To many, modest dressing in the summer may seem like an oxymoron. I get it—when the temperatures have surpassed 30°, no amount of clothing feels right. But those of us who adhere to a modest lifestyle have learned how to feel cool and simultaneously look chic, even in the middle of the summer. But sometimes, I have days when I struggle a bit to put outfits together, which is why I have an ongoing mood board where I’m always adding looks I want to re-create.
Summer dressing is hard for many, so I’ve shared my favourite looks below so you can join in with these fresh outfits. Even if you aren’t a modest dresser, the ideas below are worth considering.
10 Modest Summer Outfits You Should Copy Immediately
1. T-Shirt Dress + Chunky Sandals

I’ve always found comfort in a T-shirt dress and sandals during the warmer months, the ease of it means I can go about my day without feeling hot and flustered—the fact it looks so chic is a bonus.
Shop the Look:

ARKET
Relaxed T-Shirt Dress
£47
I can think of so many ways to style this dress this summer—but first up will have to be with classic black sandals.

A.EMERY
Jalen Leather Sandals
£170
The internet has spoken, A.Emery sandals are the sandal brand to add into your summer roster.
2: Oversized Shirt + Waistcoat + Oversized Trousers

Despite never considering myself a preppy person, I can’t get enough of polished ensembles like this one. From the crisp poplin shirt to the coordinating vest and trousers, what is there not to love about this?
Shop the Look:

ARKET
Relaxed Oxford Shirt
£77
Ask any fashion person and they’ll tell you that an oversized shirt is the best way to start your capsule wardrobe.

& OTHER STORIES
Tailored Linen Waistcoat
£67
Who doesn’t love a nice waistcoat and trousers set? I just love that I can make this warm weather staple a part of my modest wardrobe.

& OTHER STORIES
Tailored Linen Trousers
£87
And the great thing is I can don these trousers with other looks too—think how cute and understated they’ll look with a white Tee.
3: Printed Blouse + Skirt

I’m always reluctant to clash prints, but this outfit has me ready to take the plunge. Printed maxi dresses can get repetitive, so I love this take on mixing prints with a maxi skirt.
Shop the Look:

COS
Oversized Wrap Shirt
£85
The varying shades of green, floral print and smooth material, it get a yes from me.

ZARA
Animal Print Midi Skirt
£30
Wouldn’t this skirt look so cute worn to a summer garden party? Just finish the look up with a black clutch and some strappy heels.
4: Oversized Blazer + Linen Trousers + Chunky Trainers

Even in the summertime, I can’t resist a blazer. To keep cool, opt for one that’s light in colour and fabric.
Shop the look:

H&M
Oversized Blazer
£45
I love the elongated lapels and the single button closure, it just adds a little simplicity to the piece.

COS
Wide-Leg Linen Drawstring Trousers
£65
If you only take one thing away from me, it’s to invest in these linen trousers. I can’t tell you how comfortable they are.

NEW BALANCE
Made in Usa 990v6 Suede, Leather and Mesh Sneakers
£220
Dad sneakers have a fan club of their own and I’m slowing about to join them with this pair.

COS
Braided Barrel Shoulder Bag
£110
It’s giving me Alaïa vibes but without the hefty price tag.
5: Cropped Blazer + Wide-Leg Trousers

Yes, another blazer look because one is just never enough. A full-on suiting look may come off too autumnal, but this cropped version seems perfect for this season. The strappy sandals and loose tank just seal the deal.
Shop the Look:

COS
Cropped Wool Blazer
£135
Worn over a white tank or crew neck T-shirt is my favourite way to style cropped pieces.

COS
Wide-Leg Tailored Twill Trousers
£95
The bigger the better I say, when it comes to wide-leg trousers—the styling possibilities are endless.

MANGO
Strappy Heeled Sandals
£36
I love a 4-inch heel, but sometimes it’s not practical at all, so these kitten heeled sandals are just what I need.
6: Pleated Top + Trousers

There’s been an influx of plissé pieces on the market, and I’m not mad about it. While I only own a black plissé set, this outfit has convinced me to add a light-coloured one to my wardrobe for summer. The colourful satin scarf adds the finishing touch.
Shop the Look:

JOSEPH
Bouloi Pleated Crepe Blouse
£325
I just love how the pleats fall on this top, it adds a whimsical effect that I so often lack in my looks.

COS
The Pleated Chiffon Trousers
£225
Paired with these trousers, ahh, I think I’ve found my newest summer outfit combo.

TOTEME
Printed Cotton and Silk-Blend Scarf
£170
It’s the recognisable Toteme logo without being super loud, for me—if you know, you know.
7: Linen Shirt + Cargo Skirt

Button-downs are my saviour in the summer, so I’m always looking for new ways to style them. This camp-style shirt over a maxi skirt just makes complete sense, and I’m surprised I’ve never put the two modest pieces together.
Shop the Look:

H&M
Linen Shirt
£22
It looks equally good buttoned up as well, which is a bonus.

COS
Paperbag Utility Skirt
£95
The pockets are a nod to the early 2000s and so you know I couldn’t help adding a little Y2K moment into the mix.

LOEWE
+ Paula’s Ibiza Small Leather-Trimmed Woven Raffia Tote
£595
Pay day is almost here, so why not treat yourself to summer’s It bag.
8: Linen Shirt + Trousers

I don’t have my next holiday planned yet, but I know this will be one of the looks I pack.
Shop the Look:

COS
Wide-Sleeved Linen Shirt
£75
I fell in love with the wide sleeves on this linen shirt, it just added another level of modesty that I look for in pieces.

ARKET
Crew-Neck T-Shirt
£17
I will always stand by the power of a great white crew neck T-shirt and this Arket one takes the lead.

ARKET
Lyocell Linen Trousers
£87
Sun’s out, linen trousers out, I’ll be wearing these with a blouse, shirt and T-shirt this season.

ST. AGNI
+ Net Sustain Mio Leather Sandals
£195
The comfortable leather sole is what sold me on these editor loved St.Agni sandals.
9: Stripped T-shirt + Linen Trousers

Loose trousers look great with fitted tops, but I think they look even better with comfy T-shirts. Comfortable, classic, and chic—this look has the trifecta.
Shop the Look:

ARKET
Long-Sleeve T-Shirt
£57
Now all that is needed is a little bret hat and a neck scarf for a full Parisian outfit.

H&M
Linen-Blend Pull-On Trousers
£16
Every member of team Who What Wear UK has a pair of these trousers in different colours, now how’s that for a selling point.

COS
Classic Leather Belt
£55
Smooth, classic, gets the job done while still looking chic.

TOTEME
+ Net Sustain Leather Sandals
£370
I already treated myself to these classic sandals and cannot wait to wear them to a friends garden party this weekend.
10: Oversized Shirt + Boyfriend Jeans

While many of my saved looks are neutral, I’m not afraid of a pop of colour. Everyone owns a pair of straight-leg denim, and a fun-coloured shirt is an easy addition that looks so good.
Shop the Look:

ARKET
Oversized Poplin Shirt
£35
The lightweight fabric means it’s a breeze to wear when the weather gets warmer.

MOTHER
The Ditcher Hover Boyfriend Jeans
£242
The mother (no pun intended) of jeans! This boyfriend fit is my favourite when I want a little denim action.
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