As we crawl towards warmer weather, we got to thinking about our fashion #goals from summers past. Every outfit seemed to centre around sexy, strappy, barely-there snippets of fabric… This summer you’ll still find us in a bikini, when it’s warm enough, but we’re here for the fact that 2021’s essential hot girl summer *lewk* is a little more modest.
All the inspiration we need to manifest our summer wardrobe (and the weather to go with it) is over on Instagram.
The style set’s usual suspects have fallen for the charms of the shirt and shorts co-ord – but make it frumpy. Yep, the most fashionable way to wear your shorts for summer 2021 is inspired by Florida grannies, all short-sleeved shirts with resolutely boxy silhouettes and baggy shorts that come down past mid-thigh. No figure-hugging fabrics here, thank you. Retro bowling shirts influence the top half shape and boy’s boxer shorts – including elasticated waists – are a definite inspiration on the lower half. And the prints! The lairy-er and louder the better.
You could wear the shirt unbuttoned over a racer-front vest, swimsuit or bikini and obviously you can split up the set to get more wear out of the pieces… A simple white t-shirt or tank top will work with the shorts, while jeans will go brilliantly with the shirts. But truthfully it’s the boldness of these two pieces combined that is doing it for us.
There are dozens of towelling sets in acidic pastels (we love the baby blue version from Pull & Bear and the mint green option from Stradivarius) but tropical prints are also a signature of this trend. If you want to invest in the ultimate resort two-piece, Pucci’s is an epic wear-forever purchase while McQ nails the psychedelic print.
Sunglasses and a bucket hat are essential accessories, while chunky socks and trainers – or grandad sandals – add to the subversive style that has turned sexy summer dressing on it’s head.
For more from Glamour UK Fashion Director at large Alex Fullerton, follow her on Instagram @alexandrafullerton