6 Trendy Summer Pieces We're Skipping and the Timeless Staples We're Buying Instead

Some summer trends hit hard for a season or two, and then suddenly, you can’t quite remember why you ever bought into them. (We’re looking at you, hot pants.) While there’s always room in fashion for a little fun, there’s something extra appealing about a summer wardrobe that actually feels wearable year after year. This season, a few of us are taking inventory and quietly phasing out the pieces that no longer make sense for our day-to-day lives—from rope sandals that caused way too many blisters anyway to hats that feel more TikTokcore than timeless. Micro-trends, begone.

We’re making space for staples with longevity. Prepare to be inspired by tailored Bermuda shorts, sleek woven cloche hats, and leather flip-flops that look just as good at the beach as they do at dinner. Ahead, six Who What Wear editors share the trendy summer items they’re skipping and the elevated staples they’re buying instead.

Too Trendy: Shell-Motif Jewelry

Timeless: Colorful Natural Stones

“I can certainly appreciate the oversize shell-motif jewelry that’s trending for summer, but I tend to avoid accessories that are super summery in favor of ones that are more classic. A jewelry trend for summer that I can get behind is the colorful-stone trend that I’m starting to see everywhere. It’s just as fun as the shell-motif trend but a bit more subtle.”

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Too Trendy: Rope Sandals

Timeless: Elevated Leather Flip-Flops

“The rope-sandal trend may be having a moment, but it’s one I’ll be skipping this summer. While stylish on Miu Miu’s S/S 24 runway, the vibe just doesn’t align with the polished look I’m aiming for. Instead, I’m investing in elevated flip-flops, favoring styles made from leather and suede with round or square toes for a more refined, versatile finish.”

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Too Trendy: Crochet Everything

Timeless: Structured Linen Separates

“While I appreciate the crafty appeal of the crochet tops, dresses, and bags that flood our feeds every summer (I still plan to wear last year’s purchases), there certainly is such thing as too much, and we may have reached that point. I’ll wear my crochet pieces one at a time still, but I am currently finding linen separates to be a more timeless purchase. A well-cut linen vest with matching trousers brings that same summery texture but with a polished, enduring appeal that works from the office to vacation and back again.”

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Too Trendy: Bucket Hats

Timeless: Sleek Woven Hats

“Now that my style has shifted to a much more refined aesthetic from what it was several summers ago, I’m doing away with my bucket hats. They had their moment, but the style just feels too youthful for me now, so I’ll be favoring more timeless woven hats that I know I’ll be wearing every single summer for years (if not decades) to come. I’m especially into 1920s-esque cloche hats and their sleek silhouettes.”

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Too Trendy: It-Buy Sneakers

Timeless: Black Flats

“A popular sports brand has another viral sneaker style yet again. Since these things come in hot, it’s easy to be tempted, but I’m holding back this time around. I’ll be skipping this trend and instead going for more timeless black flats from Camper.”

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Too Trendy: Hot Pants

Timeless: Tailored Bermuda Shorts

“I was a huge advocate for the hot-pant trend the last two summers, but this year, I have to pack up the teeny-tiny shorts. There’s far too much adjusting involved, and as I live in New York, they honestly make getting around difficult—you can’t exactly get on the subway or sit in a cab wearing basically no pants. Sorry, it’s not happening. Instead, I’ve been leaning into tailored Bermuda shorts, which are somewhat trendy but are also timeless and elegant.”

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