I'm Crazy About TikTok Trends—8 Things I'm Buying for Summer

      It finally feels like summer in New York City, and I'm enjoying all of my favorite warm-weather activities again: taking long walks, soaking up the sun, and indulging in a pint of ice cream in one go. One of the aspects I most look forward to is dressing as I please without the constraints of winter weather. When it comes to shopping, I usually lean towards chic and timeless styles, but I still enjoy observing trends as they evolve with the seasons. One thing I consistently notice is the micro-trends my favorite influencers showcase on TikTok, and certain patterns are starting to appear—some particularly specific (like mother-of-pearl buttons) and others more general (such as oversized scrunchies). While I'm not inclined to purchase something just because it's trendy, I enjoy incorporating new elements that resonate with my personal style, so there are often a few that catch my attention. Here are the micro-trends that have caught my eye for the summer.

      **Weird Shoes**

      My For You page has been inundated with "weird shoe collection" videos for months now. Right now, Tabis, Vibrams, and Nike Air Rifts seem to be everywhere. The Adidas Taekwondo Mei in cow print also went viral. Tara Gonzalez, our senior fashion and social editor, has discussed flip-flops and clear shoes in this context, labeling the category as freaky. Liana Satenstein has tackled this topic as well. She recently referred to the Merrell Jungle Moc Leather 2 as a "hot busted shoe," which fits into this trend. Although there have always been loyal Merrell fans, I honestly never envisioned the brand trending. If you’re interested in broadening your shoe collection, I recommend checking out Dirt's Range line and Miu Miu's Gymnasium Technical Fabric Thong Ballerinas, which really embody this trend. It's all about discovering unusual shapes and materials.

      - **Miu Miu**: Logo-Print Sandals

      - **MANGO**: Rubberized Slingback Shoe

      - **Maison Margiela**: Tabi Ballerina Pump

      - **ZARA**: Satin Effect Ruched Ballet Flats

      - **ECCO**: Biom C-Trail Leather Lace-Up Sneaker

      - **Salomon**: RX Slide 3.0 Slip-On Shoe

      - **Tory Burch**: Sublime Wedge Flip-Flop

      - **ZARA**: Mesh Mary Jane Sneakers

      - **Nicole Saldaña**: Brown Sophie Ballerina Flats

      - **Merrell**: Jungle Moc Leather 2

      **Micro Shorts**

      Micro shorts have recently become ubiquitous—from swimwear to casual outfits. I've worn them as bikini bottoms for years, but after trying a non-swim pair from Paloma Wool this spring, I now enjoy wearing them off the beach as well. My favorite are the polka-dot shorts, but there is a vast array of colors and patterns available. I primarily wear them at home or layer them with a sheer skirt when I’m outdoors.

      - **Paloma Wool**: Navy Dio Shorts

      - **Organic Basics**: Flex Foldover Shorts

      - **Campbell & Kramer**: Thalia Shorts in Red Polka Dot

      - **Cotton On**: Hot Tropics Short

      - **NAMED COLLECTIVE**: Allure 3D Chrome Micro Hotpant Shorts

      **Beads**

      Beaded details have mostly appeared on swimwear—either strung along bikini ties or as a singular accent in the middle of a top. I saw a lot of this at Miami Swim Week at shows like Vogue Mexico and Leslie Amon, and now it has made its way to TikTok.

      - **Agua Bendita**: Dashi Bikini Top

      - **COS**: Embellished Plunge-Neck Swimsuit

      - **Bond-Eye**: Indi Reversible Triangle Top

      - **SIR**: Jeanne Beaded String Triangle Bikini Top

      - **Tory Burch**: Beaded Bikini Top

      **Mother-of-Pearl Buttons**

      Another detail I've been spotting is the use of mother-of-pearl buttons on cardigans, shirts, bags, and jewelry. It adds a subtle embellishment that elevates simple pieces, making them feel more considered and artistic. Paloma Wool has incorporated them since its Spring/Summer 24 collection.

      - **Paloma Wool**: No 2114 Manon Bikini Bottom

      - **By Sahara**: The Elderflower Skirt

      - **SIEDRÉS**: Juniper Bikini Top

      - **ZARA**: Pearlescent Appliqué Bag

      **Colorful Tote Bags**

      I first noticed a colorful tote bag from Monty while on the train. Since then, I've seen similar styles online from various brands—from COS to The Row.

      - **COS**: Mini Striped Tote Bag

      - **Puebco**: Tall Recycled Plastic Stripe