The 6 Chicest Trends for the Summer

Smell that Hawaiian Tropic sunscreen? Though the sunny season doesn't officially begin for a few weeks, it's essentially unanimous that we are all in the summer state of mind. But what about our outfits? Between the torturous weather and time spent scheming up ways to score that perfect tan, it sometimes feels as if our style choices take a backseat for a few months. What a tragedy! I'm so excited to participate in Raise.com's Closet Swap campaign by sharing my favorite must-have trends for this summer.

1. Thierry Lasry 2. Ray-Ban  3. Oliver Peoples 4. Etnia  5. Les Specs 6. Illesteva

You're never fully dressed without a killer pair of sunnies; however, summer is the perfect time to debut some brilliant new shades. This year, allow the ocean to look extra blue through your colored lenses. As the perfect foil to winter's dark glasses, a tinted lens is the perfect way to keep even the most classic outfits creative and quirky. But rest assured, style trailblazers, this funky alternative doesn't mean you must rock Woodstock-approved round glasses or colorful frames. In fact, some of the most versatile styles couple the daring lenses with a more traditional rim, such as Illesteva's collection. For an effortlessly chic look, pair these sunnies with boyfriend jeans and a white linen blouse.

1. Moschino Cheap and Chic  2. T By Alexander Wang 3. Marni 4. Joseph 5. Topshop

Whether you're vacationing by the beach or trudging through the concrete jungle, one fact remains: summer's heat and humidity are usually never on our side, sartorially. From frizzy hair to sweat-stained outfits, it's fair to say that summer isn't the most glamorous time of the year. For an easy and chic ensemble that won't make you want to jump out of your skin, try sporting a shift dress. These shapeless dresses are perfect for the overheated season because they are available in a multitude of fabrics, colors, and patterns. What could be better than that? Oh right, if they don't cling to your body after walking a few minutes outside. Check! Since summer is all about fun hues and prints, feel free to reach out of your comfort zone-- I'm loving Marni's array of patterned day dresses. A versatile necessity in your closet, the shift dress would look great with everything from strappy sandals to espadrilles. The perfect day-to-night piece? Agreed!

1. Tommy Hilfiger 2. Cole Haan 3. Rupert Sanderson 4. Salvatore Ferragamo 5. Loeffler Randall
6. MICHAEL Michael Kors 7. Pour La Victoire 8. Tabitha Simmons 

After months of wearing five-inch heels, the idea of resorting to flat sandals for the summer is both a dream and a nightmare. The thought of a comfortable shoe is always attractive; however, your slew of dresses and skirts don't look quite as on-point as they do with a little heel. Fashionistas, meet the city sandal: the perfect compromise. With a small, chunky heel, the city sandal gives you a little bit of height while still keeping in touch with the summer's effortlessly chic vibe. The ideal pair of shoes will transition perfectly from work to after hours. Available in a plethora of heights, colors, and strap lines, investing in a pair of these kicks is a no-brainer!

1. Halston Heritage  2. Mansur Gavriel 3. Vivienne Westwood  4. Nancy Gonzalez 5. Etienne Aigner
6. Anya Hindmarch  7. Mango

Unless you've been living under a rock, you know that the fashion world is obsessed with Mansur Gavriel's collection of soft leather purses. While Rachel Mansur and Floriana Gavriel's heap of tote bags are just delectable, their ultra chic bucket bag is literally everything. But the design duo are not alone in the bucket bag revolution: a number of luxe designers and affordable fast-fashion outlets have been all over this trend as well. The drawstring closure is reminiscent of a backpack that you'd bring to day camp many moons ago while the bag's silhouette is perfect for stashing your sunscreen, flip-flops, and favorite beach read. Translation? An undeniable must-have!

1. Lisa Marie Fernandez 2. Dolce and Gabbana 3. Norma Kamali 4. Mara Hoffman
5. Marysia 6. Melissa Odabash

No summer trend is complete without discussing swimwear. While there's always a bevy of maillots and bikinis to choose from, the market's assortment of bandeau bikinis have heads turning. With a number of prints and intricate details, there's a bandeau bikini that's perfect for you. Marysia's scalloped details are unapologetically girly while Lisa Marie Fernandez's experimentation with neoprene definitely paid off. Plus, this season has loads of potent prints: mosaics, tribal, and florals-- oh my! And let's not forget one very important thing: no awkward tan lines.

1. Givenchy 2. Vince 3. Saint Laurent 4. Vans 5. Sam Edelman 6. Aldo 

While city sandals are the perfect alternative to wearing sandals at work, the sunny season is in desperate need of a pair of "off duty" kicks. Sporty and completely versatile, the slip-on sneaker is ideal for that woodsy hike or beachside picnic. Though a solid pair is the practical choice, keep an eye out for the array of printed shoes-- they are the ultimate way to add a spring to your step. But how are you supposed to rock this trend? Juxtapose this boyish shoe with a pleated skirt or crocheted dress. Want to play it safe? Distressed jeans a light sweater will also do the trick.

Want all these trends but are on a budget? Turn those unused gift cards into instant cash with Raise.com, the premier place to buy and sell gift cards. Absolutely major.

xx