I Just Went to Spain and Saw These 4 Summer Trends Everywhere I Looked
I just got back from Spain, the second June in a row I've spent there, and I regret to inform you that this has, once again, become my entire personality. I promise I’m doing my very best not to be that “person who just got back from Europe,” (TikTok reference here), but as I glance at menus in hopes of seeing pan con tomate and sigh at New York’s lack of Minorcan wines, I am aware that I’m right on the painful cusp.
Luckily for my friends IRL, I’m channeling all that insufferable energy into shopping content for anyone after a little Euro-style inspiration. From the streets of Madrid to the beaches of the Balearics, here are all the summer trends I noticed and loved (and won’t stop talking about).
Oversize Souvenir Tees
I love a trend within a trend, and when it comes to graphic T-shirts with a vintage vibe, there's a subset of retro-inspired, souvenir tees that are having a moment. Best worn extremely oversize, as though purchased from an airport gift shop that only carries men's size L or XXL.
Breezy Eyelets
Nothing says "I'm still mentally on vacation" quite like eyelet embroidery, and I really liked how I saw it styled with more sporty separates and accessories (like colorful caps and bright retro sneakers). Also, if you're after a little taste of Dôen at a fraction of the price, don't sleep on Gap's collaboration with the California brand.
Old-School Havaianas
I suspected something was going on when, before I left, I tried (and failed) to find a pair of classic brown Havaianas in my size literally anywhere online. I ended up immediately scooping up a pair IRL in Madrid, and then continued to see them below the anklets of cool kids at wine bars everywhere the rest of the month. Don't worry if they clash with everything else you're wearing—that's kind of the point.
Chill Striped Bottoms
From very nearly pajama trousers to breezy sarong-style skirts to slouchy shorts, relaxed striped bottoms were absolutely everywhere. My current favorite styles are all from Barcelona brand Hermans, which is unsurprisingly nailing this whole chill Spanish energy by way of its striped shorts, shirts, and trousers. And yes, to be clear, these will all pair immaculately with an oversize souvenir tee. Or an eyelet shirt. With Havaianas.
This post was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
Natalie Cantell is an NYC-based style director, creative consultant, and contributing fashion editor. She was the executive director of Who What Wear and Marie Claire’s brand studio until 2023, and now freelances globally on shoots, stories, and special projects across fashion, luxury, beauty, home, and travel.
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