4 Unexpectedly Cool Trends Coming at Us This Summer

There are plenty of chic trends for the taking this summer 2020 (aka styles that we can still relish in throughout quarantine)—from long shorts, elevated raffia bags, uplifting tie-dye, runway-inspired crochet, and playful puff sleeves. These trends skip merrily hand in hand with the casual and free-spirited nature of summer. But today, our focus is on the more unexpected summer trends that have been dominating our Insta feeds of late. Call them micro-trends if you will—these unique looks are wonderfully unpredictable and have been embraced by the fashion set, causing a ripple effect on the ‘gram.

Read on to see the unexpectedly cool trends coming at us this summer 2020 and shop them for yourself.

Table of Contents

Tennis, But Make It Fashion

Preppy tennis outfits have been gaining major momentum on Instagram, with pleated tennis skirts, in particular, winning over fashion girls. It’s a welcome alternative to leggings and sweats. The best part? You don’t need to be a tennis pro to pull off the look! Keep the look modern and style your tennis garb with fashion-forward accessories like a chunky necklace or hair scarf.

Shop the trend:

American Apparel Gabardine Tennis Skirt ($48)

Tory Sport Appliquéd Striped Cotton-Blend Piqué Top ($98)

Nike Court Victory Skirt ($49)

Not your average bra

Summer 2020 sees the rise of the beautiful bra top—and this season they are anything but basic. It seems the style set are having a ton of fun in the bra department these days—sporting Insta-worthy styles featuring unique silhouettes, luxurious fabrics, and seriously cool details.

Shop the trend:

Orseund Iris Cha Cha Pleated Poplin Bra Top ($185)

Paloma Wool Palmetto Halter Top ($126)

Acsuss Silky Bra Top ($14)

Boxers and Briefs

While we’re on the theme of undergarments, have you seen the myriad of boxers and briefs on your feed lately? Now that we’re all staying home, the comfy trend has been bubbling, with cool girls giving the menswear undies a fashion-forward touch, styling them with everything from button-downs to blazers. A modern alternative to your sweatshorts.

Shop the trend:

Gap 4.5-Inch Oxford Boxers ($9)

Polo Ralph Lauren 3-Pack Cotton Boxers ($43)

Calvin Klein Modern Cotton Stretch Trunks ($20)

Really pretty “ugly” sandals

The “ugly” sandal trend just got an unexpectedly pretty update this summer—and the fashion crowd can’t get enough. Chunky, sporty sandals are now adorned with everything from whimsical embellishments to charming fabrics.

Shop the trend:

Cecilie Bahnsen x Suicoke Maria Beaded Velcro-Strap Sandals ($451)

Arizona Love Trekky Pearls ($155)

ASOS Sporty Sandals in Tweed ($56)

Anklets Over Socks

We’ve always enjoyed wearing anklets throughout summer, providing a little adornment and edge to our sandals and swimsuits, but now that inside clothes are the new norm, fashion girls are styling them over their comfy socks this season.