
4. Tomato Girl
“Tomato Girl” is a fashion aesthetic originating from TikTok. Despite its odd name, the style is quite simple to understand. This trend is similar to the Mediterranean summer aesthetic since they both romanticize summer life in areas like Spain, Greece, and southern France. However, this style focuses on bright and patterned old-timey pieces that bring an entirely new vibe to Southern European fashion.
Discover the beauty of this style by adding the following clothing items to your summer wardrobe:
- Vintage headscarves
- Linen dresses
- Red dresses
- Floral and vegetal patterns (especially embroidered)
- Plaid patterns
- Cardigans (especially red ones)
- Jean pants/shorts
- Patterned bandanas
- Ruffles
- Retro sunglasses
Additionally, the tomato girl aesthetic relies heavily upon staple makeup. This makeup is both youthful and bold. Start off with priming your skin and working on giving it that glowy look.
Next, contour and conceal very lightly before moving on to the most important part, the blush. Apply generously to areas like your cheeks and nose bridge. Finally, use a soft reddish lip to seal the look and optionally, give yourself cute fake freckles.
For more inspiration on tomato girl makeup, watch the following video:
I hope you enjoyed this aesthetic guide! Now that you have learned all about these 4 trendy summer aesthetics, you are ready to rock this summer looking as beautiful as always!
Which summer aesthetic is your favorite? Let me know below!
