After tolerating months of drizzle, cold winds and the bulky clothing winter (and yes, even spring) weather necessitates, we couldn’t be happier about summer making its way to us. With warmer weather comes a shift in our approach to dressing. Wool and fleece get shoved to the back of the wardrobe to make room for seersucker, linen and poplin, and scarves are swapped for sunnies and silk neckerchiefs. But like the seasons, trends come and go, which can make dressing for the hottest months rather difficult. What you bought on a whim last year, might not take your fancy anymore. Fortunately, there are classic summer outfits that have proven their reliability year after year.
We’ve seen a few gorgeous, hot days in the UK lately so now feels appropriate to start relying on some easy yet polished summer looks that will work from now into the last drawn-out days of August. From simple jeans-and-a-nice-top combos to statement suiting, each of these inspiring outfits deserves a spot in your rotation. Check them out below.
1. White Blouse + Blue Jeans + Clogs
Style Notes: A flowy white blouse and blue jeans is a pairing as old as time, but adding clogs into the mix makes it feel very 2024. Whilst it’s a nod to trends from decades ago, it feels so modern.
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GANNI
Cotton Poplin Peplum Tie Blouse
£165
This perfect blouse for summer days.
& OTHER STORIES
Relaxed Tapered Jeans
£85
& Other Stories denim has really impressed our editors.
CIRCUS NY
Circus NY Isla Open-Toe Platform Mules
£80
This light blue denim material pairs nicely with any jeans.
2. Waistcoat + Poplin Skirt + Sandals
Style Notes: When I want to look polished with low effort, a waistcoat-skirt combo is my go-to. Team this with a minimalist pair of sandals and you’ve got yourself an effortlessly chic look.
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ETERNE
Paige Cashmere Vest
£545
Cropped waistcoats are everywhere at the moment.
ALIGNE
Natalie Full Length Poplin Skirt
£99
An A-line cut will never feel dated.
MANGO
Combined Lace-Up Sandal
£50
It almost thought these were designer!
NEW LOOK
Red Broderie Frill Hair Scrunchie
£7
A bright scrunchie will brighten up any summer outfit.
3. Cardigan + Tailored Trousers + Trainers
Style Notes: It’s that time of year where you can wear a cardigan as a top rather than a layering piece. I love the juxtaposition between a more relaxed cardigan and formal trousers.
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REFORMATION
Jessa Cotton Cardigan
£198
So easy to wear.
THE FRANKIE SHOP
Bea Pleated Crepe Straight-Leg Pants
£200
Effortlessly chic.
VEJA
Campo Ca Trainers in Organic Canvas
£105
There’s no limit to the amount of outfits these classic trainers will go with.
4. Bright Mini Dress + Flip-Flops
Style Notes: Summer is best spent in mood-boosting hues like yellow, baby pink and cerulean blue. Try rocking a yellow mini and wear with it classic flip-flops and a chic hair accessory.
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REFORMATION
Aubree Linen Dress
£98
This pale yellow is wonderful for the summer.
THE ROW
City Flip Flop in Leather
£860
Simple but elegant.
URBAN OUTFITTERS
Cotton Lace Scrunchie
£12
So pretty!
5. Denim Jacket + Ecru Jeans + Slides
Style Notes: Nothing says summer like a denim jacket—I’ll be wearing mine with white or ecru jeans and slides.
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ANINE BING
Rory Denim Jacket
£310
The only denim jacket you’ll ever need.
& OTHER STORIES
Wide Cropped Jeans
£75
I tried these jeans on last week and the cut is so flattering.
MANGO
Leather Thong Sandals
£36
These will go with everything, from maxi dresses to denim shorts.
6. High-Waisted Shorts + Strapless Top
Style Notes: High-waisted shorts and a strapless top signifies that summer is well and truly here. For a combination that will forever feel classic, choose a mix of black and white. We love what Marianne has done here, opting for a black strapless tube top with tailored white shorts. These colours never falter.
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FREE PEOPLE
The Carrie Tube
£24
Tend to overheat every summer? Befriend a good tube top.
DÔEN
Loren Linen Short
£172
You can’t go on holiday without packing a pair of white shorts.
BLACK & BROWN
Hugo Classic Black Waist Belt
£170
This belt can be worn through any and all seasons.
7. White Linen Dress + Sandals
Style Notes: The epitome of this season is a white linen dress. There is a style, neckline and length for everyone. The lightweight fabric ensures you’ll stay cool, and it’s one item of clothing that will have a place in your closet for many summers to come.
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REFORMATION
Balia Linen Dress
£298
A dress you can wear from morning into the evening.
& OTHER STORIES
Strappy Block Heel Sandals
£95
A heeled sandal is essential for summer. When flip-flops don’t quite cut it, lean on these.
8. Floral Dress + Gladiator Sandals
Style Notes: Choose a cheerful palette of bright colours to rock into the summer months. One simple way to do this is through uplifting floral prints and patterns. Whether you adore a puff-sleeve dress or something sans straps, this effortless outfit will carry you through the season.
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RIXO ⋆
Kahlo Dress
£275
Feel like a walking bouquet in this frock.
ANCIENT GREEK SANDALS
Estia Strappy Sandals
£179
Strappy gladiator sandals will never lose their charm.
9. Waistcoat + Lightweight Trousers
Style Notes: A waistcoat is a relatively recent trend that has proven its staying power. They’re the summer equivalent of a blazer and go with everything from shorts to skirts. These structured tops are more elevated than a basic ribbed vest but keep you nearly as cool. Pair it with lightweight trousers like Emma and you’ll have a summer outfit that will pass at both casual and dressier outings.
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H&M
Suit Waistcoat
£33
A white waistcoat looks gorgeous when paired with trousers, denim shorts or satin skirts.
COS
Wide-Leg Linen Drawstring Trousers
£65
These relaxed trousers have a comfortable elastic waist and are made of breathable linen.
ARKET
Sleepers Tapered Flip Flops
£29
Black flip-flops are classics, but the tapered edge gives this pair a little more interest.
10. Relaxed Shirt + Bright Trousers + Silk Scarf
Style Notes: This outfit demonstrates how comfort and style can go hand-in-hand. A relaxed button-down tied into a knot will give your slinky trousers a casual spin. Add a silk scarf for extra colour and flair.
Shop the Look:
WITH NOTHING UNDERNEATH
The Boyfriend: Linen, White
£110
This kind of relaxed shirting is so versatile.
ANOTHER TOMORROW
+ Net Sustain Wool-Blend Straight-Leg Pants
£735
The zestiest pair of trousers—essential for summer dressing.
GUCCI
GG Belt Print Silk Scarf
£390
A detailed piece that can be worn in so many ways.
This story was published at an earlier time and has since been updated.
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