It feels like it’s been ages since soft pastels and delicate florals were last hanging in our wardrobes. But with the late-spring temperatures climbing past 80 degrees in Minnesota, fashion is finally feeling optimistic again. The spring/summer 2025 runways brought a rainbow of bright primaries and playful patterns to our social media feeds, and it seems local brands and boutiques are taking notes. From playful polka dots to romantic sky blue, follow our Style Editor’s locally curated guide to shop the runway-approved colors and patterns of the season—a visual embodiment of the bright summer days ahead.
Sky Blue
Dreamy, airy, and effortless, sky blue is a flattering hue on nearly everyone, and we’re ready to welcome it into the limelight this summer. Pair it with soft neutrals like cream and white for a dreamy, cohesive look, or go for a compelling contrast, with bright summer shades like poppy red or petal pink. Sport a feminine ballet-core look with Requisite’s handwoven ballet flats by Freda Salvador, or invest in this elegant Loyd/Ford Fonteyn tulle skirt from Bluebird Boutique, a staple piece that will last you for years to come.
Jada Ballet Flat, $350, shop requisite.com / Loyd/Ford Fonteyn Skirt, $460, bluebirdboutique.com
Gingham Everything
From Judy Garland’s iconic blue apron dress in “The Wizard of Oz” to Princess Diana’s effortless royal-off-duty looks, gingham is a timeless aesthetic that manages to carry a prevailing sense of nostalgia. This summer, the tiny checks will be everywhere—from pants and dresses to kitten heels and bikinis. Try Parc boutique’s breezy Amente drawstring pants for a balance between high-comfort and high-style, or focus on the details, with Target’s Wild Fable eyelet kitten heels.
Amente Drawstring Easy Pant, $155, parcboutique.com / Wild Fable Gingham Eyelet Kitten Heels, $40, target.com
Butter Yellow
Delicate, feminine, and endlessly versatile, it’s no wonder this barely-there shade of yellow is sticking around for another summer of buttery bliss. This understated hue is a great way for neutral lovers to experiment with color, from Idun boutique’s relaxed Deiji Studios linen set (an effortless lake-day ensemble) to Evereve’s casual Alba baby tee, a seamless tie in with crisp summer whites, creams, and tans.
Deiji Studios 03 Set, $292, shopidun.com / Alba Baby tee by Pistola, $75, evereve.com
Mocha Mousse
We would be remiss to list color trends without spotlighting Pantone’s 2025 color of the year—mocha mousse. This rich neutral conveys a soft sophistication, and will offer a striking contrast against the delicate blues of a summer sky. Go for a sleek monochromatic look with Requisite’s matching linen Elia top and Stevie trouser, a seamless office-to-dinner-party ensemble. The deep mocha shade also makes for a versatile accessory—try Parc boutique’s Baggu recycled leather shoulder bag, a simple-yet-chic everyday outfit enhancement.
Elia Top and Stevie Trouser by the Faithful Brand, $150 and $270, shoprequisite.com / Baggu Mini Recycled Leather Shoulder Bag, $140, parcboutique.com
Polka Dots
From shoulder pads to bubble skirts, it’s been difficult to ignore the heightened relevance of ’80s trends this season. But perhaps most predominant has been the polka dot print. When styled right, the distinctly youthful pattern can look both playful and put together. Make a statement in this Vivian strapless maxi dress from Primp—perfect for a summer picnic or date night—or, top off a carefree beach day ensemble with this retro polka dot bucket hat from J. Crew.
Vivian Strapless Polka Dot Dress, $74.50, primp-boutique.com / Packable Bucket Hat in Print, $39.50, jcrew.com
Sporty Stripes
We’re taking cues from last summer’s striped-everything craze—but this time, with a sporty twist. The crossover of sport and fashion was a prominent theme on Spring/Summer 2025 runways, and among the influx of athletic socks, track jackets, and chunky sneakers, striped polos and rugby shirts were a standout. These casual collared tops are a perfect staple for experimenting with the high-low look—an outfit formula that mixes different price points and formalities to create an alluring edge. Try throwing on Idun’s OpéraSPORT polo T-shirt or Queenie & Pearl’s Newport Rugby crop with a flowy, feminine skirt (may we suggest this Reformation mini?) to nail this contrasting aesthetic.
Luna Unisex Polo T-Shirt, $122, shopidun.com / Newport Rugby Crop, $48, queenieandpearl.com
Poppy Red
Red has arguably transitioned into a steady four-season aesthetic, so hang on to your cherry handbags and accessories from last season. We’re opting for a brighter, more vibrant shade this summer with a punchy poppy red, a hue that will enliven any room you walk into. This Amand Uprichard Tori dress from Equation embodies bold sophistication, while these walkable lambskin slippers by Clare V. add a subtle (but impactful) color pop to basic ensembles.
Amanda Prichard Tori Dress, $246, equationmn.com / The Minimalist Slipper, $498, clarev.com
Tropical Florals
You might be imagining Miranda Priestly’s eyeroll in your head right now (“Florals? For Spring? Groundbreaking…”), but this summer’s must-have florals are taking on a unique shape and style. Tropical and exotic prints are going to be all the rage, a stark contrast from the feminine and dainty prairie flower prints of summer’s past. Often represented in high-contrast shades, like this mango and fuchsia Farm Rio mini dress from Serge + Jane, these transportive florals are larger in scale and designed to make an impression. For a more subtle, yet equally compelling take, try this stitched linen Maaji Boho sunrise dress from Anthropologie.
Farm Rio Summer Fruit Mini Dress, $165, sergeandjane.com / Maaji Boho Sunrise Owen Midi Dress, $242, anthropologie.com
Pinstripes
A contrast from the casual aesthetic of rugby shirts, pinstripes tell a whole different story. Refined and sophisticated, the pattern shines brightest when worn waterside, conjuring images of sailboat rides and sunny, oceanside patios. These Sanctuary marine pants from Evereve offer a sweet sailor aesthetic while this Kate belted dress from Requisite is a breezy boat-ready look to repeat all summer long. (Meet you on the CōV patio.)
Marine Layer Striped Pant, $139, evereve.com / Kate Belted Dress, $348, shoprequisite.com
Fashionable Fruit
We likely owe this trend to the imaginative landscape of TikTok, where produce-as-fashion aesthetics have been thriving since summer 2023’s “tomato girl” trend (since then, blueberry and strawberry have lagged closely behind). In essence, these microtrends conjure not just an aesthetic but a lifestyle—the tomato girl wakes up in a Mediterranean villa, dons a flowy linen dress, and picks tomatoes from her backyard garden (hypothetically, of course). While not exactly duplicable, the TikTok movement has fruit-printed garments at the forefront of fashion this season. Vibrant and feminine, this A-line sangria maxi dress from Primp is a seamless embodiment of the sweet trend. For a more casual representation, go with Equation’s easy everyday cherry T-shirt, perfect for layering or pairing with a breezy linen pant (we suggest a red gingham).
Sangria Fruit Print Maxi Dress, $98.50, primp-boutique.com / Sunny Somewhere Everyday Tee Cherry, $68, equationmn.com
