LITTLE GREEN DRESS
Summer Style: How to Shop Trends That Work For You
By Hannah Timm
June 2026
In Pittsburgh, it has seemingly turned to summer overnight. We've gone from dressing in layers to hot summer days in an instant. I consider this season a whole new playing field from the rest of the year. I regularly hear from clients that summer is the hardest season to dress for.
Not only can this time of year feel challenging, but it also brings the added temptation of shopping for trends. Between vacations, weddings, outdoor parties, and a calendar that suddenly feels much fuller than usual, it's easy to feel like you need something new. Add in the fact that summer outfits are often simplified, and many of us start looking for ways to make our wardrobes feel more interesting, current, or even more exciting.
This isn't to say that trends are inherently bad. In fact, trends can be a great source of inspiration. They can introduce us to new silhouettes, colors, and styling ideas that we may have not pushed ourselves to try. Trends also help us feel connected to what's happening in fashion right now.
The problem isn’t trends in the trends themselves. The problem is that we often purchase trends without stopping to ask whether they align with our personal style, lifestyle, and wardrobe we already own. When that happens, we end up with pieces that feel exciting in the moment but quickly lose their appeal, leaving us with closets full of clothing that never quite feels like us.
So before adding the latest summer trend to your cart, it may be worth asking this one very important question: Is this trend right for me?
When I work with clients, I often hear some version of the question, “Is this item on trend?” Rather than focusing on whether or not something is trending, I encourage them to explore whether it deserves a place in their wardrobe. You can do the same thing as well. Before making a purchase, run through a few simple filters to ensure you are making an intentional purchase.
Three Step Guide To Adding Trends to Your Wardrobe:
Your Personal Style
Questions To Ask Yourself
- Does this item feel like a natural extension of something I already love?
- Would I love and wear this piece if it weren’t trending?
- Am I drawn to the piece or the way it is being styled?
Your Lifestyle
Questions To Ask Yourself
- Where would I realistically be wearing this item?
- Does this piece make sense for the current version of my life?
- Can I see myself reaching for this piece multiple times?
- Can I see myself wearing this beyond just this season?
Your Existing Wardrobe
Questions To Ask Yourself
- Can I style this piece with the items I already own?
- Could I wear this item in multiple ways (maybe on multiple occasions)?
- Do I already own what I need to make this piece work, or will I need to purchase additional items to wear it?
- Is this filling a gap in my wardrobe or creating a new one?
One of the biggest misconceptions is that trends can work on anyone. In reality, a purchase that feels amazing for one person can feel totally off for another. This is the reason I avoid trend recaps, or unboxing hauls, or even “everyone needs this in their wardrobe” type of content. What works beautifully and authentically for one person may not work for someone else. The difference comes down to personal style, lifestyle, and the items that are already hanging in their closet.
Let’s take statement necklaces as an example.
One of summer’s biggest accessory trends is the statement necklace. From tassels to colorful beads, these can be a fun way to add color and creativity to a simple summer outfit.
However, it is important to consider whether this style feels authentic to you. Someone who already enjoys colorful, expressive or creative jewelry as a focal point may wear this trend for years after the trend cycle. Someone who typically prefers understated, classic jewelry might find themselves drawn to this trend on someone else, only to realize that it falls flat once it hits their closet.
Now let’s look at fisherman sandals.
Another popular summer trend is the fisherman sandal. These shoes are great to pair with shorts, skirts, flowy dress and even linen pants. Great for dressing up for an evening out or a casual weekend when you are headed to the farmer’s market.
If we run through our trend filters, lifestyle becomes very important. For someone who spends a lot of time on their feet, walks a ton, or generally values comfort in their day-to-day life, fisherman sandals might be a great option. They are versatile and can rotate between events.
For someone whose wardrobe leans a bit more polished and dressy, however, might not get as much wear. These sandals can look appealing when styled in a beautiful way online, but may not actually support the way you get dressed in real life.
Remember, the goal isn’t to determine if fisherman sandals, or statement necklaces are a good or bad trend. The goal is to determine whether it makes sense for you.
Trends can absolutely have a place in a thoughtful wardrobe. You don’t have to avoid trends all together, but you should be intentional about the ones that you decide to bring home. When a trend not only aligns with your personal style, but supports your lifestyle, and works with the items you already own, it makes it much more than just a trend. It becomes a piece that you will continue to wear, season after season.
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