Summer Trends: Tie-Dye, Seashell Jewelry, Transparent Bags and Barely There Sandals

Every season has its own crop of trends, but of all the seasons, dear beloved Summer, in my opinion, is often the least inventive and exciting for fashion. Luckily, Summer 2019 seems to be an exciting exception with quite a few interesting trends to try.

This MDW, we opted to spend it at home in NYC, but staying local did not stop me from kicking off the unofficial start of summer with some of my favorite Summer 2019 trends.

Here’s a breakdown of some of this season’s hottest trends and how I put it all together to create this look.

Tie-Dye is Back

I know, you were sure that you had forever abandoned your once favorite tie-dye tee along with your most awkward pre-teen/teen years, but the runways have spoken, from Stella McCartney to Prada, and tie-dye is officially one of the hottest trends of the season. So, before you go into a panic over how to execute the trend without looking like an aging hippie or that you just raided a crystals shop, 2019 tie-dye is markedly more subtle and modern – think pastels, multi-colored neutrals or single toned tie-dye. When I first noticed the trend, I picked up an oversized mustard yellow tie-dye t-shirt that I knew I could wear a number of ways (with denim shorts at the height of summer, a pleated or satin skirt for an elevated look, underneath a slip dress for a play on grunge, etc.). To create this weekend’s look, I paired it with a pair of super high-waisted white wide-leg jeans from Zara with frayed hems (after all, it is summer).

Today’s tie-dye is a bit more subtle.
To give your t-shirt a little shape, try tying it at the waist.
Create a truly retro look with some wide leg jeans and metal frames sunglasses.

Seashell Jewelry

I first mentioned the trend a few weeks ago, but now that it’s officially beach weather, it’s time to talk details on the seashell jewelry trend. We first saw signs of it in 2018, but the 2019 version is even a bit more evolved and elevated. No, it’s not pukka shells on hemp chokers or bracelets (although there can be a place for that), but delicate shells set or dipped in gold, oversized in interesting resin or combined into something structural. For this look, I wore a double layered gold dipped seashell choker necklace from Storets that I’m certain will be worn all summer long. To play up the metallics, I also wore a pair of thick medium sized gold hoops.

Layered seashell choker necklace is an elevated way to wear the trend.
Gold dipped seashells pair perfectly with chunky gold hoops.

Transparent Bags

This trend isn’t exactly new to the season and we’ve already fallen in love with the super popular Staud tote that really highlighted the trend in 2018, but transparent bags are here to stay. Not only PVC bags a fun way to show off what you’ve curated within (like your favorite pair of sunnies, lipstick or mag), but I find it’s a fun way to finally use that gorgeous clutch you don’t wear enough because of it’s lack of straps. My current favorite PVC bag is Jeff Wan’s Bazar Tote with Pineapple that conveniently combines another summer trend – fruit prints (Use My Code: MICHELLE15 for 15% off). For the look, I carried some summer staples that were proudly on display, like a weave beret, sunnies and lipstick.

Jeff Wan Tote features a super cute pineapple and leather straps.
What says summer like a PVC tote?
Proudly display all your cute contents with a transparent bag.

Floss Heels, Naked Heels, Strappy Sandals

No matter what you call them, the “it” shoe this season is unequivocally those barely there strappy sandals you’ve been seeing everywhere. Strappy and minimal, these babies are definitely a throwback to the late ’90’s/early 2000’s (à la quintessential Carrier Bradshaw) and generally feature a kitten to midsize heel. The newest versions incorporate an interesting heel, like the leather multicolored sandals that I paired with my look that have a geometric methacrylate heel (oh my!).