ESD MAGAZINE
By: Laura Solla

Spring-Summer Trends: Which Ones Stay on the Runway and Which Ones Hit the Streets This Season

We have selected the five trends that are making the biggest splash this spring, serving as a preview of the increasingly imminent summer. As usual, at ESDMagazine, we don’t miss a beat when it comes to fashion. Let’s dive in.

Tenniscore:

Who would have thought that one of the season’s hottest trends would be dressing as if we were about to play tennis? Unbelievable but true. V-neck sweaters, ultra-mini pleated skirts, and knee-high socks have indisputably left the courts to conquer the streets, shop windows, and very likely, your wardrobe. The rise of this aesthetic is largely due to the it girl of the moment, Zendaya, and her new leading role in the film Rivals (or Challengers in English). In the movie, the actress sports numerous outfits with this theme—as expected—but it’s off-screen where she truly sets trends; her red carpet looks for the premiere of her latest project deserve nothing less than game, set, and match.

Baby Blue:

The most striking aspect of the season change is always the shift from the more neutral, cold, and usually less vibrant tones of winter to the explosion of color in the warmer months. The recurring white, cherry red, coral orange, and classic pastel tones return to the scene as our skin starts to translate the sun's rays into an enviable tan. But this year, baby blue is the true star of spring styles: we’ve seen it in the proposals from brands like Proenza Schouler, Versace, Staud, Rodarte, and the Spanish designer Palomo Spain, and it seems poised to soon arrive at our favorite ready-to-wear brands.

Animal Print and Fruity Prints:

It’s no news that animal print is a trend. Sometimes it’s dalmatian, sometimes zebra, sometimes snake, and occasionally cow, but it ALWAYS sneaks into the most viral trends. This time, the most iconic of all is reclaiming its throne: leopard print. We’ll see it especially in pants styled in the purest ‘Portuguese Girl Aesthetic’ (or in other words, the trend of dressing like a Portuguese girl, combining all kinds of prints and colors that has taken over TikTok). Also noteworthy are fruity prints, with lemons and cherries as the main features of the most special garments. Yes, to be on trend, your wardrobe should be a mix between a zoo and a fruit salad.

XXL Accessories:

Silhouettes tend to be more fluid and airy in spring-summer collections, with garments like slip dresses, crochet or fine-knit jackets, and wide-leg pants combined with more fitted and tailored silhouettes to create contrast. Amid this change in textures and fabrics, somewhat boho chic elements like wide belts, puffed sleeves, elaborate necklaces, or ultra-long earrings (the more colorful, the better) become the perfect way to elevate and sophisticate our looks. Also, get yourself some good XXL sunglasses and a few hair accessories; giant scrunchies and scarves—whether in a ponytail or around the neck—are a must.

The Undisputed Reign of Ballet Flats and Mary Janes:

There’s no room for doubt; ballet flats and Mary Janes are, deservedly, the star footwear of spring (and likely also summer). They are versatile: from the office to a dinner with friends, to a walk by the port or an afternoon shopping downtown. Moreover, they are comfortable, come in an endless variety of colors, and match all kinds of outfits. Wearing a white dress? Add burgundy ballet flats. Sporting a patterned two-piece? Try to take a bigger risk with blue Mary Janes. The risk of error is minimal, no matter how you combine them. A versatile footwear for versatile girls.