I’m a Travel Writer in Miami, and Everyone’s Wearing These 15 Comfy, Resort-ready Summer Styles — From $7

Summer is in absolute full swing in Miami — and as a native, I love this time of year. It gets a little quieter (albeit way hotter), but everyone immediately whips out their best go-with-the-flow clothes, shoes, and fun summer-inspired accessories. Knowing very well that you’ll sweat through anything and everything within a few minutes of stepping outside, Miami summer clothes styles are all about breezy, quick-drying materials and lots of bold colors.

I find myself wearing plenty of wide-leg pants and flowy dresses (honestly, that’s me all year long), and if I’m running errands, there’s nothing easier than a comfortable athleisure set paired with an oversized button-down shirt to spruce it up. From retro sunglasses and phone accessories to cute but functional statement bags, the trends Miami locals are following put vibrant, tropical patterns at the forefront while helping them fashionably beat the heat. Here are the 15 styles that everyone’s rocking this summer, and they’re all available at Amazon starting at $7. 

Trend: Flowy dresses

Grace Karin Square Neck Floral Maxi Dress

Ask anyone in my close circle what my go-to “uniform” is and they will say “a sundress and sneakers” — and they would be absolutely right. I love how easy it is to throw on a flowy (and most likely floral-patterned) dress and walk out the door. Fortunately, the Miami girls are all on board this summer, because I’ve been seeing so many fun, breezy dresses all over town. Right now, I’ve got my eye on this floral one from Grace Karin that comes in a ton of different brightly colored patterns. Not only is it great for running errands or meeting up with friends, but it can easily be packed and worn on my upcoming trips. 

Trend: Athleisure sets

Nova Active Workout Set

Speaking of easy-to-throw-on-and-go, athleisure sets are also a major Miami vibe when it comes to looking chic and getting out of the house. Yes, the people of The 305 love a workout class and keeping active, but this summer, I promise, you’ll see them sporting just as many activewear sets while running errands and hanging out around town as you would at any Barry’s Bootcamp class. Some of my favorite, super affordable matching sets come from Amazon — like this criss-cross sports bra and shorts duo from Horisun (that’s just $20) or the Nova Active set that’s available in quite a few colorways. 

Trend: Linen button-down shirts

Zoye Chen Long-sleeve Button-down

There’s something magical about how quickly a linen button-down shirt can quickly pull together an outfit. Often, I’ve seen it over the aforementioned athleisure set to create a chic look that’s perfect for running errands or taking a walk down South Beach’s Lincoln Road. I love my pink and white boyfriend-fit linen button-down from Old Navy, but I recently realized I don’t have a plain white one — so I’m thinking it’s time to grab this one from Zoye Chen at Amazon, which is on sale for $23. Beyond its wardrobe-enhancing abilities, a quality button-down shirt also comes in handy as a bathing suit cover-up when lounging at my favorite hotel pools and the beach.

Trend: Platform sandals

Reef Water Vista Higher Platform Slingback Sandals

A little extra height and a lot of comfort? Yes, please! That’s why platform sandals are all the rage in Miami this summer. My collection of platform sandals has been steadily growing over the last few months, making me more than ready to jump on the trend. The other day, I spotted a friend in the Reef Water Vista Higher Sandals and now I think I have to have them. EVA foam footbeds give the shoes a cloud-like cushioning that keeps your feet comfy for miles, and their waterproof construction makes them perfect to wear from the beach to lunch. 

Trend: Colorful two-piece sets

MakeMeChic Tropical Short-sleeve and Shorts Two-piece Set

You may have noticed a theme with easy sets, but in heat like this, the less thought you have to put into the outfit the better (and the same goes for getting dressed while traveling, right?), and that’s why we love sets. Add in a bright color or fun print and you’ll look like you came straight out of Miami. Currently, I’ve got my eye on this MakeMeChic Two-piece Set at Amazon that comes in a ton of summer-ready colors and patterns. It’ll make a great casual outfit and swim cover-up if needed. 

Trend: Wide-legged pants

Funyyzo Wide-leg Pants

When we’re aiming for a dressier look here in Miami, we’re still riding that breezy fabric train, but often opt for a pair of wide-legged pants with a bit more structure. The Curve Love A&F Sloane Tailored Linen-blend Pants are unbeatable as they come in several colors and are very curvy girl-friendly. Over at Amazon, these palazzo-style, business casual pants feature elegant front pleating to make them super stylish. If you’re a fan of bold patterns, these Btfbm High-waisted Floral Pants are so cute and come in over a dozen prints. 

Trend: Basic crop tops

Cuts Clothing Almost Friday Cropped T-shirt

Simple and basic, crop tops are well-loved here in Miami. Not only do they show off our tans, but they are perfect for pairing with the above wide-legged pants and platform sandals for a simple, well-put-together look. I’m partial to Cuts Clothing crop tops (and really all of the brand’s basic T-shirt styles) as they are hands down the best ones I own. I live in them when I travel and they never stretch out or lose their shape. I think I have at least 10 of them in all sorts of colors and styles at this point, but the Almost Friday style is my absolute favorite.

Trend: Small statement bags

Zlmbagus Flap Tote Top Convertible Handle Clutch

Is there ever a time when small statement bags aren’t in style? I think they are definitely having a moment this summer. Recently on a trip to Lake Como, I was shopping in Bellagio with a fellow Travel + Leisure writer and scored the cutest hot pink leather and straw bag (which you’ll see me using all season). Though I don’t remember exactly where I got it,  I found a similar version at Amazon from Bagkeak. If you’re shopping for a new travel bag, I recommend opting for something like the Zlmbagus Convertible Clutch, which has a delicate gold chain strap so you can wear it on your shoulder or crossbody-style if needed. Similarly, the Freie Liebe Straw Clutch also makes a quality travel purse with its convertible design, and its rattan exterior basically screams summer. 

Trend: White Sneakers with pops of color 

Gola Women’s Tennis-Mark Cox Sneakers

While Miami isn’t a big walking city, somehow I find myself doing a ton of walking, so just like in my travels, I make sure to always have a pair of comfortable but chic sneakers at all times. But, since it’s Miami, there has to be a little pop of color to make them stand out. As expected, I’m seeing a ton of Veja sneakers and Adidas Sambas (especially the Messi ones) being worn all over the city, but for those looking for something just as stylish but a little different, I’m happy to report that I  just got my first pair of Gola tennis sneakers and I can’t get over how comfortable they are. I’m also a big fan of Kizik sneakers when I’m going for a hands-free, easy-to-slip-on shoe and I love the canvas Irvine style.

Trend: Dressy basic totes

Montana West Nylon Tote 

When you’ve got too much stuff to fit into a small statement bag, enter: the tote bag. This season, Miamians are loving a classic tote that’s dressed up a bit. This Lands’ End canvas tote is perfect for carting around a beach towel, sunscreen, and bathing suit in style, and I’m really into this straw tote bag from Emgill that has a magnetic closure and leather lining. Then, there’s always the beloved Marc Jacobs tote that’s currently on sale or the Montana West Nylon Tote that doubles as a personal item for flights. 

Trend: Solid bathing suits

Eomenie One-piece Swimsuit

This summer, I’ve noticed fewer prints on the Miami beaches. Instead, it’s all about the simple solid, slightly color-blocked looks. I’ve been rocking this bikini from Old Navy since the spring and I love how flattering, supportive (especially the top), and size-inclusive it is. But as a true Miami girl, my bathing suit collection is expansive and I’m always on the hunt for new ones to add to my repertoire. Does anyone else feel like they deserve a new bathing suit every time they go on a beach vacation? Treat yourself to this one-piece from Eomenie that’s super flattering on everyone and an Amazon best-seller. 

Trend: Low strappy heels

Dream Pairs Low Kitty Strappy Heels

Keeping our feet both cute and comfortable, low strappy heels are where it’s at. Whether walking from bar to bar on South Beach or standing around at a cocktail party or a wedding, these shoes show off our fresh pedicures and keep us from feeling fatigued. So far this summer, I can’t stop wearing these Andre Assous Neveah Metallic Wedges in taupe (which features a shiny gold strap that looks so good with so many outfits), and these Clarks Serina Mule sandals have also been great to me lately with their super cushy soles. I have a few friends who swear by Dream Pairs’ Low Kitty Strappy Heels that come in several colors and are currently at their lowest price in the last 30 days.  

Trend: Thin sunglasses

Kuguaok Retro Rectangle Sunglasses

Big, oversized sunglasses are out and thin, rectangular lenses are in. A forever cat-eye sunglasses girl, I’ve recently transitioned into a whole new shape as I aim to stay on top of trends here in the Magic City. This super affordable set from Amazon brand Kuguaok comes with two pairs of stylish retro-shaped glasses for just $7 and has tons of mix-and-match options. Ray-Ban also has a version that’s currently 35 percent off, and of course, there are the tortoise shell ones from Prada — that are on sale for $260 thanks to a 38 percent discount — if you’re really looking to treat yourself.

Trend: Gold hoop earrings

Besteel 14K Gold-filled Hoop Earrings Set

I’m all about well-curated ear candy. I have six piercings on each ear, and while I keep 10 of them in at all times (to be honest, I don’t know how to take a lot of my earrings out and I leave that to the professionals), I do love switching it up when it comes to my first (and most basic) lobe piercing. This season, it’s all about gold hoops in various sizes. A clean simple look that works with every outfit, the perfect gold hoops can most certainly be found at Amazon. Personally, I like a little sparkle, so I’ve got my eye on this BeSteel set that has a plain pair and a rhinestone-laced one as well.

Trend: Phone accessories 

Miami Chains & Co. Beaded Phone Wristlet Strap

This is definitely one of my favorite and most underrated trends that I’m seeing all over Miami right now: phone accessories. Do you remember when we all had phone charms back in the early 2000s? I had more than I could count, and now they are back. I’m currently obsessed with a local brand called Miami Chain Co. and have several of its wristlet straps and crossbody chains. They are just so fun and functional, especially since I always have my phone in my hand as I document my travels and adventures on Instagram. This keeps my phone close (remember that time I was pickpocketed abroad?) at all times, and lets a bit more of my personality shine. 

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