Cute summer outfits may be the most mood-boosting of all. Warm, balmy weather and the corresponding looks simply have that effect. From the best flowy dresses to the best vacation swimwear—including the best one-piece bathing suits and the best beach cover-up dresses for a complete ensemble—summer fashion always feels lighthearted and fresh. So, when planning out your purchases and go-to formulas this year, looking to the runways and ever-directional street-style scene will ensure an au courant aesthetic.
Of course, staple pieces like simple tanks, white denim, and linen matching sets are seasonal mainstays. However, certain silhouettes are undergoing a redux of sorts, breathing new life into categories like the best summer skirts. The return of the denim maxi skirt is a prime example, which Liane Wiggins, head of womenswear at MatchesFashion, says “is such a great wardrobe staple and a great silhouette for all shapes and heights.”
Also on deck? The bubble hem revival. “Refined, sleek skirts at Khaite, longer versions at Proenza Schouler reimagined with a low-waist, and Simone Rocha’s metallic mini bubble skirt were all highlights,” Wiggins tells BAZAAR. Keep scrolling for more summer-ready inspiration, and shop the pieces you’ll need to recreate the best summer outfits through Labour Day.
Related article: 5 Outfits To Get You Ready For Summer
Best Summer Outfit Ideas: Slouch Around
Slouchy suiting is already spot-on for summer. A skin-baring bra top and flip-flops make the look more relaxed and breathable.
BEST SUMMER OUTFIT IDEAS: SLOUCH AROUND
Jacquemus Le Haut Meli Top
This bra top is daring and darling at once.
BEST SUMMER OUTFIT IDEAS: SLOUCH AROUND
By Malene Birger Povilos Pleated Wool-Blend Twill Wide-Leg Pants
Team these roomy trousers with the matching blazer.
Best Summer Outfit Ideas: To The Max
“With noughties style having a resurgence, the denim maxi styled with a simple white tee or tank is a great, modern way to tap into the trend,” says Wiggins.
BEST SUMMER OUTFIT IDEAS: TO THE MAX
Raey Split Back Organic-Cotton Denim Maxi Skirt
This classic blue denim maxi skirt is made from washed organic and recycled-blend cotton—so eco-chic.
BEST SUMMER OUTFIT IDEAS: TO THE MAX
Skims Fits Everybody High Neck Bodysuit
As they say, the hint is in the name. The beautiful fit of this bodysuit is genuinely universal.
Best Summer Outfit Ideas: Crop It Like It’s Hot
It’s all about the cropped blazer this season for a polished take on nostalgia. We love one worn as a top with edgy jeans for a night out.
BEST SUMMER OUTFIT IDEAS: CROP IT LIKE IT’S HOT
AKNVAS Stone Wool-Blend Cropped Blazer
This statement blazer is giving us a Material Girl meets Working Girl crossover—we’re so here for it.
BEST SUMMER OUTFIT IDEAS: CROP IT LIKE IT’S HOT
EB Denim Vintage Chain Pants
These chain jeans are a moment.
Best Summer Outfit Ideas: Nothing But Net
You may typically wear a netted dress waterside, but why not have a city moment by styling one with a cropped shirt layered atop for dinner?
BEST SUMMER OUTFIT IDEAS: NOTHING BUT NET
Christopher Esber Crochet-Knit Cotton-Blend Maxi Dress
We love the counterbalance of this form-fitting silhouette beneath a structured white shirt.
BEST SUMMER OUTFIT IDEAS: NOTHING BUT NET
Almina Concept Cropped Long Sleeve Shirt
The raw hems add to the contemporary nature of this cropped silhouette.
Best Summer Outfit Ideas: Beat The Heat In A Cabana
Shirt, that is. The tension of a bra with the menswear-inspired top and jorts is too good.
BEST SUMMER OUTFIT IDEAS: BEAT THE HEAT IN A CABANA
Tombolo Sunny Disposition
We’re here for a classic tropical print, but how fresh are these daisies?
BEST SUMMER OUTFIT IDEAS: BEAT THE HEAT IN A CABANA
Levi’s 501 High-Waisted Denim Shorts
The iconic 501 fit never fails.
Best Summer Outfit Ideas: Bubble Up
When giving the season’s bubble hem a try, Wiggins says, “Cecilie Bahnsen’s hand-smocked voluminous dresses paired with socks and Asics is our favourite way to interpret the trend this summer.” For a more breathable shoe option, go with sleek, comfy sandals.
BEST SUMMER OUTFIT IDEAS: BUBBLE UP
Cecilie Bahnsen Fonda Nimbus Puff-Sleeve Cotton-Blend Dress
The tactile cotton-blend matelassé fabric feels so intricate yet airy.
BEST SUMMER OUTFIT IDEAS: BUBBLE UP
Asics Gel-Kayano 14 Mesh and Rubber Trainers
Pastel accent colours steer these into summery territory.
Best Summer Outfit Ideas: Totes Amazing
Amplify the effect of basics with a supersized tote bag—the result is relaxed with poise.
BEST SUMMER OUTFIT IDEAS: TOTES AMAZING
Khaite The Medium Osa Tote
Style this ultra-roomy tote with Monday through Friday workwear, then pack it for a couple of nights away in place of a weekender.
BEST SUMMER OUTFIT IDEAS: TOTES AMAZING
Another Tomorrow Cotton Crewneck T-Shirt
Options are truly endless when it comes to a good crewneck tee.
Best Summer Outfit Ideas: Coast Along
Dial up the mood on a chilly coastal day in a relaxed, all-white look. June gloom, who?
BEST SUMMER OUTFIT IDEAS: COAST ALONG
SEA Carter Lace-Up Crocheted Wool Top
The intricacy of this crochet cardigan is so enchanting.
BEST SUMMER OUTFIT IDEAS: COAST ALONG
Chloé Lilli Sporty Mule
Why not stick with a crochet theme?
Best Summer Outfit Ideas: Marigolden Hour
Light up the room in a cotton poplin dress with dynamic details.
BEST SUMMER OUTFIT IDEAS: MARIGOLDEN HOUR
Tove Ceres Cotton Midi Dress
The beautiful gathering on this dress is so thoughtful—it’s unlike any other in your wardrobe.
BEST SUMMER OUTFIT IDEAS: MARIGOLDEN HOUR
Sydney Evan Large Wavy 14-Karat Gold Diamond Hoop Earrings
Wavy hoop earrings add to the elegant movement of this look.
Best Summer Outfit Ideas: So Nauti
A nautical knit is quintessentially summer—a half-zip is our preferred silhouette.
BEST SUMMER OUTFIT IDEAS: SO NAUTI
Kule The Matey
This sweater has the perfect boxy fit.
BEST SUMMER OUTFIT IDEAS: SO NAUTI
Hommegirls Cotton-Poplin Shorts
Crisp and cool, the poplin boxer short is a summer MVP.
Best Summer Outfit Ideas: Shout Out To The Cut-Outs
While beachy in vibe, Julia Comil proves that the cut-out dress look can be equally appealing in the city. Of course, that Parisian backdrop doesn’t hurt a bit.
BEST SUMMER OUTFIT IDEAS: SHOUT OUT TO THE CUT-OUTS
Isa Boulder Other Reality Open-Back Crochet-Trimmed Knit Midi Dress
Crochet detailing levels up the summery feel of this alluring dress.
BEST SUMMER OUTFIT IDEAS: SHOUT OUT TO THE CUT-OUTS
Andrea Wazen Mandaloun Squared-Toe Ankle-Wrap Sandals
Honestly, how good is this green?
Best Summer Outfit Ideas: Precious Cargo
A sweetheart top brings a darling touch to utilitarian cargo pants for a so-fresh update on summer whites.
BEST SUMMER OUTFIT IDEAS: PRECIOUS CARGO
Khaite Maddy Ribbed-Knit Sweater
This knitted top brings the drama, from the sculptural design features to the knuckle-grazing sleeves.
BEST SUMMER OUTFIT IDEAS: PRECIOUS CARGO
TWP Coop Flare Cargo Pants
Contrast stitching adds depth to this tonal summer look.
Best Summer Outfit Ideas: How Low Can You Go?
Low-rise pants have officially returned, from jeans to trousers and casual chinos. The vibe is relaxed and right on for summer.
BEST SUMMER OUTFIT IDEAS: HOW LOW CAN YOU GO?
Chanel Pre-Owned 1990-2000s CC Striped Knitted Top
This pre-loved striped Chanel top strikes a ’90s nautical tone flawlessly.
BEST SUMMER OUTFIT IDEAS: HOW LOW CAN YOU GO?
Miu Miu Chino Pants
Pro tip: Size up in this menswear-inspired chino for that effortless slouch.
Best Summer Outfit Ideas: Weave Around
Nothing says summer like woven accessories and a vibrant cotton poplin dress.
BEST SUMMER OUTFIT IDEAS: WEAVE AROUND
Prada Raffia Tote Bag
Without question, this Prada is one of the best straw bags.
BEST SUMMER OUTFIT IDEAS: WEAVE AROUND
Hermès Carlotta Mule
This sleek clog is a modern take on a boho style.
Best Summer Outfit Ideas: Slash It
The summer urge to show skin is real. Rethink your approach with a micro top and side-slashed jeans.
BEST SUMMER OUTFIT IDEAS: SLASH IT
Cult Gaia Viola Cutout Knit Top
Three cheers for a top with built-in jewelry.
BEST SUMMER OUTFIT IDEAS: SLASH IT
Maison Margiela Cutout High-Rise Wide-Leg Jeans
These jeans are too cool, from the faded wash to the slouchy legs and side slashes.
Best Summer Outfit Ideas: How Romantic
Flat minimalist sandals temper the formality of a romantic dress for daytime.
BEST SUMMER OUTFIT IDEAS: HOW ROMANTIC
La Ligne Villanelle Dress
Between the corseted waist and full pleated skirt, this linen blend midi is giving old-world elegance.
BEST SUMMER OUTFIT IDEAS: HOW ROMANTIC
Emme Parsons Susan Slide
String sandals are the way to master summertime minimalism.
Best Summer Outfit Ideas: Blue Jean Baby
A baby tee is key in the heat—baggy jeans and a boxy blazer are excellent counterbalances.
BEST SUMMER OUTFIT IDEAS: BLUE JEAN BABY
Everlane The Ribbed Baby Tee
This clay colour is our new neutral obsession.
BEST SUMMER OUTFIT IDEAS: BLUE JEAN BABY
Dissh Rowan Mocha Signature Blazer
This Aussie brand is one of our well-priced favourites for modern staples.
Related article: Grown-Up Ways To Wear A Crop Top And Not Feel Naked
Best Summer Outfit Ideas: Crop Up
Let us not forget the cropped knit with seasonal brights—the perfect look when a summer breeze strikes.
BEST SUMMER OUTFIT IDEAS: CROP UP
A.L.C. Hallie Rib Knit Cardigan
The minimalist cut of this cardigan is too good.
BEST SUMMER OUTFIT IDEAS: CROP UP
J.Crew Full-Length Sydney Wide-Leg Pant
Sunshine yellow chinos for summer? Without a doubt.
Best Summer Outfit Ideas: Well Vested
The vest suit is here to stay. Freshen up the look for summer with a pretty shade of rose.
BEST SUMMER OUTFIT IDEAS: WELL VESTED
Frankie Shop Gelso Vest
Frankie Shop is the ultimate go-to for contemporary suiting separates.
BEST SUMMER OUTFIT IDEAS: WELL VESTED
Frankie Shop Gelso High-Rise Wide-Leg Pants
The roomy wide legs make these entirely tolerable in the heat.
Best Summer Outfit Ideas: Show One’s Colours
Amplify the effect of stripes by accessorising with a colourful bag that picks up a tone in the motif.
BEST SUMMER OUTFIT IDEAS: SHOW ONE’S COLOURS
Veronica Beard Radley Striped Halter Maxi Dress
We love the unexpected play of lilac and yellow together in this striped halter dress.
BEST SUMMER OUTFIT IDEAS: SHOW ONE’S COLOURS
Loewe Flamenco Mini Napa Drawstring Clutch Bag
This soft drawstring clutch is officially a cult classic from Loewe.
Best Summer Outfit Ideas: Good Sport
A black sports bra styled as a top instantly modernizes classic white linen tailoring. J’adore the graphic punch.
BEST SUMMER OUTFIT IDEAS: GOOD SPORT
Weekend Max Mara Linen Blazer
You can’t beat classically tailored linen for summertime sophistication.
BEST SUMMER OUTFIT IDEAS: GOOD SPORT
Splits59 Sara Airweight Sports Bra
Airweight is anything but an exaggeration—a.k.a totally heatproof.
Best Summer Outfit Ideas: Yeah, Bra
Another way to beat the heat in a long denim skirt? With a bra top. Your choice if an added layer feels necessary.
BEST SUMMER OUTFIT IDEAS: YEAH, BRA
Live The Process Neptune Ribbed-Knit Bralette
Live The Process makes our favourite luxuriously soft ribbed staples.
BEST SUMMER OUTFIT IDEAS: YEAH, BRA
Zara ZW The Stretch Denim Pencil Skirt
Since Agolde’s Hilla denim maxi skirt is nearly sold out everywhere, get on the waitlist for this coming-soon style from Zara.
Best Summer Outfit Ideas: Parachute In
If you’re in your baggy pants era, don’t be without a swishy pair of parachute pants. Minimalist extras elegantly ground them while nodding to the aughts. This asymmetrical white tank top and square-toe sandals? So good.
BEST SUMMER OUTFIT IDEAS: PARACHUTE IN
Dion Lee Toggle Parachute Pants
Obsessed doesn’t even begin to describe how we feel about these toggle drawstring pants. The same goes for this Agolde tank.
EST SUMMER OUTFIT IDEAS: PARACHUTE IN
Gia Borghini X Rosie 1 Sandals
Give them glamour in these satin square-toe mules.
Best Summer Outfit Ideas: Full Circle Skirt
Summer whites, but make it office appropriate in crisp cotton separates. The full skirt is fully back this season.
BEST SUMMER OUTFIT IDEAS: FULL CIRCLE SKIRT
Madewell Signature Poplin Short-Sleeve Button-Down Shirt
Real talk: Madewell has the short-sleeve button-down shirt thing on lock.
BEST SUMMER OUTFIT IDEAS: FULL CIRCLE SKIRT
Reformation Lucy Skirt
The cotton poplin fabric maintains a structural shape while pulling away from the body—a beautiful thing in the heat.
Best Summer Outfit Ideas: Bathing Suit Beauty
Take your bikini top from the beach to the streets. The look is legit when paired with an open shirt and high-rise trousers.
BEST SUMMER OUTFIT IDEAS: BATHING SUIT BEAUTY
Miaou Bambi Top
This bikini top is begging for a breezy yellow layer.
BEST SUMMER OUTFIT IDEAS: BATHING SUIT BEAUTY
Favorite Daughter The Favorite High-Waisted Pleated Pants
A kick flare gives these black trousers a summer-perfect feel.
Best Summer Outfit Ideas: Orange You Glad?
There’s nothing like a bold colour to usher in a new season—even better if it’s an equally bold silhouette, like an oversize button-down linen shirt.
BEST SUMMER OUTFIT IDEAS: ORANGE YOU GLAD?
& Other Stories Oversized Patch Pocket Shirt
Whether buttoned or worn open, this oversized linen style is a summertime hero piece. We even love it atop swimwear at the beach.
BEST SUMMER OUTFIT IDEAS: ORANGE YOU GLAD?
Agolde 90s Straight-Leg Pinch-Waist Jeans
You can’t beat the fit of Agolde’s ’90s-inspired straight legs.
Best Summer Outfit Ideas: Breeze Along
The fluidity of pleats feels breezy and elegant with white trousers—so polished for dinner or the office.
BEST SUMMER OUTFIT IDEAS: BREEZE ALONG
Co Pleated Puff-Sleeve Top
We love a good puff sleeve.
BEST SUMMER OUTFIT IDEAS: BREEZE ALONG
Aya Muse Polaris Wide-Leg Linen and Cotton Pants
The slitted kick-flare silhouette adds to the airiness of white linen.
Best Summer Outfit Ideas: Don’t Sweat It
Take leisurewear into summer via a short-sleeve sweatshirt top in a bright colour for a seasonally apropos punch. We love the sporty offset it brings to a slimmer-fit dress.
BEST SUMMER OUTFIT IDEAS: DON’T SWEAT IT
Bleusalt The Slip Dress
Behold the comfiest slip dress for a directional leisure moment. Oh, and it has pockets.
BEST SUMMER OUTFIT IDEAS: DON’T SWEAT IT
Nylora Libby Hoodie Top
This soft yellow shade pairs beautifully with camel tones.
Best Summer Outfit Ideas: Good Tee
But have you considered swapping your baggy sweats for trousers? Similar comfort, but way more polish.
BEST SUMMER OUTFIT IDEAS: GOOD TEE
Saint Laurent Collegiate Logo T-Shirt
This tee is proof you should be shopping men’s sections. The broken-in silhouette offers the perfect slouch—if you don’t love to tuck your tops in, try snipping it to bare a little midriff.
BEST SUMMER OUTFIT IDEAS: GOOD TEE
Babaton Agency Pant
Lean into the slouch further by styling these trousers with flats instead of heels.
This article originally appeared in Harper’s BAZAAR US.
