Looking around online and IRL, we’re seeing some clear trends that are defining our summer: lots and lots bright and colorful everything, as well as major influences from the 1970s and the 1990s.
The color trends are all about rainbow motifs and primary colors, like sunny yellows and grassy greens. In fact, Pantone’s 2021 Color of the Year is a bright yellow called Illuminating. They use words like “spirited and emboldening” and “fortified with energy, clarity and hope” to describe the choice.
The ’70s and ’90s are showing up in trends like crocheted tops and Farrah Fawcett hair (hello, ’70s), and marble prints, square-toed sandals and crop tops (hello, ’90s).
If you’re old enough to have participated in these trends the first time around, you may or may not not be excited to see some of these trends recycle.
Vogue.com puts it best: “Who could have guessed those vintage Nine West pumps you used to own would be now a hot item on Depop? Perhaps the most controversial item on this list, square-toe sandals have officially returned to the mainstream.”
What’s on the ‘gram and in fashion magazines doesn’t always translate to real life, however. So, let’s take a look at how summer 2021 trends are showing up in more realistic ways around the neighborhood.
Nail Trends
Long, skinny nails with elaborate art are still all over Instagram. But for those of us who don’t have “influencer” in our title, that style isn’t necessarily practical for real life tasks like working on a computer and rearing a child.
Shorter can be sweet, especially with the right color. OPI’s trending nail polish colors for summer ’21 are yellow, white, blue and rose gold. Also, fun summer brights, like bright green (which, Marie Claire calls “marg nails”) are giving us life as we head to pools and patios.
If you’re feeling indecisive, do all the colors with the marbled or rainbow nails trend. Or pop over to Ziva Nail Lounge to brainstorm with a talented nail artist to find your summer look.
Summer Outfit Trends
In the same multi-colored vein, rainbows and brights are also popping up in this summer’s clothing and accessories. In addition to rainbow motifs showing up on things like sneakers shown at the top, they’re also showing up on fun oversized earrings like these from Carys Lane.
Really, any bright earring pop against a summertime top is a great way to bring the excitement. Carys Lane has a ton of cute summer earrings and tops to keep you on-trend for your summertime events.
Trending Hair
Yes, rainbows even for your hair! One of the talented stylists over at 2 Ten Salon and 2 Ten Studios recently created this mesmerizing rainbow-hued style for a client.
And let’s not forget about that 70s trend. Fringe bangs, big bouncy layers and loose, more casual curls a la 1975 are making a comeback. Glamour.com says, “Well, ’70s hair trends just called, and they’re ready for a revival.”
Byrdie.com suggests easing into the 70s trend with curtain bangs: “Curtain bangs are one of the most frequented ’70s trends still in demand today. Their longer length makes them a great starting point if you’ve never had bangs before or are on the fence about how short to go.”
Trending On the Patio
Can drinks be trending? Yes, they can. In fact, we’re seeing a lot of bright watermelon-infused drinks being served on patios around the DFW Metroplex.
Over in Dallas, Sundown at Granada’s Watermelon Rita is a hot commodity. Closer to home, Drakes Yoke recently rolled out a super refreshing summer drink called Watermelon Sugar. Check out their Instagram stories to watch it being made, and then book a table on a hot summer afternoon to try one for yourself.
Get in on this trend with a DIY watermelon concoction made in your very own kitchen. Delish.com offers up 18 watermelon-infused recipes to make your summer sing right over here.
Life imitates art. When fashion is all about bright colors and rainbow-themed everything, it suggests that people are ready for optimism. (So, yes, happiness is also trending!) We’re optimistic about the future, excited to be out and about, and we are truly enjoying the summer more than ever. Happy summer season to you!
