2023 summer fashion, inspired by things we watch, play, and read

We’re well into the hot summer season, a sweaty ol’ time when many of us gravitate solely toward clothing that’s cool and comfortable. Who cares if it’s fashionable? In case you do care about fashion, and you — like us — want what you wear to reflect the games, books, and movies you’ve been loving this year, then this post should be a refreshing (if not slightly ridiculous) summer treat.

It’s true that some of these items cost well outside what most people can afford. But hey, a little window shopping won’t hurt anyone.

Levi’s x Princess Mononoke collab

Levi’s announced a collaboration with Studio Ghibli that includes a gorgeous collection of denim, graphic T-shirts, and more. This limited edition drop will begin on August 5, but it might not last long. Members who have a free account with Levi’s can get early access to the sale.

As for what inspired the pieces, the Levi’s design team said, “Princess Mononoke features hand-painted backgrounds depicting gorgeous scenes in nature, and that’s something we felt really inspired by. We wanted to bring an emphasis on that into the pieces.”

You can check out the whole Levi’s x Princess MononokeHere is a collection of the best.

Kith x X-Men collab 60th Anniversary

Grid View

• 
  
  Picture: Kith
  

• 
  
  Picture: Kith
  

You say you’re a fan of the X-Men, but you didn’t create an entire line of clothes, accessories, and memorabilia to honor the franchise’s 60th anniversary, did you? Kith did, launching its collection including T-shirts, denim jackets, shoes — heck, even an arcade machine — on July 28. There was clearly a lot of love put into this collaboration; the remastered Asics shoes come in a blind box with a pre-graded X-Men trading card, and you’ve hit it big if you open the Wolverine 1975 colorway, which appears in just one of every 36 pairs of shoes.

The entire collection is available here, but many products are currently sold out.

Casetify x Neon Genesis Evangelion accessory

Image: Casetify/Khara

Casetify, a brand of smartphone accessories, has launched a new line. Neon Genesis EvangelionYou can find a variety of accessories, including chargers for iPhones, iPads, AirPods and cases. With these accessories, you can show off your passion for the mecha anime.

Casetify’s site lists some of the items, and they aren’t exactly cheap. The Evangelion Test Type-01 AirPods Pro collector’s case costs $122. The Evangelion Umbilical Cable Magnetic Wireless Charger for Phones is $52. This awesome Evangelion docking station with Umbilical Cable wireless charger costs $122. Lastly, you can get the Evangelion phone strap for $52.

Igloo x Sonic the Hedgehog cool

Image: Igloo/Sega

What collaborations could Sonic the Hedgehog have with other brands to make it even cooler? Igloo coolers? While it’s not necessarily fashion, Igloo’s Sonic cooler might fit perfectly with other game- or movie-themed accessories you like to tote along on your everyday journeys.

I can’t personally say I’ve ever had the specific desire to own a cooler that’ll get people talking, but if you have, then I can’t think of a better (and surprisingly inexpensive) cooler for picnics, beach time, and more. This cooler is $39.99.

Gelato Pique x Pikmin 4 collab

Image: Kodai Ikemitsu/Be Natural

It’s true: Some of the items in this post aren’t going to be easy to buy, and this is one of them. Gelato Pique has introduced its new line of apparel. Pikmin 4 gear. If you like cute clothing and enjoy Pikmin, I’m both excited for you and sorry for how difficult it might be for you to acquire some of this stuff. Some of the products are available to buy on Gelato Pique’s U.S. site, but it isn’t the full collection that people in Japan are being treated to.

Nevertheless, it’s fun to window shop. Gelato Pique’s collection includes reusable eco bags, house shoes, Pikmin headbands (so, so cute), T-shirts, dresses, and more.

ColourPop Naruto Makeup

Image: Masashi Kishimoto/ColourPop

ColourPop, the cosmetics brand known for its colorful and innovative brand collabs and collaborations with other brands. Naruto The collection is not any different. You can get the full $89 collection inspired by the beloved anime and manga series, featuring an eyeshadow palette with “essential neutrals and bright pops of colour inspired by your fave Naruto characters.”

For the full collection — both as a set and as individual, a la carte items, like the gel eyeliner pencils and individual eyeshadow pots — you can head over to ColourPop.

Barbie x Crocs

Crocs

Crocs joined the hype surrounding the release of BarbieThe shoes are a very popular addition to the movie theater. Crocs offers more than one shoe model. My colleague Nicole Clark has explained them all better in this blog post than I can.

There’s a Barbie Classic Clog, with Barbie’s silhouette patterned across the sides; also, there’s the Barbie Crush Clog, which has a bit of hot pink pillow-y height; and a Barbie Cozzzy Sandal (in pink, of course) that has a fluffy lined interior. But the true pièce de résistance is the Barbie the Movie Mega Crush Clog, which has the logo patterned across the top, and boast a platform (peak Y2K aesthetic) with both a lug sole and a sparkly midlayer.

Pokémon Tropical Blossoming Friendships shirt

Image: The Pokémon Company via Polygon

Can we all agree that a Pokémon shirt has no business looking this good? The Pokémon Company is selling this 100% rayon button-up shirt featuring a classy arrangement of pocket monsters, including Eevee, Pikachu, Psyduck, and more. Colors, style, and fit are perfect for the beach. It looks just like a tropical shirt from a distance. Just be prepared to be stopped by multiple people who are tickled to discover that your tropical shirt is actually packed with cute Pokémon.

Disney Beach Towels Personalized

The Walt Disney Company shopDisney

Celebrate your favorite Disney character or franchise with a big beach towel with your name on it — literally! You can personalize any of the towels listed here on shopDisney to display your name, or any other appropriate phrase you can think of (cursing won’t work, we’ve tried!).

Since we’re over the hill on summer 2023, many of the towels are discounted, making it cheaper to customize a towel as a gift. No matter when you buy one, it’ll come in handy at some point, either on vacation or just for using after a shower.