'As a personal stylist, these are the summer trends I'm skipping and what I'm buying instead.'

Let me start with the truth: I love a good trend. There's something thrilling about seeing what's fresh and fun each season — honestly, who doesn't want to shake things up every now and then?

But if I bought into every trend that popped up on my social feed, my wardrobe (and my bank account) would be in chaos.

Once upon a time, high-end fashion brands dictated trends, and then many of us waited for them to trickle down to the high street. But thanks to social media, the game has completely changed. Influencers, celebrities, content creators and everyday fashion lovers are shaping the narrative — but the outcome is that trends are moving faster than ever, and it's hard to keep up.

When it comes to trends, I like to think I've developed a pretty solid radar as a personal stylist for what will actually last.

Watch: Wardrobe essentials denim jacket. Post continues after video.

I'm not the type to rush out and be the first to wear something, only to realise it's a fleeting moment. (Remember those $1,800 fisherman sandals by The Row that lots of people ran out to get, and then months later there were near identical dupes for $200 everywhere? That's how fast trends move!)

You can say that I'm more of a measured adopter when it comes to trends.

With that in mind, let's break down a few trends I'm giving a polite pass this season and, more importantly, pieces that I would consider investing in instead.

Trending: Micro mini shorts.

Oh, micro shorts. They're the kind of trend that makes me want to applaud and cry simultaneously. I love seeing them on other people, there's something undeniably bold and confident about the women who can pull them off effortlessly.

But as much as I admire them on others, they're just not for me.

I know what works for me, and my shape plus micro minis? They've never made the cut.

Image: Max Mara - Runway - Spring/Summer 2024 Milan Fashion Week. Getty.

Instead: Crochet knitted shorts.

Now, this is where things get interesting. Last December, I tried on a pair of crochet knit shorts from Commonry, and I swear, it was like a lightbulb moment. Finally, a pair of shorts that feel like me! They've been living rent-free in my head ever since (a sure sign they belong in my wardrobe) — so I went and bought them.

They're breezy and comfortable without feeling too casual, not too clingy, and they actually complement my shape and personal style. The length is just right — not too short, not too long — and the crochet texture? Chef's kiss.

Did I also mention that Commonry has an incredible size range from size 8 to 22!?

Commonry Maya Short, $129.95.

Image: Commonry.

Trending: Capri pants. 

Also known as pedal pushers, depending on which decade you grew up in, this trend has remerged from the archives (because, naturally, everything old becomes new again). In fact, capri pants have gaining traction (again) for a while now.

But here's the deal: much like micro shorts, capri pants aren't a silhouette I naturally gravitate toward.

It's not that I wouldn't try them — I can see the appeal of pairing them with an oversized blazer or a bomber jacket for the cooler seasons, or pairing them back with an oversized button-down shirt.

But when I think about how much wear I'd actually get out of them? I'm not rushing to add them to my cart.

Image: Emily Ratajkowski. Getty.

Instead: Wide-leg pants. 

Now, when it comes to building a wardrobe that works hard for me, I'm all about foundational pieces I can wear on repeat.

For me, that means wide-leg pants, every time. These are always part of my outfit formula when I want to wear pants.

Image: Supplied.

Once I discovered high-waisted wide-leg pants, it was a total game changer. Take these Soft Pleat Pants from Country Road, for example. These beauties are tailored to perfection, beautifully made, and available season after season because, well, they're just that good. The cost-per-wear girl math checks out every time.

Country Road Soft Pleat Pant, $249.

Image: Country Road.

Trending: Sneaker hybrids. 

Sometimes, I genuinely wonder if brands and their designers are just toying with us. Testing the waters to see how far we'll lean into a trend before we stop and ask ourselves: do I actually think this is cool?

For example, let me introduce you to the New Balance 1906R loafers. Yes, you read that right — a hybrid loafer and sneaker. Now, I love a New Balance trainer. Give me a classic 530s or 574s, and I'm there. But this?

No matter how many impossibly stylish people have styled them, I simply can't get on board.

Image: Supplied.

Image: @tcdealba Instagram.

Instead: Statement sneakers. 

It's no secret that I love a good sneaker. I wear them to death during the cooler seasons. While I've got my fair share of styles, I've had my eye on introducing a chocolate brown pair into my collection for a while now.

Enter the Adidas SL 72 OG in Charcoal Crystal Sand. They're sleek and understated, and most importantly, I already know this shoe silhouette works for me because I own a couple of other colourways in this style.

What I love most? They're not overly hyped right now. Translation: they're not sold out (hallelujah).

For $150, this is a trend-adjacent purchase I can absolutely get behind. Tick, tick, tick.

Adidas SL 72, $150.

Trending: See-through heels. 

Ah, the barely there, see-through heel is back. For those of us who grew up in the early 2000s, this was one of the peak heel trends. Everyone was wearing them, and I'll admit, I had my fair share of moments in them back then, too.

That said, while I love seeing them on others (some people truly make them look effortlessly cool), I've learnt over the years that they're not quite right for me.

Let me be clear: I'm not talking about the mixed material styles with a bit of leather paired back with the transparent — those can feel really elevated.

I'm talking about the fully covered PVC strap-over-the-foot styles. They bring back vivid memories of my sweaty feet, squished toes, and me convincing myself, 'This is fine', just because they were trending.

Image: Hayden Panettiere on the red carpet at the MTV Video Music Awards in 2007. Getty.

Instead: Slingback thong sandals.

A shoe that's about to make its way into my cart is the slingback thong sandal by Lana Wilkinson.

This style features a low block heel that's not only chic but also practical, and something I know I'll get wear out of season after season.

Image: Supplied.

Yes, the thong sandal is trending too, but this feels like a trend with staying power. It strikes that perfect balance between being on trend and practical at the same time.

The ivory croc embossed finish gives just the right amount of texture and interest while still being versatile enough to pair back nicely with my wardrobe.

Lana Wilkinson Christina Sandal White Croc-Embossed Leather, $229.95.

Image: Lana Wilkinson.

 Feature Image: Supplied.