There's something so satisfying about assembling an outfit and knowing from the moment you complete the dressing process that it just works. Of course, this doesn't happen every time you throw a look together, but you can significantly up the chances of good-outfit synergy when you focus on classic pieces.
Classic summer outfits are reigning supreme right now, and I have a theory as to why. As a slew of lockdowns put a pause on the trend cycle, what ensued was a renewed appreciation for wardrobe basics—finds that never feel too "of the moment." It made many of us (myself included) realize that a well-rounded edit of staples is a surefire way of looking stylish and put together. That's not to say there's no place for trends—a strong wardrobe will always have a marriage of both—but never before have classic pieces been so prevalent. And it shows.
As the warm-weather season kicks off, I'm seeing more and more influencers leaning heavily on classic summer outfits centered on staples—things like linen shirting, relaxed tailoring, white dresses, simple slider sandals, and basket bags. So if you're in the market for easy outfit solutions, you've come to the right place, for I've listed eight of my favorite summer outfit ideas that make full use of the aforementioned basics. Okay, so there are a couple of pieces you might not yet have in your closet—a crochet top being one—but I genuinely believe that these are the sort of classic summer outfits you can rely on year after year, whatever the trends might be. Scroll on to see them.
1. Bright Shirt + City Shorts + Slider Sandals
Style Notes: Shorts are an integral part of summer styling and look their chicest worn with a linen shirt.
Shop the Look
I love this shade of blue.
The wide legs on these shorts ensure they still feel breezy and lightweight.
A sound sandal investment.
2. White Dress + Basket Bag + Wraparound Sandals
Style Notes: White dresses and basket bags are my favorite summer pairing, hands down, and work for a multitude of occasions.
Shop the Look
I have a thing for white dresses, and this Dôen number is high up on my wish list.
Also on my wish list? A Muuñ basket.
Okay, okay—so are these sandals.
3. Gold Jewelry + Strap Top + Jeans
Style Notes: The jeans-and-a-nice-top pairing isn’t one you need to retire when summer rolls around—just make sure that nice top is sleeveless.
Shop the Look
The ribbed fabric will feel gorgeous on the skin.
I wear gold jewelry to elevate all of my classic summer outfits.
These come in so many colors and treatments. Faded rips, anyone?
4. Patterned Shirt + White Jeans + Headscarf
Style Notes: Another summer-jeans look that stands the test of time: white denim and a printed, short-sleeve shirt. I also love the addition of a headscarf.
Shop the Look
This will help protect your hair from the sun’s harsh rays.
Summer holidays in a shirt.
Look for wide-leg white jeans in lieu of skinnies, as they look more modern.
5. Bandeau Top + Maxi Skirt
Style Notes: This bandeau-top-and-maxi-skirt outfit taps into the Y2K trend that’s so prevalent right now, but the muted color palette ensures it feels classic and chic.
Shop the Look
There’s nothing dated about this take on the tube top.
So simple, so beautiful.
A fun addition to any handbag collection.
6. Oversize Shirt + Wide-Leg Trousers + Sunglasses
Style Notes: Layering different shades of the same color will help create an expensive-looking, tonal ensemble, as Lorna has mastered here with her beige shirt-and-trouser look.
Shop the Look
I adore this shade of soft buttercup.
Rectangular sunglasses are everywhere this season.
These will pair just as nicely with a white vest top and heels.
7. Short-Sleeve Knit + Denim Skirt + Fabric Bag
Style Notes: Classic summer outfits rely heavily on denim in all its forms, including the midi skirt. Although this will work with just about any top option in your wardrobe, I particularly like how Anne has paired hers with a short-sleeve cardigan.
Shop the Look
Anne’s exact cardigan comes from French-girl cool brand Rouje.
This will look great with a white broderie blouse.
Too cute for words!
8. Crochet Top + Palazzo Trousers + Chunky Sandals
Style Notes: Crochet might feel on-trend for 2022, but rest assured it’s a look that comes back every summer season. Worn with palazzo trousers and chunky sandals, this is an outfit you’ll want to live in when temperatures soar.
Shop the Look
Gimaguas has some of the best crochet options out there.
You could opt for white linen trousers, but these silky palazzos present a glamorous alternative.
The designer sandals every editor wants (if they don’t already own them).
This post originally appeared onBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing UK and has since been updated.
Next Up: It's Hot Out There—14 Outfits That Keep New Yorkers Looking Cool in 90-Degree Weather
-
If I Saw You in Any of These 15 Summer-to-Fall Transitional Outfits, I'd Think You Hired a StylistNice taste.
-
Put Down the Black and White Pants—This Is the Richer Color You Didn't Know You NeededElegant and on-trend.
-
10 Outfits Europe's Chicest Dressers Are Wearing When They're *Not* on VacationStaying local is cool.
-
What You Should and Should Not Wear to Every Major Sporting EventFrom a Liberty game to the French Open.
-
Just to Be Clear, *These* Are the Pants Fashion People in L.A. Are Wearing Instead of Basic JeansSpotted in Paris too.
-
The Coolest Outfits of Summer 2025 Are Actually the Laziest—Let Me ExplainEasy does it.
-
I Just Created 5 Incredibly Chic Summer Outfits From Amazon for Under $190Cool looks for less.
-
Don't Pack Up Your Sweaters Just Yet—Cool Fashion People Are Repurposing Them in the Chicest Way for SummerAll the outfit inspiration is inside.
