Don’t Know What to Wear This Summer? Here’s What’s Trending in 2025

The calendar says that summer officially arrives with the solstice on June 20. But the forecast calls for fun, sunny updates to our closets. “Because everything in the world is so serious right now and feels so heavy, we’re really seeing the shift in how we’re dressing. Really soft, really feminine, really easy,” says Vancouverite Lyndi Barrett. Alongside her work as a trend forecaster and college fashion instructor, Barrett is also a publicist and content creator, known as @stylecalling on Instagram.

The current state of the world also has people getting creative in how they adopt new trends. “People are not wanting to spend a lot of money right now,” says Barrett. “We’re really seeing this return to seeing what’s in our wardrobes and how we can re-wear things.” She explains that the trickle-down effect has led to a resurgence in vintage and secondhand, both popular ways to shop. But those on a budget, take note: even a simple scarf can elevate a summer outfit. “There’s just so many different ways that you could wear a silk or a cotton scarf,” she says. “Whether it be on your head, in your hair, tying it to your bag. We’re seeing a lot of people wearing scarves as belts.”

Whether your wardrobe needs a little update or complete overhaul, here are the 2025 summer fashion trends that are heating up as the mercury rises.

Boho

A ’70s aesthetic, lace and sheer fabrics, an interest in vintage pieces—put it all together, and you get breezy bohemian. “Boho is going to be big for summer,” says Barrett. “Very soft, floaty fabrics, very ethereal.” Plus, as Barrett explains, boho is also great for those who need to tighten their belts, so to speak. “Boho fits so nicely into vintage shopping as well and shopping secondhand. So we’re seeing a lot of people looking for different options of how they can explore these different styles.”

Wide-leg jeans, maxi skirts and handicraft details (like embroidery) are a few ways to incorporate this trend. “A lot of it is about textures and layering, and it’s just very soft and very pretty and very personalized,” says Barrett.

Mermaid-Core

In a season dominated by beaches and pool hangs, it follows that aquatic-inspired fashion would make waves. “Mermaid-core, which is a lot of shells, seaside inspired motifs… A lot of fish everywhere, like sardine images. And even in jewellery, loads of fish and jewel and shell jewellery.” But she warns: “It’s not a costume, right?” For a B.C.-based designer doing it right, Barrett looks to jewellery designer Melanie Auld. “That motif of canned sardines is super popular at the moment, and their new [Beach Club] Collection has fish. It’s got shells. We’re seeing a lot, like the evil eye, and even the actual necklace part, we’re seeing a lot of rope.”

To do mermaid-core right, think ethereal fabrics, sequins, fishnet and macramé fabrics, aqua colours and ocean-inspired accessories. For those who like a playful trend, this is the perfect one to dive into.

Fisherman-Core

Fisherman-core and mermaid-core are two sides of the same coin as summer fashion trends. While mermaid leans heavily on glamour and shimmer, fisherman-core is a more down-to-earth take on the nautical aesthetic. But there’s another “-core” mixed in there.

“It’s kind of like a mix of cottage-core, so you think like linens and nautical vibes mixed in with fishermen sweaters and the return of Hunter Wellington boots,” says Barrett. “We’re seeing a lot of stripes, a lot of shells, a lot of coastal vibes.” Breton-stripe shirts, fisherman sandals, boat shoes and netting are all on deck for this trend. It’s like “function, but the fashion version,” says Barrett.

Butter Yellow

Butter yellow: it’s all over runways and red carpets (à la Timothée Chalamet at the Oscars). “Butter yellow is a huge dominating colour,” says Barrett. But like many trends, this particular one has been percolating for some time. “Butter yellow has just slowly been kind of coming onto the market, and it’s been quite interesting to watch, because suddenly it’s everywhere.” If the warm, buttery shade doesn’t appeal, then Barrett suggests summer plaids, ocean-inspired prints and “shades of green.”

For a local designer playing with the butter yellow trend—with a dash of boho thrown in for good measure—Barrett recommends White Rock–based boutique Harly Jae. “They are a slow fashion brand, and I believe they actually manufacture in Vancouver… They do small runs, but they do really beautiful linen pieces.”

Matching Sets

To be fair, matching sets have been on trend for a while now. But for summer, sets are easier to wear than ever. “We’re seeing a return of just a really easy shape. So a classic button-down linen shirt or linen set,” says Barrett. She likes the linen sets from Aritzia, with a favourite being one of the brand’s “wide-leg linen pant with a matching top.”

As always, current events are influencing what we wear. “Trends are also very much pushed by what’s happening in the world,” she explains. “Everybody is so overwhelmed that you almost want the guesswork taken out of it. A set is something that always looks really put together… and then it’s two pieces that you could also mix and match into your wardrobe. So it’s a really great investment, and something that you can wear when you’re on vacation, you can wear to a barbecue, you can dress it up or dress it down.”

Walkable Shoes

There will always be a time and place for a high heel or stiletto, but this season, those who like to walk on the comfy side rather than the wild side have cause for celebration. “All the shoes we’re seeing will have a much lower heel,” says Barrett. “So we’re seeing lots of mules, a lot of woven textures and interesting leather treatments.”

Among them are boat shoes (accompanying the nautical theme) and jelly shoes, although she warns the latter will likely be short-lived. Mary Janes and ballet flats are also chic right now, and of course, sandals. “Poppy Barley are doing some really interesting sandals for this season,” she says, calling out the popular Canadian brand.

To round out shoe trends, Barrett points to flip-flops and sneakers. Although, for those jumping on the sneaker trend, she suggests investing in a statement pair. “That red pair of sneakers or one that has a ribbon on it. A little bit different.” But ultimately, Barrett says what we’ve all been thinking about this summer fashion trend: “More practical footwear. Thank goodness.”