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

Woman on the phone wearing denim shorts, black top, and slingbacks.

(Image credit: @styledsara )

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

Woman in Saint-Tropez wearing a white maxi dress, black sandals, and sunglasses

(Image credit: @champagnemani )

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

Woman in scarf top, black capris, and white clogs

(Image credit: @camillecharriere)

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.

Black Top + Jean Shorts + Slingbacks

Woman talking on the phone wearing jean shorts, slingbacks, and a black top

(Image credit: @styledsara)

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

Woman with a sheer lace top, white trousers, and light blue ballet flats

(Image credit: @alllisonho)

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

Woman in white Prada top with white jeans and sunglasses

(Image credit: @kristenmarienichols)

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

Woman standing in front of a lake with a see-through lace skirt, black tank, and silver flats

(Image credit: @laurencaruso_)

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.

Statement Maxi Dress + Sandals

Woman at the TWA Hotel in a red floral maxi dress

(Image credit: @balencianas)

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.

Striped Button-Down + Striped Bottoms

Woman standing against a wall with striped pink shirt and matching pants

(Image credit: @_jeanettemadsen_)

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

Woman in NYC with black capris, a black shirt, mules, and a sage green bag

(Image credit: @anna__laplaca)

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

Woman sitting on rocks at beach with a white top, black skirt, and sandals

(Image credit: @alyssainthecity)

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
Freelance Fashion Editor

Lauren Adhav is a freelance fashion editor based in Los Angeles. Originally from Orlando, Florida, she always wanted to work at a fashion magazine. After finally getting an internship at Town Country in 2015, she moved to New York City and continued to get her footing in the industry with stints at Cosmopolitan, W magazine, Harper's Bazaar, and Moda Operandi. In 2017, she returned to Cosmo full time, starting off as the beauty and fashion editorial assistant and working her way 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 the West Coast for the sunshine and the change of pace. As a freelance fashion editor, she still contributes to Cosmo and nowBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing . She's always trying to get ahead of the next big trend before it goes mainstream and loves discovering fashion brands with a unique point of view (Chopova Lowena, Sandy Liang, and Bode being some of her current favorites). 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. On the weekends, you can find her walking around the Silver Lake Reservoir, trying to catch up on her tan at Venice Beach, and probably ordering a Chinese chicken salad at Joan's on Third.