Staying Cool & Chic

A San Antonio Summer-to-School Style Guide

By Amanda Alarcon-Hunter of Minx and Onyx Vintage

Summer is always a season of contradictions—warmth and coolness, freedom and reflection, nostalgia and new beginnings. It’s a time when fashion can feel unreserved, a blend of being stylish, comfortable, and cool all at once. Just like the season itself, which symbolizes life, death, and rebirth, we too evolve—becoming more mindful of not only what we wear, but who we are.

There’s beauty in the little things: shimmering swimming pools that reflect the golden sun, vintage bathing suits that have stood the test of time and trends, and the joy of realizing that what’s old is new again. This summer, we see a shift: longer shorts, bermuda style, animal prints of any kind, pastel tones, and pops of color that bring outfits to life. It’s been an unusual summer, with economic twists like shifting tariffs on imported goods—including fashion items. That’s why secondhand shopping makes more sense than ever. Thrifting means discovering unique pieces at low prices, often benefiting charitable causes. Vintage shopping, meanwhile, supports small, sustainable businesses and allows you to invest in one-of-a-kind, carefully curated garments and accessories. Sustainability in fashion is no longer just a trend—it’s a responsibility. As we grow more conscious of our environmental impact, embracing secondhand and vintage styles becomes a powerful act of self-expression and stewardship for future generations.

Whether you’re attending an end-of-summer party, heading into your final year of high school, or preparing to graduate from college, fashion is your playground. Think lace trims, full tulle skirts, and dramatic ruffles channeling the boho goddess revival. Embrace eclectic 80s brights for a maximalist vibe, sporty-sultry silhouettes, and the timeless cool of denim-on-denim. These end-of-summer and back-to-school styles are buzzing with energy—equal parts comfort, nostalgia, and sophisticated playfulness, all infused with a touch of luxury and a nod to sustainability. As summer fades and seasons shift, remember that fashion is cyclical. A creative mix of styles is perfectly acceptable. Some of the most iconic looks emerged from the 70s, 80s, and 90s. Mixing styles from multiple decades isn’t just trendy—it’s celebrated.

So why not create a signature look that’s all your own? Fashion, after all, is more than what we wear—it’s who we are becoming.