By Laura Lajiness Kaupke and Gaby Keiderling - published
Summer outfits exude happiness. We’re talking flowy dresses, vacation swimwear, beach coverups, printed linen sets, knitted slides—and that doesn’t even begin to scratch the surface.
The season’s staple pieces—like simple tanks, white jeans, and beach totes—are not to be missed either. Some of our favorite brands are introducing new silhouettes and materials, too. You can refresh your wardrobe basics while also scooping up some standout summer styles to go with. That crochet top? Pair it with a voluminous midi skirt. A colorful maxi dress? Throw on some gladiator sandals for a dramatic effect. Or, if you want to keep it simple, sometimes even a lightweight hoodie or polo over your bikini is all you need to hit the sand.
We’ve got summer outfit ideas ahead for all types of warm-weather dwellers. It’s time to chill out, catch a few rays, and shop some new styles.
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Best Summer Outfit Ideas: Slouch Around
Slouchy suiting is already spot-on for summer. A skin-baring bikini top and flip-flops make the look more relaxed and breathable.
Appliquéd Crocheted Bikini Top, $344, PatBo at Net-A-Porter
The Renata Pant, about $216.65, Solid & Striped
Maui Padded Leather Thong Sandals, $364.90, Stuart Weitzman at Neiman Marcus
Best Summer Outfit Ideas: To The Max
A denim maxi with a simple white tee or tank is a great way to stay stylish in the warm weather.
Split Front Denim Maxi Skirt, $199, Calvin Klein
Fits Everybody High Neck Bodysuit, $91, Skims
Triomphe 06 Sunglasses, $820, Celine
Best Summer Outfit Ideas: Crop It Like It’s Hot
It’s all about the cropped blazer for a polished take on nostalgia. We love it worn as a top with edgy jeans for a night out.
Premium Linen Cropped Blazer, $190, Abercrombie & Fitch
Vintage Chain Pants, $486, EB Denim
Polo ID Leather Mini Shoulder Bag, $749, Ralph Lauren
Best Summer Outfit Ideas: Nothing But Net
Why not style your net dress with a cropped shirt layered atop for dinner?
Odella Crochet Dress, $324.82, LPA at Revolve
Cropped Long Sleeve Shirt, $135, Almina Concept
Rose Clutch, $4,190, Burberry
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.
Sunny Disposition, about $173.32, Tombolo
Ayla Baggy Denim Shorts, $310, Citizens of Humanity
Wellness Bra, about $92.07, Alo
Best Summer Outfit Ideas: Bubble Up
Giving the season’s bubble hem a try. For a more breathable shoe option, go with sleek, comfy sandals.
Tilde Matelassé Dress, $1,416, Cecilie Bahnsen
Gel-Kayano 30, $259, Asics
Best Summer Outfit Ideas: Totes Amazing
Amplify the effect of basics with a supersized tote bag—the result is relaxed with poise.
Park Tote Three Bag, about $2,599.76, The Row
Cotton Crewneck T-Shirt, $120, Another Tomorrow at Neiman Marcus
Featherweight Logan Wide-Leg, $405, Rag & Bone
Best Summer Outfit Ideas: Coast Along
Dial up the mood on a chilly coastal day in a relaxed, all-white look. June gloom, who?
Sonnet Lace Babydoll Set, $480, For Love & Lemons
Bio Buckle sandals, $238, Mou at Farfetch
Arc Clutch, about $670.01, Iro
Best Summer Outfit Ideas: Marigolden Hour
Light up the room in a cotton poplin dress with dynamic details.
Ceres Cotton Midi Dress, $946, Tove
Evil Eye Earrings, $1302, Sydney Evan at Net-A-Porter
Saki Leather Crossover Sandals, $230, AllSaints at Selfridges
Best Summer Outfit Ideas: So Nauti
A nautical knit is quintessentially summer—a half-zip is our preferred silhouette.
The Matey, $410, Kule
Jem Hobo Bag, $526.56, Cleobella at Revolve
Best Summer Outfit Ideas: Shout Out To The Cut-Outs
While beachy in vibe, the cut-out dress look can be equally appealing (and less stifling) in the city.
Migramah Maxi Dress, $836, Maygel Coronel at Farfetch
Chiara Dress, $191.21, OW Collection at Revolve
Alba Pearl Sculptural Heel, $449, Aje
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.
Maddy Ribbed-Knit Sweater, $1,928, Khaite at Net-A-Porter
Coop Flare Cargo Pants, $868.40, TWP at Neiman Marcus
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.
Dioriviera Backless Tank Top, $1700, Dior
Ernie Low-Rise Jeans, $530, Alice + Olivia
The Alessia Loafers, $,1700, Khaite
Best Summer Outfit Ideas: Weave Around
Nothing says summer like woven accessories and a vibrant cotton poplin dress.
Gisela Mini Dress, about $670.01, Alémais
Crochet Tote Bag, $3250, Prada
70s Studded Slingback Clog, $770, Re/Done
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.
Double Layer Top, $170, Same
Slit Denim Pants, $1,275, Maison Margiela at Farfetch
Roseau S Hobo Bag, $555, Longchamp
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Best Summer Outfit Ideas: How Romantic
Flat minimalist sandals temper the formality of a romantic dress for daytime.
Faded and Distressed Dress, about $744.46, Magnolia Pearl at Free People
Origami Large Envelope Pouch, $3,280, Bottega Veneta
Susan Slide, $534.66, Emme Parsons
Best Summer Outfit Ideas: Blue Jean Baby
A baby tee is key in the heat—baggy jeans and a boxy blazer are excellent counterbalances.
Short Sleeve Baby Tee, about $94.75, Eterne
Hepburn Jeans, $315, DL1961
Best Summer Outfit Ideas: Crop Up
Let us not forget the cropped knit with seasonal brights—the perfect look when a summer breeze strikes.
Cropped V Neck Cardigan, $190, Almina Concept
Quiltwork Miner Denims, $549.54, Magnolia Pearl
The MX Sandal, $380.71, Margaux
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.
The Jones Vest, $361.97, Favorite Daughter at Nordstrom
The Jones Wide-Leg Pants, $361.97, Favourite Daughter at Nordstrom
Rainbow Pillow Locket, $3,950, Loquet London
Best Summer Outfit Ideas: Show One’s Colours
Amplify the effect of stripes by accessorising with a colorful bag that picks up a tone in the motif.
Madeleine Dress, $543, La Ligne
Flamenco Mini Clutch Bag, $3,300, Loewe
Southern Tirbutary Leather Belt, $744.46, Johanna Ortiz at Moda Operandi
Best Summer Outfit Ideas: Good Sport
A black sports bra styled as a top instantly modernises classic white linen tailoring.
Flow Y Nulu Bra, $78, Lululemon
Washed Cotton Shorts, $355, Vince
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.
Molded Luxe Triangle Bra, $185, Fleur du Mal
Leif Low-Slung Denim Maxi Skirt, $350.06, AGOLDE at Revolve
Diane Blazer, $1,350, Nili Lotan
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.
Next Ex Cotton Shirt, $591, TWP at Farfetch
Lucy Skirt, $305, Reformation
Phoebe Mini Bag, about $78.51, Artizia
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.
Le Papier Bolero Shirt, $752, Jacquemus
The Favorite High-Waisted Pleated Pants, $297.78, Favorite Daughter at Moda Operandi
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 a just as bold silhouette, like an oversized shirt.
Mika Shirt, $255, Jade Swim at MyTheresa
90s Straight-Leg Pinch-Waist Jeans, $303.60, Agolde at Saks Fifth Avenue
Raffia Lopsy Bag, $515, Simon Miller
Best Summer Outfit Ideas: Breeze Along
The fluidity of pleats feels breezy and elegant with white trousers—so polished for dinner or the office.
Penelope Top, $1,066.03, Heirlome at Forward
Carrie Pants, $500, Anine Bing
Classic New Yorker Bag, $1,674, Silver & Riley
Best Summer Outfit Ideas: Don’t Sweat It
Take leisurewear into summer for a seasonally apropos punch. We love the sporty offset it brings to a slimmer-fit dress.
Libby Hoodie Top, $204, Nylora
Verona Midi Dress, $255, Cotton Citizen
Arizona Sandals, $189.50, Birkenstock at Neiman Marcus
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.
Anagram Logo Ribbed Tank Top, $690, Loewe
Slouchy Coolness Pants, $765, Dorothee Schumacher at MyTheresa
Best Summer Outfit Ideas: Good Tee
But have you considered swapping your baggy sweats for trousers? Similar comfort, but way more polish.
Paris T-Shirt, $950, Celine
Samba OG Shoes, $179, Adidas
This article originally appeared in Harper’s BAZAAR US.