How I'm Embracing Whimsy This Summer

The case for dressing a little less seriously.

POSTED 20.07.26 10:57 BY ABBIE HOLMES

Every few weeks, the internet seems to collectively agree on a new noun to throw around and attach to an aesthetic (or even behaviors). Think “demure,” “cutesy,” or “coquette” (a personal favorite). On my feed, the word of the moment occupying TikTok advertising and Pinterest boards has been “whimsy.” Notably, it's almost never “whimsical,” even when the use of whimsy would make the sentence grammatically incorrect (i.e., “This is so whimsy”). We are once again witnessing one of the many internet-driven linguistic phenomena that accompany the trend cycle. For once, however, I’m not entirely opposed.

“Whimsy” is loose and fast enough as a category that it doesn’t feel item-specific or restrictive (as is so often the case), while still signifying enough as a term to genuinely offer up some solid fashion inspiration. As summer well and truly arrives (along with the many heat waves to match), the idea of “embracing a little whimsy” is peeking through more and more in my personal style.

The Freedom to Match Whatever

However much we get told that “fashion has no rules,” the world certainly operates as if it does. As minimalist aesthetics à la clean girl finally give way to a more maximalist approach in the mainstream, I’m beginning to think a little more outside the box.

So much of what “whimsy” embodies is the promotion of color and individuality, but without the extravagance that we usually see tied to actual maximalism aesthetics. Whimsy embraces every color under the sun, but through twirling floral patterns or soft pastels rather than loud blocks. As much as I’m pro-maximalist fashion taking over the mainstream, it’s nice to see a trend that has some inherent longevity beyond the current moment.

Within this, I’m pairing things that would usually be deemed a no-go and embracing the visual contrast: spots with stripes, mismatched coords, or pairing casual pieces with high fashion. On top of this (literally), the visual interest that “whimsy” encourages opens the door for layering galore.

Suddenly, mixing fabrics and textures can feel intentional rather than clumsy and accidental. Especially as the heat cranks up during the summer months, I’ve been partial to revisiting the thinner items in my wardrobe—lace, mesh, and crochet. What perhaps makes pieces that can be easily layered such wardrobe essentials is their versatility. Not only can one outfit be repeated in various ways by switching up the top piece, but thinner fabrics fold up small for easy transportation. I love when I can wear a summer top in the daytime heat, knowing I have something to throw on that still looks stylish once it gets cooler at night.

Revisiting Old Trends

Just the term “whimsy” calls back to a set of trends from the last few years. I immediately thought of “fairycore” and “whimsigoth,” which had their moment around 2022. It also reminded me that I have a bunch of pieces from that era that have been forgotten as the trend cycle churns further on. Imagine my surprise when I rummaged through my wardrobe and found an iridescent green-and-black vintage corset bought during my Mall Goth phase, alongside a couple of vintage Victoria’s Secret camisoles and babydoll tops that hadn’t been touched since 2023.

While the usual twenty-day rotation of trends we’ve become increasingly accustomed to would not dare encourage rewearing items from a whole three years ago—instead coaxing the purchase of another set of pieces that will likely end up in a landfill by the end of the season—the broad parameters of “just wanting to look a little whimsical” encourage it. Rather than pulling out some new Urban Outfitters piece from a recent collection, my outfit that night was that very corset, and you know what? I did feel pretty whimsical.

Perhaps revisiting 2022 is exactly what the nostalgic vibes of “whimsy” truly call for. Ultimately, what I like most about “whimsy” isn’t that it’s the latest internet buzzword, but that it shuns the restrictive grip that the trend cycle eternally wraps us in. Unlike aesthetics that demand a specific shoe, bag, or color palette to participate, whimsy feels less about buying into something new and more about looking at what you already own with fresh eyes.

Maybe in a few weeks, the algorithm will have moved on to the next adjective-turned-aesthetic, and “whimsy” will quietly disappear from our feeds. But if this particular trend leaves me with anything, I hope it’s the reminder that my personal style will always feel most elevated when it comes from curiosity and avoids conformity. If embracing a little whimsy means dressing a little like my seventeen-year-old self again, layering lace over crochet just because it makes me smile, or mixing prints simply because I can, then that’s one trend I’m happy to carry with me long after TikTok has forgotten about it.

Check out my Fizzypicks for a summer wardrobe of whimsy:

ZARA
Lace Midi Dress
$99.90

How I'm Embracing Whimsy This Summer

The Freedom to Match Whatever

Revisiting Old Trends

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