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The pandemic has definitely changed our relationship to clothing. We watch seasons change—and case numbers spike—all from the comfort of our home offices with little incentive to wear anything fancier than yoga pants. This summer, Boulder native Sophia Joseph says it’s time to give your loungewear a well-earned vacation. Her business brainchild, Meraki Moon, started in 2013 as a side hustle and quickly grew from a dot-com shop into a mobile boutique; today, it’s a brick-and-mortar playground in RiNo for the style-obsessed. “Meraki is Greek for the love or passion you put into your work,” says Joseph, who wants us to find our passion for fashion again—especially as warm-weather shindigs beckon us back into the world and into real summer clothes. Feeling out of practice? Here are seven style trends to bring some sizzle to your season.
Crochet, All Day
Crochet tops are summer’s answer to more winter-appropriate knitwear. The versatile trend found a home on many runways last September, including during New York and Milan fashion weeks. Swimsuit coverups, dresses, and halter tops are perfect ways to weave this breezy look into your summer clothes wardrobe.
Find it: Woodstock halter ($49), Meraki Moon
Wide Legs
Gone are the days of skinny jeans. Instead, the cool kids have returned to the decade of their birth—the 1990s—for sartorial inspiration and revived the wide leg. “This summer, it’s all about the straight-leg, looser-fitting denim and Bermuda-style jean shorts,” Joseph says.
Find it: Work Song jeans (prices vary), Pinks Denver
A Croc Comeback
One of the most-talked-about style resurgences of the past few years has been Broomfield-based Crocs. No longer (just) a comfort shoe for Boulder dads, Crocs have been spotted on celebrities such as Justin Bieber and Pharrell, and fashion house Balenciaga raised its literal platform by making a four-inch-heel version for its catwalks in 2017. We love these sandals blinged out with the new-for-2022 Taco Tuesday pack.
Find it: Classic Crocs Sandal with Taco Tuesday pack ($79), Crocs
Western Chic
A little bit of country can take your look into the rock ’n’ roll stratosphere. The key is to not overdo it, Joseph says: “One piece mixed into your look is the right touch.” Boots and fringe have taken over the internet this season, but the most easily incorporated summer clothes item is a classic Western shirt.
Find it: Men’s ($128) and women’s ($116) Out of This World embroidered Western shirts, Rockmount Ranch Wear
Retro Peepers
Stepping out into the sun again will require eyewear, Lestat. Joseph suggests large-framed vintage shades with a 1970s vibe. “I love something with a tinge of color in the lens, like an amber or blue, that you can still see through,” Joseph says. Whether you choose a chunky or wire frame, go wide for a groovy look with enough coverage to protect from UV rays—so you don’t feel like the queen of the damned.
Find it: Dolly sunglasses ($335), Krewe
Two-Piece Sets
Matching tops and bottoms with bright colors and bold prints are the biggest bang for your summer clothes buck. Wear them together, pair the shorts with a simple T-shirt, or rock your top with a great pair of white jeans.
Find it: Trovata Bille shirt ($228) and Dora short ($208), Melrose & Madison
Go Androgynous
Fashion has no gender, and women and genderqueers have known this for a long time. Now recent skirt-wearers like actor Pete Davidson, NBA star Russell Westbrook, and crooner Harry Styles are making it OK for dudes to ditch the Dockers. For those ready to take their threads beyond the binary, Joseph says to start with a jumpsuit or romper.
Find it: Ética Adeya Stripe Romper ($178), Judith & Joe
