I Studied Stylish Londoners to Work Out Which Trends Will Dominate This Summer—These 7 Stood Out

I'll admit, typically when summer rolls around, knowing about the latest trends are not high on my list of priorities. As someone who gravitates towards the knitwear and jeans outfits of colder months, my number one thought once the temperatures rise is how to stay cool and comfortable in sticky city summers—and still be prepared for the blasting AC whenever I step foot inside. But over the past month, I've spotted more and more of my fellow Londoners embracing trends that have caught my eye for both style and practicality reasons. Win-win.

Effortlessly cool, timeless yet fresh, these recurring summer trends perfectly capture the London fashion sensibility, yet would undoubtedly earn a place in your suitcase for the next getaway, too. Many of the top trends Londoners are embracing this season are based around colour and print—vintage-inspired styles like pinstripes and polka dots are high on the summer staples list, as are more muted tones, with brown coming out as a top contender for this season. Then there's the perfect hint of nostalgia, with silk-scarves-as-tops jumping out of the Nineties and into 2025. Bohemia is having a moment too, but with more of an elevated spin than the crochet tops and embellished headpieces that dominated the early Noughtes Glastonbury and Coachella scene. Instead, think of Isabel Marant and Chloé — floaty, ethereal dresses and tops balanced with suede, studded accessories.

Whatever you've got planned this summer, these trends are sure to have you excited for the months ahead.

SHOP THE TOP SUMMER TRENDS ACCORDING TO LONDONERS:

1. Summer Brown

Style Notes: We're all about neutrals in summer, but this season brown is coming out as the top contender. Think rich, chocolate hues in linen and breezy cottons, which can work just as well for the office as they can on holiday.

Shop the trend:

ALIGNE

Mia Linen Maxi Skirt

I'm in love with this skirt—and definitely want the matching top, too.

With Nothing Underneath

The Boxer: Hemp, Chocolate

Such an easy, relaxed set for summer wear.

Free People

Aspen Linen Maxi

The kind of dress you'll happily throw on during the sticky month.

Reformation

Olina Linen Pant

An easy, everyday summer pant.

COS

Open-Back Cotton Maxi Dress

Such a sophisticated summer dress.

2. Polka Dots

Style Notes: This season, the simple polka dot is back with a vengeance, with influencers across my feed sporting elegant polka dot dresses. From voluminous Fifties-inspired dresses to minimalist slips, there's plenty of options to choose from this year,

Shop the trend:

Reformation

Dorothea Two Piece

How cute is this set? Wear together or mix and match with white separates.

KITRI

Amalia Red Polka Dot Halterneck Dress

I love the timeless romance of this style

Nobody's Child

Poppy Delevingne Black Polka Dot Pandora Midi Dress

I predict this polka dot dress from Poppy Delevingne's collaboration with Nobody's Child won't stay in stock long.

DÔEN

Tahlia Belted Polka-Dot Silk-Blend Twill Midi Dress

Dôen always nails the classic, vintage-inspired charm.

GANNI

Polka-Dot Double Satin Long Pocket Skirt

The Scandi vibe of this skirt is irresistable.

3. Scarf Tops

Style Notes: The Nineties are calling. That's right, scarf tops are officially back this season. Keep it minimalist by opting for a simple print, or embrace the joy of summer with a more maximalist, vibrant style—just start practicing a few of the many ways to tie your scarf into a top.

Shop the trend:

Free People

Fp One Raya Bandana Top

This would pair so well with denim shorts.

Rixo

Menno - Zebra Stripe Black

Anthropologie

Maeve Wrap Satin Halter Neck Top

Don't want to do the work of tying the scarf? Opt for this pre-structured piece—which also happens to tick off the polka dot trend, too.

LA DOUBLEJ

+ Mother Printed Silk-Twill Scarf

La DoubleJ's vibrant prints are such a summer mood.

LOEWE

+ Paula's Ibiza Printed Silk-Twill Scarf

Pure summer fun, in scarf form.

4. Modern Bohemian

Style Notes: Floaty dresses, embroidered blouses, fringed suede bags—bohemian style is a top trend this season, and there are plenty of ways to embrace it. Give yours a modern update by going for simpler designs that are really well crafted, and pairing with modern, minimalist jewellery.

Shop the trend:

Nobody's Child

White Tiered Lace Detail Skirt

If you're looking to embrace the bohemian vibe this summer, you can't go wrong with a floaty, tiered white skirt.

Free People

We the Free Riviera Top

Wear with jeans, shorts, skirts—everything.

ISABEL MARANT

Oskan Fringed Suede Shoulder Bag

The fringed suede shoulder bag is a bohemian staple.

An easy style you can dress up or down.

Annika Inez

Sterling Silver Sloping Pendant Necklace

The perfect piece to wear with your blouses or dresses.

5. Bandeau Dresses

Style Notes: If you're looking for a versatile dress style this season, go for a bandeau style. Londoners are backing the strapless dress this season, which you can throw on with sandals and a pair of sunglasses for casual wear, or dress up with heels and jewellery for an evening look.

Shop the trend:

Free People

Marbella Midi

I plan on styling this dress exactly like this.

ST. AGNI

Strapless Jersey and Pinstriped Organic Cotton Maxi Dress

Nobodys Child

White Polka Dot Bandeau Felicity Midi Dress

This one ticks two-in-one trends.

FAITHFULL

Hedy Strapless Gathered Linen and Voile Maxi Dress

A great option for evening wear.

MATTEAU

Strapless Ruched Organic Cotton-Poplin Midi Dress

I love the drop waist silhouette.

6. Pinstripes

Style Notes: Competing with polka dots for top print of the season, pinstripes is the minimalist-approved design to own this summer. A classic for a reason, pinstripes strike the perfect balance between relaxed and refined—particularly when it shirt form.

Shop the trend:

COS

Layered Striped Trapeze Shirt Dress

Go on, get the matching shorts, too.

& Other Stories

Oversized Shirt

The kind of shirt that is well suited to work and weekends.

Reformation

Fernando Linen Wide Leg Pant

Style with a white tee and you're set.

ST. AGNI

Pinstriped Virgin Wool-Blend Vest

This conveniently taps into the brown trend, too.

Reformation

Mila Linen Short

7. Minimalist Sandals

Style Notes: If there's one sandal style to go for this year, it's the barely-there silhouette. Think simple straps, minimal embellishment and elegant lines—they're the kind of flat that goes with everything.

Shop the trend:

Russell & Bromley

Chicksgrove Sandal

Russell & Bromley sandals are always expertly crafted.

Reformation

Ludo Toe Ring Strappy Flat Sandal

These would pair so well with breezy linen styles.

EMME PARSONS

Loop Satin Sandals

A true, barely-there sandal.

AMANU

The Kibera Embellished Croc-Effect Leather Sandals

LOEFFLER RANDALL

Lara Embellished Leather Sandals

The silver hardware is such a great touch that really elevates this otherwise understated sandal.