I’m going to make a bold claim: Never before has fashion looked as elegant as it has in 2024, and if the last few months are anything to go by, I can say with absolute certainty that this summer will be very sophisticated-looking indeed. Since the warmer weather kicked in, I’ve already started seeing some of my favourite social media dressers wearing classic summer outfits, both on home soil and away. That doesn’t negate the importance or purpose of bolder, more personality-honing trends, but we can all agree that it’s always a great idea to have an array of timeless looks you can rely on for both holidays and day-to-day wear.
So, what classic summer outfits are we starting to see come through? There’s a definitive focus on tailoring, be it by way of a waistcoat worn with matching trousers or some denim shorts smartened up with a blazer. Dresses are simple yet chic, with white puff sleeves and black strappy sundresses, each proving to be a failsafe option.
On the hunt for chic summer looks I can sport for my upcoming holiday, I’ve been saving an array of anti-trend outfits down for weeks. Below are my ten favourites, each of which present a way to dress elegantly this season. Scroll on to see them and to shop any pieces you might need to re-create them, though, fortunately, I suspect many items will already live in your wardrobe.
10 Classic Summer Outfits You’ll Wear Year After Year
1. White Minidress + Claw Clip + Shoulder Bag
Style Notes: One of my favourite things to wear in the summer months is a pretty white dress. Keep your accessories minimal to further its classic appeal.
Shop the Look:
& OTHER STORIES
Voluminous Broderie Anglaise Mini Dress
£75
ARKET
Big Hair Claw – Tortoise – Arket Gb
£19
DEMELLIER
The Tokyo Bag
£345
COS
Leather Mules
£155
2. Silky Shirt + Long Shorts + Mules
Style Notes: Long shorts are a key buy for 2024; pair with a silken shirt for a chic fabric pairing that looks expensive, whatever you spend.
Shop the Look:
MANGO
Satin Silk Shirt
£140
MISSOMA
Flat 18kt Gold Vermeil Snake Chain Necklace
£198
M&S COLLECTION
Linen Blend High Waisted Bermuda Shorts
£30
SAINT LAURENT
Lido Velvet Flats
£575
3. Vest Top + Sarong Skirt
Style Notes: Sarong-style wrap skirts always make a comeback in the summer months. Enhance the detail at their waist by styling with a simple fitted vest top.
Shop the Look:
KLAYD
Racer Tank
£40
MELIE BIANCO
Brigitte Woven Faux-Leather Shoulder Bag
£135
CHLOÉ EYEWEAR
Cat-Eye Tortoiseshell Acetate and Gold-Tone Metal Sunglasses
£350
MANGO
Linen Sarong Skirt
£46
4. Crop Knit + Cotton Trousers + Trainers
Style Notes: Blue, cotton stripe trousers—yes, the ones that look like pyjama trousers—are an excellent trouser option for the summer months and long-haul flights owing to their breathable fabric and roomy fit. With a drawstring or gathered waist, pair with a cropped top—tucking something in runs the risk of looking a little messy.
Shop the Look:
ZARA
Cropped Knit Sweater
£30
BEMBIEN
Le Sac Woven Leather Shoulder Bag
£210
ASOS DESIGN
Wide Leg Cotton Poplin Trouser in Blue Stripe
£28
ADIDAS ORIGINALS
Samba OG Leather and Suede Sneakers
£95
5. Black Sundress + Striped Jumper
Style Notes: Years on and Normal People‘s Marianne wearing her simple black sundress in Italy still lives rent-free in my mind. Style yours with a jumper slung loosely around your shoulders, just like Harriett King.
Shop the Look:
REFORMATION
Balia Linen Dress Es
£298
JIGSAW
Chunky Dome Earrings
£55
& OTHER STORIES
Wide-Sleeve Knit Sweater
£75
H&M
Braided-Strap Sandals
£19
6. Blazer + Shirt + Denim Shorts
Style Notes: A blazer is a year-round essential but, in the summer months, I think they look their coolest styled with a pair of simple denim shorts. The addition of a collared shirt and ballet flats only adds to the classic feel.
Shop the Look:
ARKET
Oversized Wool Hopsack Blazer
£199
H&M
Cotton Shirt
£22
COS
High-Rise Denim Shorts
£55
AEYDE
Delfina Suede Ballet Flats
£375
7. Striped Shirt + Linen Skirt + Basket Bag
Style Notes: While we’re on the topic of shirts, one of the most classic iterations you can invest in is a blue striped Oxford shirt. Wear with a breezy linen skirt and a basket bag to give it a warm-weather overhaul.
Shop the Look:
SKALL STUDIO
Edgar Striped Cotton Shirt
£145
UNDERSTATEMENT
Mesh Racerback Triangle Bralette Black
€59
& OTHER STORIES
Strap Detail Linen Midi Skirt
£75
DEMELLIER
The Santorini Natural Basket Bag
£265
8. Waistcoat + Matching Trousers
Style Notes: Co-ords are a fast track to creating pulled-together, very chic outfits—especially when waistcoats and wide-leg trousers are involved. This is a look you can dress up for weddings or down for balmy summer evenings with the simple switch of a shoe or bag.
Shop the Look:
MANGO
Lyocell Halter Waistcoat
£46
DRAGON DIFFUSION
Bamboo Triple Jump Woven Leather Tote
£360
MANGO
Wide-Leg Trousers
£46
MEJURI
Dot Chain Anklet
£225
9. Linen Co-ord + Sunhat
Style Notes: Another classic co-ord option to consider? A linen shirt-and-short combination. White makes for a chic failsafe but there are plenty of colourful options on the market right now if you want yours to have more personality.
Shop the Look:
CELINE
Triomphe Bucket Hat
£420
NOBODY’S CHILD
White Linen-blend Short Sleeve Shirt
£55
NOBODY’S CHILD
White Linen-blend Jet Short
£49
VIBI VENEZIA
Velvet Mary Jane Flats
£95
10. T-Shirt + Loose-Fit Jeans
Style Notes: I don’t know about you but I still heavily rely on my jeans in the summer months. I tend to pivot to wider-leg styles which are cooler to wear on hot days—just add a tee (I like Sarah Louise Blythe’s loose-fit option) and equally breathable mesh shoes.
Shop the Look:
& OTHER STORIES
Relaxed T-Shirt
£19
LIE STUDIO
The Elly Silver-Plated Necklace
£295
ARKET
Cloud Low Loose Jeans – Light Blue – Arket Gb
£97
REFORMATION
Bethany Ballet Flat
£268
