Returning Summer Trends
This summer we have already welcomed the return of so many trends including jorts and linen trousers. Iconic patterns have also flooded the summer fashion scene, with leopard print and stripes growing in popularity. And when it comes to our shoes almost everyone is already wearing either Adidas or Birkenstocks on their feet.
We saw a resurgence in the popularity of jorts early last summer as Bella Hadid and Hailey Bieber opted for the longer length style. Jorts have been growing in fashion since the 1960s, as people rebelled against some US city laws which made wearing shorts illegal, people began cutting the legs off their jeans to create their own shorts. In the 70s Catherine Bach introduced the infamous micro jorts with her character Daisy Duke, in The Dukes of Hazzard, and by the 80s even Madonna was wearing them, popularising the knee length look. In the 90s Hip-hop artists including Mobb Deep introduced the baggier silhouettes to streetwear, pairing them with sport socks and trainers. Asap Rocky embraced this 90’s style last year, as he wore oversized baggy jorts with some timberland boots. This summer we can expect more sports socks and trainers with the growing popularity of Adidas or even Birkenstocks for those warmer summer days.
Adidas and Birkenstock are dramatically different, yet they are both hugely popular this summer season. Both brands have their signature looks, but with so many variations, and the question lies with which of their styles is the best. Campus’ 00s, Sambas or Handball Spezials, have all been designed by Adidas with an endless variety of distinctive colours. StockX Merchandising Director, Drew Haines said earlier this year “Adidas remains a global powerhouse on StockX, and is currently the third most traded sneaker brand on the platform”. Whether they’re paired with jorts, like Hailey Beiber, or cargo trousers like Austin Butler, they’re definitely an essential for your wardrobe this summer.
But if sport trainers aren’t your vibe and you’re looking for a more classic look, Birkenstocks might just be the one for summer 2024. With Arizona sandals and Boston clogs, there are many neutral and pastel colours to wear for almost any occasion. Before, and after, Margot Robbie wore a pair of pink Arizonas in Barbie, the highest grossing film of 2023, Birkenstocks have been a go to for many celebs including Kendall Jenner and Chris Pine. Paired with jeans, Birkenstocks have been worn for decades with denim, shirts and basic tees. This summer we can expect the sandals and clogs to be paired with plain linen trousers, like Gwyneth Paltrow, or perhaps a striped pair, that are ever-growing in popularity.
A new and upcoming brand, Tom’s Trunks, has mastered striped linen trousers, with a range of colours and designs. All their products are made from natural materials, with an ethical, transparent and sustainable process. The brand prides itself in “creating the world’s most comfortable loungewear”; perfect to be worn at home or for a casual summer’s day. The elasticated waist and drawstring make them extremely versatile with an adjustable fit.
But it’s not just stripes we’re seeing this summer, leopard print is making a rapid comeback. Bold, daring and undeniably eye-catching, leopard print has been worn consistently this year, with fur hats in January, to bikinis and oversized shirts in summer. In the 70s, leopard print has been seen as a symbol of wealth of status, but it had drastically declined in popularity by the 80s with many people believing it looked cheap. It’s varied in popularity since, the 90s loved it, the 00s not as much, but this summer it’s a go to pattern for many. Why? It’s versatility; whether you need a matching set, dress, pants or accessories, there’s a leopard print design out there. Both high street and high-end designers are hopping on this trend; Dolce and Gabanna unveiled a complete leopard print look at the Milan Fashion Week earlier this year, and you can definitely find a range of different items in Zara, H&M and other affordable brands.
