Once Outside Opens Up: Top Trends to Shop for Spring/Summer 2020
I truly played myself by thinking that I’d actually save money by spending several months at home for the greater good. So long are the days of happy hour drinks, Ubers up and down Manhattan, Seamless deliveries, and popping into Zara “just to see if they have anything good.”
My name is Kiana, and I truly love retail therapy. Even though time and time again it doesn’t work, I find new ways to convince myself that purchasing just one new thing will make everything better. Again, it doesn’t, but sometimes even that short moment of taking home an item I’ve always wanted or spotting the perfect shoe in my size sparks joy.
One of my biggest passions in life is understanding how practices of self-care, especially related to beauty + fashion, can increase women’s confidence and help them be their best selves. Growing up, I felt insecure about being a skinny Black girl who didn’t fit into that curvy girl, perfect hair mold that society thrust on us. So, I found my voice through my personal style. Now, I’ve transitioned my career to connect women with the best products, services, treatments etc that can help them feel ready to take on their day.
So, yeah I’m already shopping for what I can wear once it’s safe to go outside + frolic again. I want to make sure that when I step out for the first time, I don’t have a moment of panic, digging frantically through my closet for the perfect fit. Based on quarantine, SS2020 runway looks, and just browsing my favorite shops online, here’s a few trends I’ll be stocking up on.
Mesh + Sheer
I’ve long been a mesh girl. For years, I’ve had one perfect mesh long-sleeved top that I just can’t get rid of even though it’s way too tight now. This summer, I want to play with the trend in different patterns + wardrobe pieces to create some fun looks.
Lingerie, but for Outside
Hear me out here: I’m talking corsets, satin, and sexy lace. I know I said I was a mesh girl, but I’m also a corset girl. Your favorite slip dresses, garter belts, and bustiers have such a beautiful romanticism. Try a lace bra under a jacket or blazer. You’ll look like a dream without even trying. Beware though, a lot of the best pieces are vintage so you might have to look extra hard to find something good.
Bermuda Shorts
I personally didn’t ever want bermuda shorts to come back in style but now I’m on the hunt for a perfect pair. Pair it with a blazer to keep it office chic or throw on a crop top for the perfect summer day. Play around with different fabrics to see which style is best for you. My favorites are leather and denim.
Comfy Cozy
There are two types of people: those who are going to throw out all their sweat pants after quarantine and those who are going to make them a wardrobe staple for everyday wear. I’m hoping to land somewhere in the middle. From now on, I’m going to be craving more comfy but cute looks than ever before even when I’m not stuck at home.
Satin Scarves as Tops
People have been doing this for a while, but I’ve been seeing more fast fashion retailers taking the trend to be ready to buy. The satin top allows you to play with textures and prints in your look. Either buy a traditional scarf at a thrift store or beauty supply and find different ways to tie it into a top, or find your perfect option online. Pro tip that it’s much cheaper to buy the scarf yourself and tie it how you want.
Thong Heeled Sandals
People have been doing this for a while, but I’ve been seeing more fast fashion retailers taking the trend to be ready to buy. The satin top allows you to play with textures and prints in your look. Either buy a traditional scarf at a thrift store or beauty supply and find different ways to tie it into a top, or find your perfect option online. Pro tip that it’s much cheaper to buy the scarf yourself and tie it how you want.