The Complete Trend Capsule: 12 Items to Get You Through Spring and Summer

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(Image credit: @salome.mory)

While most of us are wrapped up in innumerable layers right now (maybe even looking out at the snow), today we’ve decided to happily distract ourselves with thoughts of a brighter spring and summer ahead—and everything we’ll be wearing once the warmer temps come along.

There are, of course, a whole host of fresh trends for the taking this warm-weather season—but today we’re honing in on helping you build a succinct spring/summer trend capsule wardrobe consisting of versatile and fashion-forward items that you can mix-and-match, and wear on repeat through spring and summer. Take a peek below at the essential trends to stock up on, and see how to mix-and-match them together to create plenty of chic looks this warm-weather season.

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(Image credit: Who What Wear)

1. Cropped Tops

Skin is in for spring/summer 2021 which includes plenty of midriff-baring tops. From bandeaus to cropped tops with wraparound ties, they were spotted all over the S/S 21 collections. They're easy to style with other items in this trend capsule such as relaxed pants and athletic shorts.

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(Image credit: @lucywilliams)

Cropped Top + Relaxed Trousers + Clogs

2. Open-Back Dresses

If you're going to invest in a dress this warm-weather season make it a backless one. The chic trend has already been spotted all over our favorite fashion girls and will continue to reign supreme this summer. Pair it with trending cushy thong sandals or clogs for a casual chic look.

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(Image credit: Courtesy of Givenchy)

Open Back Dress + Market Tote + Clogs

3. Mini Skirts

It's all about high hemlines this spring—the perfect option for the warmer temps ahead. Pair a micro mini skirt with sneakers or sandals, a cute polo top, and sunnies to step into spring in style.

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(Image credit: Courtesy of Miu Miu)

Mini Skirt + Cushy Thongs + Polo + Sporty Sunnies

4. Athletic Shorts

Sportier silhouettes were prevalent in the S/S 21 collections and when it comes to shorts we saw loose and casual athletic styles take center stage—spotted from Chanel to Louis Vuitton. The best part? They go with practically every top in your closet.

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(Image credit: @discodaydream)

Athletic Shorts + Cushy Thongs + Cropped Top

5. Polos

We've seen the retro silhouette crop up for the past few seasons but this spring they're set to dominate. Whether you go for a short sleeve or long, they're perfect to wear with everything from relaxed trousers to mini skirts.

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(Image credit: Courtesy of Fendi)

Polo + Relaxed Trousers + Clogs

6. Clogs

There's a new shoe trend in town and they're surprisingly versatile and comfortable. They were omnipresent on the runways and will pair with everything in your spring/summer wardrobe from dresses to jeans.

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(Image credit: Hermes, Peter White/Getty Images)

Clogs + Collarless Blazer + Mini Skirt + Polo

7. Relaxed Trousers

Enter the season of easy elegance—with elevated takes on comfort dressing. Loose and relaxed trousers (and jeans for that matter) are set to rule this year. Style with everything from swimsuits to cropped tops.

Relaxed Trousers + Asymmetric Swimsuit + Cushy Thongs + Market Tote

8. Collarless Blazer

A lightweight topper is a spring essential. This season opt for a relaxed-fitting collarless blazer—which feels casual yet polished—a chic silhouette we spotted from Ferragamo to Givenchy.

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(Image credit: Courtesy of Ferragamo)

Collarless Blazer + Open-Back Dress + Clogs

9. Asymmetric Swimsuit

There are a number of cool swimsuit trends to look forward to this warm-weather season. Expect to see chic one-shoulder and asymmetric styles all over your favorite fashion girls by summer. Wear with your sporty shorts, cushy thongs, and a market tote for a day by the pool. 

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(Image credit: @chainkyr)

Asymmetric Swimsuit + Athletic Shorts + Cushy Thongs + Sporty Sunnies

10. Cushy Thongs

You'll all be happy to hear that comfy flip-flops are back in the limelight for spring and summer. This season think thongs with cushy flatform soles that add a cool and casual touch to every outfit.

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(Image credit: @alyssainthecity)

Cushy Thongs + Open-Back Dress + Sporty Sunnies

11. Sporty Sunglasses

From shield sunglasses to wraparound styles—the upcoming season sees sportier silhouettes winning over the style set.

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(Image credit: Courtesy of Miu Miu)

Sporty Sunglasses + Mini Skirt + Cropped Top

12. Market Totes

We see this trend come up every summer and we never tire of it. Whether you're off to the beach or farmer's market the casual tote is always a winner no matter what you're wearing.

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(Image credit: Courtesy of Staud)

Market Tote + Asymmetric Swimsuit + Cushy Thongs

Up next, the 8 key items to look on-trend this spring.

Judith Jones
Senior Fashion Market Editor

Judith Jones is the senior fashion market editor at Who What Wear who specializes in shopping content and trend stories with high-affiliate impact. She shares the coolest, most desirable fashion market finds and brands for every budget. Previous to working in fashion, Judith worked as a TV host on the PBS travel show Globe Trekker (airing on Netflix and Amazon Prime) sharing her passion for travel and culture.