There are plenty of things to look forward to in the summer. A new internship, hangouts with friends from home, fun events complete with music, food and endless sunshine—the list goes on. One thing I find myself looking forward to every single summer, no matter what year, is the summer fashion. Not only do I love being able to put away the heavy overcoats and break out the cute strappy tanks, but I love seeing other people unleash their creativity in how they dress for warm weather.
Three Bruins weighed in on what summer fashion fads they’re into this season, which ones are their personal go-tos and tips on how to beat the heat while still dressing to a T. Before even diving into summer centric questions, all three interviewees were asked about their personal relationship with fashion. They all credited their love and passion for fashion to the fact that it has long been a tool for self-expression and making statements.
“Dressing myself up is my favorite form of self care, providing me an opportunity to express myself and solidify my own identity,” said second-year sociology and public affairs student Lauren Kim.
When asked about their likes and dislikes of current campus trends, each interviewee had their own personal opinion on the matter. Jorts, or the shortened term for jean shorts, was a popular entry in the likes column. At the moment, jorts does not refer to any old jean shorts; they are specifically the bigger, longer, baggier jorts that are making the rounds at UCLA and across the country.
Fourth-year English student Jessie Pyo was the biggest advocate for jorts, detailing why she found them so stylish. “I think one style that I personally really like is wearing jorts, which are super boyish on the bottom, and wearing a cute, feminine top… I think that contrast is really nice,” she said.
On top of jorts, overalls, micro shorts, boxers, capris, sheer garments and knit garments all made their way on the list of favorite trends around campus. Kim even mentioned iced coffee, which according to her, is indeed a summer accessory and one she particularly likes. As for the dislikes, Birkenstock clogs and neon colors were taken note of. Second-year transfer and Asian American Studies student Harry Embuido said he did not have any particular dislikes, but instead mentioned the importance of being mindful of consumption and longevity when it comes to keeping up with trends. Embuido suggested that buying second hand is a great way to keep up with trends without breaking the bank, and encouraged donating clothes whenever possible.
While there were some crossovers when talking about campus trends, each interviewee had a different summer essential to recommend, testifying to the variety and options available in summer fashion.
Kim swore by a maxi skirt, which she said has been getting a lot of wear by people lately, but is versatile enough to style to one’s unique look. Additionally, Kim pointed out that summer is a perfect time to experiment with layering jewelry, as shorter sleeves and open necklines provide an empty canvas to show off style by accessorizing. Pyo opted for a baggy shirt as her summer essential, specifically jerseys that she’s been seeing on Pinterest and in stores like the popular Brandy Melville. According to Pyo, baggy shirts are “comfort and fashion.” Embuido took a more practical route, promoting sunglasses as a way to be stylish but also protect the eyes from the harsh summer sun. Like Kim, Embuido stood by the versatility of sunglasses. Versatility is arguably one of the most important things when it comes to a closet essential, and with the amount of opportunities to dress up and go out in the summer, it is even more important to consider.
To dig a little deeper into their personal styles, I asked these Bruins what they’re most excited to wear this summer. Kim mentioned tank tops, a staple that comes back around every year at the same time the sun does. For Kim, her summer tank tops mean more than just fashion. “I noticed I always end up gravitating towards one specific top each year, and I label that one my ‘tank of the Summer,’” she said. “Whenever I rewear it, I love reminiscing on the adventures I had wearing that top.”
Pyo said she was most excited to wear the dresses that have been collecting dust in the cold weather. She said she enjoys how easy and breezy they are to wear, and admits dresses and skirts are all she ever wears in the summer. “I definitely like, for summer, very flowy [dresses], ones that kind of have a little chiffon material and ones that are kind of like the A-line skirt—I like those a lot, I think they’re really cute, and they’re very girly,” she said. For Embuido, he’s been anticipating being able to wear all the shorts he’s been able to thrift for the past few months.
To round out the interview, the Bruins gave their tips on how to stay cool and cute this upcoming summer season. Kim went straight to what she called her “default uniform,” which consists of hair up in a claw clip, baggy jeans and a cute shirt. Tank tops made their return to the conversation with Pyo suggesting strapless, flowy, roomy tank tops to beat the heat with style. Embuido’s advice consisted of layers, which he said is one of his favorite ways to make a look more interesting.
“Using sheer, loose and breathable fabrics to layer gives a lot of dimension while also staying cool,” said Embuido. “I have a loose knit cropped sweater that I love putting under and over shirts! It gives an interesting texture while also still letting me breathe.” With the degrees climbing, breathing room is definitely a plus when it comes to constructing an outfit.
Summer is one of the best seasons to dress for because there are so many opportunities to make a statement. Whether it be grabbing food at a trendy restaurant or attending one of summer’s many concerts, there are lots of ways to gain outfit inspiration from trends and staple pieces of the season and turn it into an expression of personality and style.
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Featured Image via Adobe Stock
