Food-Inspired Fashion Is the Tastiest New Summer Trend

Move over, stripes and leopard print: The latest trending pattern is food, and it’s adding a fresh flavor to our summer style palate. While it’s common to see strawberries, cherries, lemons, and other fruits on fabrics during the summer, we’ve also seen an influx of main dishes like pasta, oysters, pizza, and our beloved charcuterie boards. Our current love of food-themed fashion—also known as foodcore—fits into the light, campy realm among other popular trends like tomato girl summer and Palm Beach chic, but also sheds some commentary on our current moment. Ahead, learn all about the food-themed fashion trend, complete with expert insights, styling tips, and 17 fresh pieces to spice up your wardrobe.

About the Trend

While food-focused fashion has undeniably hit a new peak on our feeds in recent months, this trend started in 2020, thanks to the viral Lirika Matoshi strawberry dress that became one of the most buzz-worthy items of the quarantine era. At a time that felt lonely and scary, many people found a bit of pleasure and escape in fashion. “It fulfilled our craving for color, whimsy, and fun during an otherwise bleak and terrifying time,” says fashion editor, content creator, and Rakuten shopping and trend advisor Bella Gerard. 

From there, the foodcore trend only grew, branching out from fruits into all major food groups and little treats. Part of the reason for food-inspired fashion’s rise is its connection with other niche trends from the last few fashion cycles. “From sweet, pink strawberry girl makeup to sun-kissed tomato girl blush, produce hues have been all the rage for beauty creators on TikTok and Instagram,” Gerard tells us. “It was only a matter of time before fashion caught up.” This makes sense, as if you like similar whimsical styles, you’ll most likely be drawn to the fun-filled energy of foodcore. Amanda Jane Valentine, founder of AJ Valentine Consulting, also notes the influence of other niches. “The #tomatogirl is a growing niche with artfully drawn vegetables and a nod to 1950s style,” she says. “It encompasses the joy of living so many of us aspire to have.”

Summer weather may also play a part in the rise of foodcore, with its focus on foods like fruits, vegetables, seafood, Americana staples like hot dogs and popcorn, and Italian cuisine. Gerard also thinks the trend may be a response to winter’s quiet luxury aesthetic: “Dabbling in minimalism was fun for a bit, but we’re ready to experiment with fun, kitschy details and prints,” she says. “Summer is the perfect time for this trend to expand, and with Sabrina Carpenter’s ‘Espresso’ music video mirroring the 1950s aesthetic, it’s reached the early height of its influence,” Valentine adds.

While this trend may be light and breezy on the surface, it also reflects an increasing taste for experiences and social gatherings surrounding food. According to recent reports, millennials and Gen Z spend more money on groceries than on anything else. “The reason we’re seeing so much food in fashion in my opinion, is that the younger generation, specifically Gen Z, have been romanticizing everyday life post-pandemic in their depiction of food,” says stylist and wardrobe consultant Afi Maita. She notes that with more social media content focusing on everyday tasks, more and more people have decided “to not take things like food for granted, which, in turn, has become popular in fashion.”

Valentine also notes that the rise in food-theme fashion coincides with other “recessioncore” trends like ballet flats. “These prints are commonly optimistic, cheeky, saturated in color, and reflecting the simple joys of life,” she says. “With overall budgets being tight, a trip to the farmer’s market feels indulgent.” 

How To Style Food-Inspired Fashion

While bright fruit patterns, macaroni jewelry, and dresses with your favorite food look fun and inviting, they may be intimidating to style, especially if you’re trying the trend for the first time. Our stylists’ main tip is not to overwhelm yourself with too many food-themed pieces in one outfit. “I recommend wearing one food-related item at a time to execute this trend,” Maita suggests. “A simple graphic tee with an avocado print tucked into jeans with a blazer will suffice.” She also recommends using food-inspired accessories like shoes, jewelry, and handbags as subtle ways to incorporate the trend into your closet. 

Another tip to consider when styling a foodie outfit: “Consider the setting,” Gerard says. “You might not want to don an oyster-printed dress for a wedding or other formal occasion, as you’d do better to opt for more timeless pieces at special events. But for a summer party, casual day out, date night, or any other warm-weather occasion, I say commit.”

If you want to dip your toe into the food-inspired trend but are looking for a sustainable or budget-friendly option, consider thrifting. While foodie fashion may seem new, it’s been in and out of style for decades. Valentine suggests using eBay, Depop, The RealReal, and other second-hand retailers: “Use wording to find the trends: Try using ‘fruit graphic,’ or even a specific element like ‘watermelon,’ or “tomato”. Fashion is very cyclical so just being able to search with keywords will open your world to finding ethical consumption and staying on trend.” 

Ready to get a taste of this trend? Scroll on for 17 of the most delicious fashion pieces to hit our closets this summer.

The Best Food-Themed Fashion Pieces to Shop

Italian Feast: Lisa Says Gah Sofia Slip Dress

If your summer plans involve Italian bliss (or simply a lot of pasta dinners), wear that excitement via this fun-filled take on a black slip dress.

Just Desserts: H&M Donut Socks

For just a touch of food-inspired style, you can’t beat a fun pair of socks. This design pays tribute to one of our favorite desserts, complete with pink frosting and sprinkles.

Avocado Chic: Homage Ova Manifestation Bag

Looking for a subtle take on the food-themed fashion trend? This fun handbag looks like the outside of an avocado and would surely pair well with all your Brat summer looks.

Pop Art Vibes: Loft Can Print Bias Midi Skirt

Calling all Warhol fans: Embrace your inner artist with this colorful midi skirt featuring an array of summery cans, from oysters to tomatoes to olive oil.

Spread the Joy: Rachel Antonoff Bread and Butter Tank

This tank allows you to celebrate your love for when the bread arrives at the table, but make it chic. The cotton cashmere knit feels like a summery take on the return of kitschy, “ugly” sweaters, and the design allows you to take the butter yellow trend into more literal territory.

Berry Fresh: Don’t Let Disco Special Edition Ripe Wonder Necklace

Berries and fruits are still playing a key role in food-themed fashion, and this deep cherry red necklace featuring a berry charm feels incredibly on-trend.

Hot to Go: Kate Spade Slice 3D Pizza Box Top Handle Bag

If you’ve ever kind of enjoyed the vibe of carrying a pizza box home, this Kate Spade design allows you to do so any time—grease-free. The spice charms are a fun touch.

Garden Party: Farm Rio Pink Orange Tassel Crochet Blouse

Crochet lends itself to playfulness, so lean into this with carrot tassels that turn your outfit into a sartorial garden.

Sweet Treat: Lisou Jess Caramel Banana Print Cotton Dungarees

Bananas are one of the most popular foods out there for a reason, so everyone is sure to smile when you show up in these sunny yellow printed dungarees.

Feeling Spicy: Reformation Prescott Linen Dress

For evening drinks, a summer date, or a fun party, a chili pepper dress is a creative way to amp up the heat. The white background color and classic red pepper design ground an unexpected piece in a dose of familiarity.

Ready to Serve: Baublebar Char-Cute-Erie Earrings

A good charcuterie spread is a social gathering favorite—and while nothing beats the real thing, wearing a jewelry version of the board will spark joy all day long.

Vacation Menu: Eloquii Relaxed Button Down

The print on this button-down reminds us of a Hawaiian shirt, but the various colorful dishes provide a food-inspired twist on the vacation staple.

Midnight Snack: Parade Luxe Dreams Easy Sleep Short

If you’re not sure how you feel about wearing food-inspired fashion out and about, pajamas are an ideal way to give the trend a try. The pasta, tomatoes, and wine here are a dreamy meal for sure.

Strawberry Steps: Betsey Johnson Cheyne Berry Multi

Berries and sandals are both synonymous with summer, so bring the two together in a fun pink and red palette complete with 3D appliqués.

Tasty Toile: Abercrombie & Fitch Linen-Blend Wide Strap Mini Dress

Toile is a classic, and this food-inspired take is a playful yet incredibly wearable take to wear to brunch, picnic days, and more.

Tropical Energy: Samantha Pleet Vortex Bikini

Headed on vacation, or simply looking to embrace the most refreshing vibes for your next pool day? You can’t go wrong with a citrus printed bikini that balances fun twisted details with solid coverage.

Beaded Nostalgia: Susan Alexandra Berry Pebbles Breakfast Vignette Bag

Carry around a sweet still life with this beaded bag, which features a colorful bowl of cereal alongside a carton of milk (strawberry-adorned, of course) and a flower in a sequined vase.