Colorful Summer Outfit Ideas for Summer 2021, Trends

Though the phrase “hot girl summer” was coined by Megan Thee Stallion in 2019, no one can deny its ubiquity to the point of overuse this summer. For the vaccinated, 2021 ushers in the so-called “shot girl summer,” characterized by re-openings, improved weather, and, yes, partying. Bitter onlookers can mock all they want—I’m buying in full force.

Now, I’m not the type to hit up a rave or head to Ibiza at a moment’s notice. But, this summer, I’m going to dress like I am. I will be swapping out my standard, mostly neutral, New Yorker color palette for neons, metallics, and candy-colored hues. After the year we’ve had, (for me, spent mostly in grey sweatpants) it’s time to dress for the moment. The new Roaring 20’s is too bright an era for dark colors. I want highlighter-colored tops. Pink wide-leg pants. Tie-dye dresses. Mismatched pairings. Easter pastel purses. I want to look like a fourth grader at summer camp, in beaded necklaces and Hawaiian florals. All patterns should look as at home on a designer dress as they would on an L.L. Bean swimsuit from 2002. Jelly sandals! Bright gingham! And. Lots. Of. Pink.

The summer fashion inspo is already trickling in: Harry Styles in Cher Horowitz-plaid and a feather boa at the Grammy Awards. The TikTok teens are thrifting Lilly Pulitzer halter tops and Pucci prints. This Tweet, featuring Gilda Radnor in pink overalls at Studio 54. The shocking neon pantsuits at Balmain’s Spring/Summer 2021 fashion show. Even Duchess Kate recently wore a bright coral coat in London.

This is not your average summer. This is #TechnicolorSummer (coined by me, right now). It’s absurd and dizzying and the whirlwind of our Y2K dreams—feather boas, halter tops, bright knits, miniskirts, and all. So, pop on a pair of neon-tinted shades and bring some joy back into your wardrobe.

Find this T&C writer’s blindingly bright summer must-haves below.