The best 8 summer fashion trends to know – and shop – now

The wait is finally over. Ever since we witnessed the spring/summer '24 collections on the runway last year – from Sabato de Sarco's debut collection for Gucci, to Prada's translucent prowess to Miu Miu's mastery of mini skirts and polo shirts – we have been yearning to embrace the pieces in our wardrobe.

So, seize the arrival of the spring and summer fashions and start 'adding to cart' as we hand-pick the best to buy for eight key seasonal trends.

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The more translucent the better – if the fashion houses like Sportmax and Alaïa have anything to do with it, that is. Both of the maisons sent model after model down the runway in whisper-thin, see-through looks that – thanks to expert craftsmanship – made so much of so little fabric.

We welcomed back head-to-toe monochrome looks yet again for the SS24 runways. Models donned unmissable block colours such as red, pink and grey in different shades, but one of the most significant hues of the season is soft, sky-toned baby blue.

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Mini skirts and dresses has become something of a staple piece in a fashion wardrobe, but for this summer the designers took it one further step – introducing the mini silhouette to any garment imaginable: tops, jackets, underwear and shorts inclusive. The result? An empowering look that is very flattering and feminine.

When life gives you lemons, you create looks inspired from 50 shades of citrus – that is, according to the creative directors for brands such as Del Core, Emilia Wickstead and Bottega Veneta. It is just as if these designers knew exactly that a bright yellow look was just what to wear on a sunny summer day.

Whilst we all love to hear wedding bells toll, this is a more universal take on the white dress. Think feminine, lightweight and eternally flattering – united by luminous shades of white. And brands who have become known for this specific offering – think Simone Rocha or Cecilie Bahnsen – didn't disappoint either. In the range of brands showcasing the look there were unexpected contenders too, with Gucci and Valentino getting in on the trend too.

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Whether silver, gold or bronze, metallic seems to really have captured the fashion world's eyes. Shimmering and shining down the runways of Blumarine, Supriya Lele and Alexander McQueen, to name a few, it's time to illuminate. On the runways, no fabric was immune to the sought-out metallic finish: from sequin-laden jersey skirts to chains and thread-like detailing.

The polo shirt, as seen on Miu Miu's SS24 runway, quickly became a significant piece for the spring and summer fashion scene. The vast variety of styling opportunities is ought to be one of the biggest reasons for its fast establishment, or maybe it is simple that when Miuccia Prada has spoken, the fashion world follows. When investing in your own, don't be afraid to opt for different colours or fits – the men's section has ample options to offer too.

Scroll through almost any of the SS24 collections and you'll find fringe fever is officially at an all-time fashion high. Swinging from here, there and everywhere – or contained to hemlines and seams – it's the season to enjoy the fringe benefits.

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