Unleash Your Boldest Summer Self In These Editor-Approved Trends

Summer fashion provides the ultimate kind of self-expression. After all, warm weather means getting creative with style choices again, when priorities shift from staying warm to embracing who you are aesthetically. Whether you prefer sheer fabrics in timeless neutral tones, colorful maximalist prints, or simply love experimenting with the latest ‘core’ trends, this is the season to unleash your look exactly how you want to.

For summer style inspiration, turn to BDG Executive Beauty Director Faith Xue, BDG Video Producer Kandice Chavous, and Bustle Contributing Fashion Editor Abby Lebet. These style experts are breaking down Macy’s must-have pieces for the season ahead. The retailer offers on-trend (and on-budget) items for sunny coastal weekends, casual get-togethers with friends, and everything in between, making it your go-to for a pre-season stock-up. From sheer fabrics and flowy dresses to saturated prints, see the trends these editors are loving below. These are the pieces that will have you looking good and feeling even better all the way through Labor Day.

Executive Beauty Director Faith Xue: Sheer Fabrics

Xue describes her summer style as “breezy, flowy, and casual,” so it makes sense that she gravitates towards loose-fitting silhouettes and breathable, airy materials. Sheer fabrics have the ability to skew feminine or edgy, depending on how you style them. Pair with a flirty maxi skirt and sandals for an al fresco brunch, or wear with wide-leg jeans and a kitten heel for a day date night at your favorite beachside locale. The options are endless.

Video Producer Kandice Chavous: Head-Turning Hues

“I’m a maximalist in color, texture, and shape,” says Chavous of her personal style. “I like to curate a bold vibe.” This summer, she’s doing that through “lots and lots of color” via tops and accessories that can be mixed and matched for rooftop brunches at stylish social clubs, Saturday art gallery crawls, and picnics in the park alike. Here, it’s all about clashing-coordination: Like a red and pink top with a bright yellow bag, or a printed top painted with a watercolor-esque pattern of saturated sunset tones.

Contributing Fashion Writer Abby Lebet: Summer Dresses

A summer dress with chunky sandals is exactly the juxtaposition Lebet looks for with warm-weather dressing. “I like something that keeps me cool and comfortable, but still feels a little sculptural and avant-garde,” they share. “I tend to like things that are less form-fitting and more baggy.” Here, that comes in the form of flowy frocks with statement sleeves — feminine-leaning styles that when worn with more masculine pieces strike Lebet’s desired balance.

Photographer: Colette Aboussoun; Art Direction: Angela Poccia & Aoife Clancy/BDG Studios; Styling: Natalie Scicolone; Hair: Akihisa Yamaguchi; Makeup: Maya Rene; Set Design: Katie Quinlisk; Talent: Mikaela Baruch/BDG Studios; Production Manager: Whitney Buxton/BDG Studios; Production Coordinator: Hertie Gutierrez/BDG Studios; Associate Director of Branded Fashion: Elly Ayres/BDG Studios