Stylists and designers reveal the 13 fashion trends you should avoid this summer
- Some of this summer's biggest fashion trends include biker shorts, tropical prints, and thong sandals.
- Although today's fashion is all about embracing clothing that was popular in the '70s, 80s, and '90s, some of these trends are meant to be left in the past.
- Insider spoke to various celebrity stylists and designer David Meister about some of the summer trends people should avoid this year.
- Visit Insider's homepage for more stories.
In terms of fashion, 2020 has been all about embracing popular clothing from the '70s, '80s, '90s, and early 2000s.
Biker shorts, for instance, were huge in the '80s and have been making a comeback over the last few years. Although they may be popular again this summer, some stylists and designers think biker shorts, along with other clothing items from the past, should be left on the rack.
Insider spoke to various celebrity stylists and designer David Meister about the popular summer trends people should skip this year.
FOLLOW US: Insider is on Facebook
Neon is here to stay this summer, but the monochromatic look might be a bit too much.
Celebrity stylist Scot Louie, whose clients include Kehlani and Keke Palmer, knows the trend isn't going to go away but suggests toning it down a bit by avoiding head-to-toe neon.
"As neons have proven they're here to stay, it's time to move away from monochrome neon and pair them with neutrals or color-block your neons," Louie said.
Despite how cool some might think square-toe sandals are, this is a trend that Meister absolutely hates.
Bottega Veneta's creative director, Daniel Lee, debuted his take on square-toe shoes with mules and mesh pumps for his fall 2019 collection, and people quickly embraced the look. However, this is one trend that designer David Meister is not a fan of.
"I love the new Bottega Veneta line, but those square toes are just interesting, and I don't want to look interesting," he told Insider. "I believe shoes should be pretty or sexy. They don't look good or sexy."
Place the chunky sneakers in the back of your closet this summer.
Chunky sneakers, dad sneakers, ugly sneakers, or whatever you want to call this shoe trend started becoming popular again in the spring of 2018, and two years later, it's still going strong.
Louie suggests leaving them behind and trying out a backless loafer or a strappy kitten heel instead.
"Take those cinder blocks off your feet and give your soles a break," he said. "Summer is here and as we make our way off the couch, let's leave behind the heavy footwear."
Athleisure was probably your go-to during quarantine, but it's time to take any excuse to dress up and leave this trend alone.
"If you aren't on the court or in the gym, then it's time to pack up the biker shorts and joggers," Louie said.
He suggests skipping this trend and swapping it out for a Bermuda short suit instead, like the one Julia Roberts wore in "Pretty Woman."
Denim-on-denim is one trend that can be very difficult to pull off, so it's best to just avoid it altogether.
Just like wearing all neon can be a bit too much, so is putting on an all-denim outfit.
"One in a million looks fabulous in head-to-toe denim and the rest it's like, 'What are you thinking?'" Meister said. "To pull off all denim is tough, so that's not for everyone."
Leopard is a classic, but it's time to trade it in for a different animal print.
Leopard is one animal print that is going to be popular for years and years to come, but this summer, try swapping it our for zebra, Louie said.
Thong sandals need to stay in the '90s, according to Meister.
"I am not a fan, except if you're throwing them on to go to the pool," he said. "They have their place, but I don't want to see everyone running around in them."
Tropical prints, like those on Hawaiian shirts, can be hit or miss.
Meister said that most tropical prints are bad and just not done correctly.
"To me, it needs to be done really well, and I think they look silly on most people," he said.
According to Meister, there's no point in bothering with waistcoats or vests this summer.
This is a trend that some stylists suggest would work great for those going back to the office who are looking to switch up their workwear.
But Meister said people shouldn't even bother with it, and should instead focus on dressing up after having to sit at home for so long.
Wearing leather is a trend that should be left for the colder months.
Celebrity stylist Harriet Byczok, who counts "Game of Thrones" Maisie Williams as a client, admitted that she is a massive fan of leather, but considering the number of alternative things to wear during the summer, she recommends leaving it for the fall and winter.
"Summer is a time to embrace light fabrics and colorful pieces that can't necessarily be worn all year round," she said.
Crocs might be comfortable, but they can change the vibe of an outfit.
KJ Moody, whose clients include Kelly Rowland and Beyoncé, knows that wearing Crocs is a big trend right now but advises against it.
"Crocs are cute on children and hospital personnel. If you're not careful, you can easily lose style points and ruin a great look with this choice," he said.
If you're adamant about wearing Crocs, Moody suggests pairing them with casual looks only. You can wear them with a pair of shorts and add ankle or crew socks, or throw on some layered jewelry to give them an edgier look. You can also embrace the laid-back vibe by pairing them with a bucket hat, a unique bag, and cool sunglasses.
Denim skirts are a safe option, so why not embrace wearing something else instead?
Moody agrees that denim skirts are a strong choice for fall and winter with a great sweater or jacket, but you don't need to wear them in the summer.
"To me, a denim skirt shouts, 'I just threw this on,'" he said. "There are so many amazing options, from a crisp pair of linen bottoms to denim shorts or a nicely cut pair of pants."
Tube tops were huge in the '90s, but should probably stay in that era.
Philippe Uter, who has worked with celebrities like "Stranger Things" star Noah Schnapp and model Lais Ribeiro, told Insider that tube tops are his least favorite summer trend right now.
"Most of the time it is not flattering for the silhouette," he said.
If you are going to wear one, Uter recommends wearing denim pants with kitten heels and a raffia bag.
"It's something very clean, fresh, and summery," he added.
- Read more:
- 19 fashion trends that will be popular this summer, according to celebrity stylists
- 12 'bad' fashion trends that people hate but stylists love
- People are so obsessed with tie-dying their clothes that it's becoming the hottest quarantine pastime and fashion trend
- 15 style trends experts predict will be everywhere in the next decade