FYI—This Outfit Guide Is All You Need to Look Chic and Effortless All Summer

Summer is the season of ease. You don't have to deal with the thick layers of fall and winter, so it's time to let all the lightweight, breezy pieces in your wardrobe really shine. But like dressing for any season, sometimes you can get stuck in a styling rut. That's where I come in. Below, I've rounded up 10 chic and effortless summer outfit ideas to get the wheels in your head turning again.
From sleek silk tops and bold maxi dresses to more boundary-pushing capris and—gasp—jorts, there's an ensemble in here for every style preference. Rest assured they're all chic. Keep scrolling below for some faultless 'fit inspiration, whether you need an everyday kind of look or a sophisticated vacation style this season.
White Maxi + Black Sandals
A simple white dress is made for the season. Whether you're vacationing in Saint-Tropez (my dream right now) or just want a minimal amount of fabric touching your skin, opt for an A-line number and wear it with contrasting black sandals.
Scarf Top + Capris + Chunky Sandals
Capris have entered the chat, and although I was a doubter at first, the length really does look chic. Pair yours with a scarf top and some platform slides and you'll be turning heads.
Add some height to your look in the form of these white mules.
Black Top + Jean Shorts + Slingbacks
Denim shorts can also be divisive, but these knee-length ones look elegant when you style them with slingbacks and a mock-neck top.
Sheer Top + Trousers + Flats
You can wear a delicate top with white pants and on-trend ballet flats to a summer date night or the farmers market (or both).
White Top + White Pants + Crochet Bag
When you think of a summer outfit, an all-white ensemble probably comes to mind. There's the iconic Hamptons white party for one, but there's also the known fact that wearing white keeps you cooler when the temperatures are soaring. If you can be careful with spills, head-to-toe white is for you.
Black Lace Skirt + Metallic Flats
See-through skirts that are lacy or sheer have become even more popular this year. If you want to be a little more daring but still look effortless, consider giving this trend a whirl. Pair the transparent bottoms with a coordinating top and shiny footwear to stand out.
Combat those sweaty summer temperatures with an extra-breezy skirt.
Statement Maxi Dress + Sandals
A striking maxi dress will do all the talking. With minimal accessories, you'll look pulled together for a more formal event or a dressy night out.
The only thing more compelling than the front of this dress is the open back.
Striped Button-Down + Striped Bottoms
Loungewear doesn't have to only be worn while lounging. A pajama-inspired striped summer look is probably the epitome of effortless, but you can dress it up with some accessories so you don't *literally* look like you rolled out of bed.
Black Top + Black Capris + Contrasting Accessories
Capris and kitten heels are always a chic duo. Finish off your all-black outfit with some colorful accessories, and you've got an easy summer outfit in no time.
White Top + Black Skirt + Flip-Flop Sandals
These twisted details on tops have been popping up more and more as of late. Stick to a classic black-and-white ensemble but modernize it with flip-flop heels and silver jewelry for an elegant beachside (or city-approved) outfit.
This post was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
Lauren Adhav is a freelance fashion editor based in Los Angeles. Originally from Orlando, Florida, she got her start as the beauty and fashion editorial assistant at Cosmopolitan and worked her way up to fashion editor. She contributed to both the website and print issues, pitching new ideas, forecasting trends, covering red carpet events, and informing the overall coverage and brand voice.
After five years in NYC, she moved to Los Angeles. As a freelance fashion editor, she contributes to Cosmo, The Cut, and nowBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing . She also spends an unhealthy amount of time online shopping for the perfect piece, and now that she's in L.A., she's rediscovering her soft spot for malls.
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