Summer Style Report: Effortless, Fun, & a Little Bit Retro

jennysmithmattfeldt
May 6
2 min read

Updated: May 7

Rodeo Riviera, Social Athletes, Endless 80's Summer, & Mediterranean Aesthetics

By Jenny Smith Mattfeldt | Published May 06, 2025 | This article does contain affiliate links.

Summer 2025 style isn’t about chasing every trend or curating the perfect capsule wardrobe—it’s about having fun again. Every one of these aesthetics is a little retro, a little extra, and feeling authentic. Whether you’re channeling a sun-kissed Mediterranean muse or leaning into full retro 80's diner babe, this is your permission slip to get creative, play dress-up, and wear what actually makes you feel good. These are the four style moods we’re loving for summer—and how to wear them your way.

Mediterranean Muse

Euro Beachcore | Amalfi Auntie | SPF Chic

She’s got a basket bag in one hand and an aperol spritz in the other. Think flowy white or orange fabrics, scarves tied around buns, strappy sandals, and breezy silhouettes that go from market mornings to seaside dinners. Skin is glowy, jewelry is gold, and everything smells like fig, coconut, and sunscreen.

Key Pieces:

Linen sets or wrap skirts

Structured basket or raffia bags

Silk scarves as headbands or tops

Strappy neutral sandals

Tortoise shell sunglasses

Gold layered jewelry

Oversized button-downs tossed over swimsuits

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Rodeo Riviera

Cowgirl on Holiday | Western-Lite | Rhinestone Rodeo

It’s rodeo season—bring me the fashion. You’ll see western boots with slip dresses, bolo ties styled like necklaces, denim on denim done softly, and lots of worn-in leather and fringe. Think ranch girl on summer vacation.

Key Pieces:

Cowboy boots (with shorts, dresses, or maxis)

Belted white cotton sundresses

Fringe bags and accents

Vintage-style western belts

Turquoise statement rings or earrings

Trucker hats with a little drama

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The Social Athlete

Pickleball Chic | Country Club Cool | She's Got a Drink and a Driver

She plays tennis lightly and parties heavily. It’s all about flirty skirts, sporty tanks, baseball hats, and the perfect crossbody bag for both the court and the cocktail hour. Hair's slicked back or blown out, sneakers are clean, and she's probably holding a martini.

Key Pieces:

Pleated skirts or skorts

Zip-up polo tanks or square neckline tanks

Retro crew socks + sneakers

Baseball hats, visors, and wide headbands

Statement sunglasses

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Endless Summer ‘84

Diner Datecore | Retro Babe | Wet Hot American Summer

You’ve seen the hints of the 80's peeking through this year: tube socks, diner-style milkshakes, round sunglasses, and red, white, & blue everything. This summer, it’s showing up loud and proud. Think roller skates, drive in movie theaters, retro accents, the county fair, cherry lip gloss, bikinis under denim overalls, and that soft dreamy pink-and-blue glow. It’s fun, flirtatious, and full of warm-weather nostalgia.