5 Summer Trends To Try This Year

There are certain quintessential elements of summer that have stood the test of time — whether it’s 1972 in Malibu or 2016 in Montauk. Temperatures soar and a certain carefree spirit affects everything, from your day-to-day activities to the clothes you wear. The most sun-drenched season of the year is all about long car rides with the volume turned up, the windows rolled down, and your hair blowing in the wind. It's about oversized ice cream cones, cute swimwear, days by the pool, and nights around a beach bonfire. With all of these activities, of course, should come the summer 2016 fashion to match.

While the very essence of the season remains relatively constant, the ever-changing nature of fashion brings us new looks to wear and love year after year. With summer fast approaching, we’ve teamed up with Havaianas to reveal the trends we’re most excited to wear to beat the heat in style. In a season where your day look inevitably turns into your night look, build your closet around pieces that can take you from brunch to al fresco drinks to an evening pool party in a snap.

Think: out-of-the-box shirting, worn-in denim, and swimsuits that can be worn in the streets. For the perfect finishing touch, slide into sleek sandals in metallic finishes that are sure to become your next go-to pairs. With looks this easy, here’s to hoping that summer comes early.

The Beach-Ready Dress

Topshop Dress , $90; Zara Hat, $29.90; Loeffler Randall Tote Bag, $495; Krewe Du Optics Sunglasses, $220; Havaianas You Metallic Flip Flops in Steel Grey , $40.

Redefine the LBD with the little bohemian dress to wear from the beach to the city all summer long. Whether you’re making a Popsicle pit stop or lounging poolside, this ensemble is chic to the very last drop.

The One-Piece Swimsuit

Marysia Swimsuit , $319; Zara Pants, $49.90; Fugoo Speaker, $149.99; The Nest by Cynthia D'Aprix Sweeney, $14.57; Havaianas Ring Flip Flops in Light Pink , $32.

The maillot is officially the swimwear to see and be seen in. Settle in with a beach-worthy read like The Nest, play your favorite tunes on a waterproof music speaker, and just relax. Should you get a second wind, just add linen pants for a look built to last well into the night.

The Off-The-Shoulder Top

Topshop Top, $75; Zara Wrap Skirt, $69.90; Deepah Gurnani Earrings, $195; Fresh Sugar Sport Treatment Sunscreen, $25; Havaianas Luna Animals Sandal in Sand Grey / New Gold , $32.

This shoulder-baring silhouette certainly isn’t a newcomer to the warm-weather fashion scene, but it’s back for summer ’16 in more iterations than ever. While ruffled and gingham options abound, a crisp white option just can’t be beat. Pair with a wrap skirt, statement earrings and, of course, plenty of SPF.

The High-Waisted Boyfriend Jeans

Topshop Jeans , $70; Zara Top, $39.90; Jacquie Aiche Necklace, $121; Ray Ban Sunglasses, $225; Havaianas Slim Crystal Glam Flip Flops In Sand Grey / Light Golden , $36.

If you only make one update to your denim collection this summer, make it the high-waisted boyfriend jean, known to some as “mom jeans.” Pair the waist-cinching cut with a simple T-shirt and sleek pumps for on-duty hours, and break out a nautical tank top for all of your weekend affairs.

The Coordinating Set

Zara Top, $39.90; Zara Skirt, $49.90; Nars Lipstick in Heat Wave, $28; Hat Attack Clutch, $100; Havaianas Freedom Glamour Sandals In Aubergine , $42.

If you’re feeling bold, try your hand at a matching two-piece set this summer. Add an island-inspired raffia bag, metallic sandals, and an orange-red lipstick that’s just the pop of color the doctor ordered. This ensemble proves what we already knew — two are always better than one.

This post is sponsored by Havaianas .