1: Look at trends, but don’t let them dictate your whole style.
You need to have a healthy relationship with trends. It’s important to follow them to get an idea of what people are wearing and what’s popular at the moment, but you also need to stay true to your personal style and let it shine through.
Trends for SS24 include cargo trousers, denim skirts, bright and bold colours, metallics, sporty chic, micro shorts, floral prints, sheer skirts, colourful stripes, and more.
Keep these in mind as you rummage through your wardrobe for new looks, and if a few resonate with you, embrace them. But always add your own personal touch to the final look.
Use the Afterpay Day Sale to pick up key trend pieces that resonate with you. Invest in timeless classics and adaptable basics that you may combine with fashionable pieces for a well-rounded look.
2: Swap your heavy winter fabrics for lighter, breathable ones.
The important thing in summer is to make sure you stay cool (not just figuratively, but literally as well) and warmer temperatures can make that tricky. And let’s be honest, your wool jumper or corduroy trousers aren’t helping you regulate your body temperature on those warm spring days when the sun is shining.
What you want to do first is swap your heavy winter fabrics for lighter materials like cotton, linen or even lightweight denim. If you look at the trends we saw in the previous section, some of them are actually in line with this idea, like sheer skirts. See our linen picks above, and just click on the left and right arrows to see more picks.
You can also make eco-friendly choices by incorporating sustainable and ethically sourced fashion into your wardrobe. Look for clothing made from organic cotton, recycled materials, or sustainable fabrics like Tencel or bamboo.
For example, Parisian Brand Gaâla’s Rose Petal Fabric Collection is crafted from the extracted fibers of rose petals and stems. Not only is this textile notable for its softness and durability, it is biodegradable, naturally decomposing in soil. This makes it the environmentally responsible choice for garment manufacturing, reducing textile waste.
In addition to its sustainability, Gaâla’s rose petal fabric contains the natural antioxidants of rose petals, soothing skin irritations and supporting overall health. A unique, subtle rose scent is extracted and reintroduced to the fabric, making all pieces smell delightfully floral.
And wearing lightweight fabrics means you can layer your clothes effortlessly so don’t forget to pack a cardigan or light scarf when you go out for the day to be prepared for a chilly spring evening.
3: Embrace bright colours and add some pop to your look.
Neutral colours are always in fashion, but bright colours are also popular this season, so jump on this trend and include some colourful pieces in your looks.
If you’re a little nervous about this trend, a good way to embrace it is to wear colourful prints, as they tend to be less aggressive than single-coloured pieces. Colourful stripes are popular, so why not pick up your favourite oversized striped shirt in red or green, alongside your usual blue? Have a look at our picks of the striped shirts below. Just click on the left and right arrows to see more picks.
Floral prints are also a great way to incorporate more colour into your style as they’re very natural (after all, these prints are simply replicating what nature has already done).
Don’t be afraid to mix and match colors and prints for a fun and eclectic look.
4.Experiment with Silhouettes
Step out of your comfort zone and experiment with different silhouettes and proportions to freshen up your summer style.
Try flowy maxi dresses, cropped tops, wide-leg trousers, and asymmetrical hemlines to add variety and dimension to your wardrobe. Play with layers and textures to create visually interesting and dynamic outfits that reflect your personal style.
Nothing says summer like flowery dresses, and what better time to come alive with vibrant colours than when nature does the same.
5: Mix and Match Basics
Get creative with your existing wardrobe by mixing and matching basic pieces to create new and exciting outfits. Pair classic staples like white T-shirts, denim shorts, and midi skirts with statement accessories or bold prints to give them a fresh and modern twist.
Don’t underestimate the power of layering and accessorizing to elevate your everyday basics and make them feel new again.
6: Pick out some new accessories for a whole new wardrobe.
The best way to update your wardrobe on a budget is to choose new accessories, as they can completely transform a look without breaking the bank.
And lucky for you, there are plenty of on-trend accessories to choose from this season, including chunky necklaces, maxi-size bags, big glasses, whether reading glasses or sunglasses, and hair bows.
A quick word about shoes, because they can make or break a look. Adidas trainers are very popular at the moment, as are cowboy boots and kitten heels. So instead of changing your whole wardrobe, you could simply change your shoes and see how that can completely transform your style.
7: Give your current wardrobe a personal touch with DIY personalisation.
The best way to update your wardrobe, especially if you’re on a budget, is to customise the pieces you already own. Not only does recycling your clothes add a personal touch, it also helps to reduce waste and promote sustainability.
There are lots of ways to do this for example by adding embroidered patches to jackets, jeans or even simple T-shirts (this can be a great trick to cover up an inconspicuous hole or stain). You can also DIY your clothes and get in on the bright colours trend at the same time! If you’re not too keen on dyeing, you can experiment with the tie-dye technique using an old T-shirt to see the results.
Final Thoughts on 7 simple hacks to update your wardrobe for Summer 2024
Updating your wardrobe for summer 2024 doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive, and by incorporating these simple tips you’ll be able to effortlessly transition your style and embrace the season with confidence and flair.
Whether you’re experimenting with bold colors, trying out new silhouettes, or incorporating sustainable fashion into your wardrobe, these simple hacks will help you look and feel your best all summer long. So go ahead, have fun with your summer style, and enjoy the sunshine in style!
