Summer has wrapped up, but before we jump into fall, it’s the perfect moment to reflect on the standout fashion trends that defined the season, such as WAG Core, Sardine Girl Summer, tankinis, and Labubus.
WAG Core:
WAG is the fashion aesthetic associated with “Wives and Girlfriends” of professional athletes. The trend blends the fashion and sporting worlds as this luxurious and flashy style typically consists of designer accessories and team colors.
Many WAGs put together their own conspicuous outfits; some get creative and personal with two-piece sets featuring their partner’s face, customized jackets made from their partner’s jersey, or bedazzled jeans in team colors. Others lean into high-end streetwear — a mix of luxury athletic brands and street style elements. Another example is dramatic glamour — furs, leathers, and high heels. For casual wear, it includes denim vests, jeans, or stylish sportswear.
WAGs are also often seen with accessories to spice up their voguish outfits — the most popular being sassy sunglasses and high-end handbags like Hermès Birkins, Louis Vuitton, and Chanel. And don’t forget their team-related charms attached!
Sardine Girl Summer:
This trend is… you guessed it — sardines! Sardine Girl Summer is a viral fashion and lifestyle trend that channels “Coastal Grandmother” or “European Summer” vibes across clothes, home decor, and food. The fashion trend is strongly tied with the effortless elegance of Mediterranean coastal living, with playful fishy prints, marine motifs, and vintage-style sardine tin graphics on dresses, tops, and more. Unique fabric choices include metallic silver, sequins, and iridescent materials to mimic sardine scales.
Sardine Girl Summer accessories bring extra flavor to the outfit. A few examples include sardine-shaped bags, which feature sardine prints or are even designed to resemble sardine tin cans. The trend also includes fish-shaped jewelry, shell earrings, and fisherman-style sandals.
Tankinis:
Bringing back the nostalgic feeling from Y2K fashion comes the tankini — a two-piece swimsuit with a tank-style top and a separate bottom. Tankinis offer a modest but stylish alternative to bikinis and are ideal for women wanting more skin coverage without committing to a full one-piece.
Women are loving this trend, and it’s much more than coverage or getting fewer sunburns! Tankinis promote body positivity and size inclusivity as they fit all body types, and it doesn’t slip or shift as easily as some bikinis. While tankinis are typically used for beachwear, many women have found them so comfortable that they’re incorporating them into everyday outfits.
Additionally, tankinis come in many designs, such as delicate trims, ruching, and fashionable prints. There are also different types to choose from — cropped, wrap tops, cut-outs, and high-waisted bottoms.
Perfect for the summer, women all over social media are posting outfit pics, styling their tankinis with sunglasses and wrap skirts, and often using retro filters for that full Y2K feel.
Labubus:
Everyone’s seen the viral “hideous but cute” monster elves with that mischievous, toothy grin. The Labubu is a character created by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung as part of his “The Monsters” series, inspired by Nordic mythology. Pop Mart, a Chinese toy company, created collectible figures and plush toys of Lung’s Labubu. They have gained popularity through social media posts and celebrity endorsements, such as Lisa from the K-pop group BLACKPINK.
Labubus are often sold in blind boxes, which became popular because consumers want to collect them all. There are over 300 variants of Labubus, including rare versions.
Labubus are fashionable plush accessories that can be displayed or clipped onto bags — but most importantly, on belt loops and jeans to add color and personality to everyday wear.
And Labubus don’t just add to your outfit — you can dress them up in their own little outfits. Just watch out for fake Labubus, Lafufus, sneakily clinging onto your belts!
While summer may be ending, the influence of luxury WAG Core, coastal Sardine Girl, comfortable tankinis, and mischievous Labubus will always remind us that style is always evolving.
