End-of-Summer Trends in Motion
Eagerly awaiting the start of my third year of university, I find myself equally stunned by how quickly trends moved this summer. Looking back at 2025’s forecast, I can actually say a lot of the predictions did have their star moments. Now, as I get ready to head back to my little college town, it feels like the right time to look at what’s in motion for late summer and early fall, and what I’m hoping to see around campus soon.
Prints in Play
First up: prints. As many fashion lovers have noticed, this summer leaned hard into polka dots, stripes, and camo. It’s that classic fashion cycle where something our moms wore suddenly feels new again. But the way these prints showed up this year is what makes them different.
Polka dots have gone beyond just a cute summer dress, they’re showing up in new colors and sizes, on everything from flowy maxi skirts to off-the-shoulder tops. Some are oversized and crowded together, while others are tiny and spaced out, creating negative space. Designers like Jacquemus, Fendi, and Moschino are playing with dots in a way that doesn’t feel like the cookie-cutter 1950s version. It feels more playful with a modern take.
Stripes are doing something similar. Instead of just the usual black-and-white Breton top, we’re seeing bold color combinations, vertical vs. horizontal mixes, and stripes on unexpected silhouettes like tailored trousers or structured blazers. They’re moving away from being “safe” and leaning more toward playful. It also shows how trends don’t stay limited to casual wear, but make their way into business and more structured looks too.
And then there’s camo. It’s had its moments, especially with the popular Abercrombie hoodie and jeans print, but it’s sticking around. This summer it showed up on jorts and capris, but also on hats, sneakers, and even bags. It’s less about full-on army-core and more about using camo as an accent, just enough to give an outfit some edge. Prints overall feel like the statement of the season, which probably means flannels will take a backseat this fall. Sorry lumberjack chic!
Pieces You’ll Actually Want to Wear
Now onto actual pieces. Outerwear is where I’ve noticed some interesting shifts. The “trench coat buttoned to the top” look is real and trending: clean lines, minimal styling, and kind of dramatic in the best way. Fireman-clasp jackets are another one creeping in. Their silhouette is functional and classic, but the hardware makes them stand out from the usual fall jacket lineup.
And then there’s bottoms. Jorts ran the summer (surprise), but as soon as the weather dips, capris start sliding in. They’re kind of the perfect middle ground: not shorts, not full pants, but still easy to style. They work with sneakers, loafers, even boots. It’s like fashion’s way of saying, “We’re not done with summer yet, but we’re not freezing either.”
The Fun Stuff: Hats, Belts, Bags
Accessories are where the real fun is happening. Headwear is back in a noticeable way. Baker boy caps, baseball hats, headbands, and patterned bandanas are everywhere. It feels like people are less afraid of accessorizing again, which makes simple outfits look more thought-out. Belts are also stepping up. Statement buckles and studded details are showing up in both casual and going-out looks. They’re adding shape and edge to outfits that might otherwise be pretty basic. Speaking of studs, they’re sneaking onto jackets, tops, and bags, which makes me think night-out fashion is about to get more playful again.
Bags themselves are shifting too. Last year was all about adding charms, fabrics, and little “personal touches” to Jane Birkin-ify a bag. This year it’s about the bag itself being the statement. Bright colors, unusual shapes, and graphic prints are everywhere. A bag is no longer just an accessory, it’s kind of the centerpiece.
And then there’s monochrome. Wearing all brown, all blue, or all one shade has been popping up everywhere. The best part is that it doesn’t require buying new pieces, you just put together what you already own in the same color family. It’s simple but looks intentional, which is why I think it’s going to stick around into fall. Throw in a matching bag? You’ve got a fit.
Personally, I’ve already picked up some back-to-school pieces, leaning into monochrome looks and accessories that add just enough detail. What stands out to me this season is how people are still sticking to simple staples, but they’re layering in texture, print, or color to make it less boring. Capsule wardrobes aren’t going anywhere, but now there’s a bigger push to find little ways to make them feel fresh. A belt, a bag, a scarf, small things that change the whole vibe. I’m excited to see how these trends show up on campus this fall, and curious how they’ll shift once winter sets in.
