10 Summer Trends We're Immediately Adding to Our Vacation Packing List—From Capris to Jelly Shoes

Travel + Leisure

15 hours ago

If you're anything like me, shopping before a big trip is one of the great joys of life, especially when it comes to summer fashion. Fortunately, this year has ushered in a multitude of trends I'm clamoring to try out for myself, and so many of them are uniquely tailored to complement a well-rounded travel wardrobe that can be mixed and matched throughout your trip.
Struggling to build your seasonal shopping list before jetting off to your next destination? Fret not—I've compiled a list of the 10 biggest trends this summer has to offer; plus, exactly how to shop each style for under $100. From drop-waist maxi dresses to the retro jelly shoes I've been seeing on every street corner in NYC, these are the travel-ready style essentials you won't want to pass over this season, starting at just $10. Whether you have a trip on the horizon or you're looking to upgrade your closet with versatile pieces, you'll be eager to wear these trends in your day to day life.
Maxi skirts will forever be a go-to summer style, but the look is also especially well-suited for travel since they are often made with elastic waistbands that allow you to move more comfortably and freely than their mini counterparts. Whether you're drawn to a simple white pick like the Quince Organic Cotton Gauze Smocked Maxi Skirt for a weekend in the Hamptons, or are looking for a bold-colored option like the Madewell Linen Maxi Slip Skirt for European city travel, this look will remain en vogue summer after summer—and it's so easy to mix and match, as well.
Nostalgia is the name of the game this summer, and once jelly shoes popped back onto our radar, they were an instant add to the shopping cart for all of our upcoming travels. Not only are they surprisingly comfortable for long days on your feet (and even extensive walking), they're also a fun way to accessorize even your simplest summer outfits with a pop of color. Tomato red may have been the color of the summer last year, but they're still the perfect eye-catching statement piece—you can get the Gap Jelly Ballet Flats in the very same shade now for just $50. Or, if you want to do away with the fear of heel blisters for good, the Jeffrey Campbell Sea Glass Jelly Mule is a slip-on style that will help you score the look in a TSA-friendly format—and a far more versatile color.
Low-rise pants have inexplicably made a resurgence in the last several months, and the trend is carrying into the summer in the form of linen trousers. Fortunately, anything from low- to mid-rise options will allow you to nail the trend comfortably, and the lightweight and breathable nature of linen means they'll even keep you cool during the surging heat wave. The loose-fitting Everlane The Drawstring Pants are the perfect gateway into the trend since they have an adjustable elastic waistband that will keep them firmly in place, while the Roxy Oceanside Pants are a bolder option in both color and cut—but there's no denying, they are far more comfortable than jeans or other rigid pants for the summer months.
Matching sets have long been a Travel + Leisure editor-loved pick for travel days, but the style is currently trending in a breezy crocheted knit that will become an instant classic for summer adventures. The loose-fitting drape of these sets makes them great for beach days, sightseeing excursions, and everything in between; plus, you'll be able to style the top and bottom both together and separately to maximize your vacation styling potential. For a more feminine and flirty look, the Free People Aria Fauxchet Skirt Set will be a hit during your next tropical trip, while the Imily Bela Women's Summer 2-piece Crochet Set will be easy to style over a bathing suit or dress up for dinner depending on your choice in accessories.
By now, we can all admit that tight denim shorts are just about the least comfortable things to wear during the hot summer months, so it's no surprise that their baggier alternative is one of the biggest trends of the season. If your vacation style leans more casual, oversized jean shorts will fit right in among the rest of the items in your suitcase, and since they aren't fitted, you won't be restricted while walking around sightseeing. The Gap 8-inch Mid-rise '90s Loose Denim Bermuda Shorts boast a longer fit that should eliminate or minimize chafing, while the Blanknyc Adjustable Waist Baggy Denim Shorts are made with buttons across the waistband, so you can achieve a snug fit without worrying about them falling down or riding up.
Last summer, skorts reigned supreme, and luckily they're trending again, so it goes without saying that they're a no-brainer addition to your travel wardrobe to ward off the scorching heat. If you really want to take things the extra mile, opt for skorts made from sweat-wicking fabric like the Lululemon Align High-rise Skirt that toes the line between trendy and functional. However, if you're inclined to opt for a more fashion-forward pick, you can't go wrong with the Gap Linen-blend Mini Skort in this trendy gingham print since it'll remain breathable while being a little easier to dress up for nicer occasions.
Nautical stripes have been making major waves this summer (no pun intended), especially in the form of a breezy button-down top. This style is a great pick for your vacation wardrobe since it's just as easily styled over a bathing suit during a day at the beach as worn in-flight if the air conditioning is cranked up. The good news is, there are seemingly endless permutations of stripes, so whether you're drawn to thicker lines or more sparse designs, this style can work for just about anyone. The Lemafer Women's Smocked Striped Button-down Shirt stands out with its cinched wrists and oversized drape, while the Quince 100 percent Organic Cotton Poplin Long Sleeve Boyfriend Shirt is a fun pick that's more fitted and suitable for travel days and upscale occasions.
Maxi dresses may be nothing new, but the drop-waist trend is just about everywhere this summer—and it's a far more elevated pick to pack for your next big trip. Opting for a simple, solid-colored dress really lets the style speak for itself, and the flowy fit of the skirt remains ultra-comfy without being restrictive or unflattering. Try it with spaghetti straps as with the Gap Drop-waist Maxi Dress or go strapless with the Free People Onda Strapless Midi Dress, but there's no doubt you'll find this style easy to wear in countless ways while traveling.
If florals are the unofficial pattern of the spring, then gingham has become the pattern of the summer, and it's a bold, yet wearable, print to add to your travel wardrobe since it can be styled in so many different ways. The Madewell Smocked U-neck Mini Dress is currently double discounted to $77 with the code SUMMERTIME at checkout, and it's a great choice for staying cool and well-dressed while exploring a new city or going out for drinks with friends. If you're looking for an everyday way to wear the pattern, the Anoumcy Cotton Gingham Tie Front Tank Top will quickly elevate even the simplest baggy jean shorts, while the Quince 100 percent European Linen Fit and Flare Midi Dress is a head-turner that's well-suited for a vast array of occasions—and a personal favorite in my own closet.
Not everybody is a fan of shorts (myself included), but capris are here to save the day this summer—and they will help you channel '90s-era Carrie Bradshaw all vacation-long without worrying about chafed legs. If you're stressed about overheating, you may be drawn to the Beyond Yoga Spacedye Walk and Talk High-waisted Capri Leggings since they're made with sweat-wicking fabric and the perfect amount of compression to keep you comfy in-flight. But if you're ready to fully lean into the traditional version of the style, the Gap Mid-rise Pintuck Ponte Capri Pants are a steal while they're on sale for $25, and they look beautiful with kitten heels, ballet flats, and even strappy sandals.
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