11 Easy Summer Outfits Fashion People Keep on Wearing
One of my favourite pastimes is ogling street style looks. For a few seasons in a row, the pandemic stunted the sidewalk runway of attendees flitting in and out of fashion shows, but this month's Paris Haute Couture schedule finally appeased my proclivities. In the absence of fashion events, we were granted our fair share of exuberance with Regency-inspired costumes (thanks to Bridgerton), but bearing witness to fabulous real-life outfits cannot be beaten.
Among the front-row ensembles and abundance of tulle, there were many easy-to-replicate outfits to be found. Relaxed looks involving timeless jackets or easy, throw-on dresses were aplenty thanks to chic editors, celebrities and influencers who didn't feel the need for outrageous trends or look-at-me statement pieces. For example, we know that editors love a good pair of jeans. Denim was prevalent on every street corner, and most ensembles centred on ’90s-style fits with subtle elevations in the form of a rip or two or extra-wide hems.
The midi dress was another favourite. Paired with heels, a baguette bag and not much else, it’s a look after my very heart. A mention has to go to the mesh midi dress—a style we’re guaranteed to see a lot more of in months to come. Then, there was bouclé, and oh my, there was lots of it. It is Paris, after all.
If these looks have shown us anything, it’s that basics can make for the most sophisticated of looks. Keep on scrolling for some street style looks that you can easily replicate. You needn’t look much further than your wardrobe to start the outfit-building process. Chances are you already have a few of these pieces in your midst.
See the Easy Editor Outfits You Can Re-Create Now
1. Oversized Blazer With Knee-High Boots
Style Notes: The combination of an oversized blazer and knee-high boots is a look to behold. The showstopping Balenciaga boots with silver hardware make the stiletto style even edgier. The blazer dress, or oversized blazer worn as a dress, is a statement off-duty look that oozes confidence. Hair scraped back and oversized sunglasses round off this look. As expected, the Balenciaga Cagole Leather Knee-High Boots are running low in stock, but fear not, for Paris Texas has a similarly showstopping pair.
When searching for a blazer to wear as a dress, refine your search to "oversized blazer,” and you’ll be met with great options such as this. This is the blazer of dreams, truly! I particularly love the asymmetric-button detail, as it helps to cinch in the waist. It’s a clever way to balance out proportions, particularly if you're wearing it as a dress.
Balenciaga does statement pieces so well. The juxtaposition of the soft white leather against the silver bolts toughens the look a smidge.
Paris Texas specialises in quality pieces you can pull out year after year.
2. Cropped White Shirt and Denim Maxi Skirt
Style Notes: This outfit comprises classics with subtle elevations, like the cropped shirt with the longline midi skirt—a perfect play on proportion. With the addition of Dior accessories, it plays on the high-low theme that’s quite often seen at fashion events.
This piece is a wonderful addition to a capsule wardrobe for basic lovers. Wear it with high-waisted styles to balance out the proportion of fabric-heavy styles, like maxi denim.
A classic piece for all seasons. It looks equally chic with knee-high boots as it does with mules.
Accessories quite literally pull this look together. The texture on this Dior belt will be magic paired with most basics, so it’s a sound investment piece.
Square-frame sunglasses are classic.
Nineties fashion is here to stay. Although these chic mules have a vintage feel, they will undoubtedly become a staple for day-to-night events.
3. Longline Tweed Jacket and Wide-Leg Jeans
Style Notes: Sarah Harris wears a Chanel longline blazer (with gold trim) and sweeping jeans—the perfect juxtaposition between androgynous and glitzy. Bouclé season is upon us, and although many people are wearing coordinated looks, denim breaks up the twee style.
A longline tweed blazer is a modern take on the usual cropped style. Wear it with anything from tailored trousers to jeans and skirts.
Baggy fits aren't going anywhere. Sarah Harris wore these exact jeans at Paris Fashion Week.
Angular cat-eye sunnies bring a cool element to all looks.
These Manolo Blahniks have also been given the editor’s stamp of approval. Bonus points for padded straps.
4. Denim Boilersuit and Cute Slingbacks
Style Notes: Denim boilersuits are back like they never left. The addition of tweed slingbacks takes a casual style to new heights. The clashing colours and prints add a fun element to this casual look.
Wear this jumpsuit with trainers or heels, day or night, and make it work really hard.
Any charming pair of statement slingbacks will provide the dainty lilt that brings a boilersuit into fresh territory, but these are particularly lovely.
The combination of royal blue and polished gold makes my heart sing.
The middle ground between a square frame and an overstated aviator-style bridge—perfection.
5. Oversized White Shirt With a Miniskirt and Sandals
Style Notes: If in doubt, always revert to basics. Luxe accessories like the Hermès Oran sandals make the look even sleeker. Wear the shirt unbuttoned to expose the knitted tank underneath and the entire skirt profile.
I attest to the versatility of a good white shirt. Come rain or shine, it's a piece that will truly withstand the test of time.
A knit that you can wear year-round is my cup of tea. You can wear this with anything from tailored trousers to jeans. You can also layer it up or down for transitional dressing.
This Reformation skirt is a favourite of many. Whether styled with fitted tanks or knitwear, it can span years of wear.
French designers do leather goods so very well. This bag will only get better with age.
6. Polo Shirt and Tailored Trousers
Style Notes: All-white looks are so chic. The addition of metallic footwear adds some sparkle, which is a great addition to any outfit.
If you want to introduce more basic styles into your arsenal, a long-sleeve polo shirt is a welcome break from T-shirts and vests.
A pair of tailored white trousers is a truly timeless investment.
The Missoma x Le Specs collab birthed some wonderfully chic sunnies.
It may be dubbed a wedding guest accessory, but clutch bags add an element of formality to any outfit. Try levelling up your jeans outfit with small accessories.
These are the best occasionwear sandals that I've seen on the high street. They look even better IRL and allow for mixed-metal styling.
7. Mesh Midi Dress With Metallic Accessories
Style Notes: This Jean Paul Gaultier mesh patchwork dress is a vintage delight. The sheer maxi T-shirt dress takes a basic piece to new heights. The bold colourways with the pop of metallic in the way of strappy heels add a futuristic element to this look. The figure-forming dress isn’t too far removed from the Parisian aesthetic we've come to admire.
I tracked down the Jean Paul Gaultier Cyberbaba 1996 wrap dress!
Peekaboo iterations have been a recurring theme this year. As we transition into the later part of the year, sheer and mesh T-shirt dresses are taking over for autumn.
Noughties-style bags on barely there chains are being celebrated once more.
Metallic accessories are everywhere. Thin strappy heels are my favourite way of celebrating the trend.
8. Patterned Slip Dress and Low Heels
Style Notes: As a born-and-bred Parisian, Sabina Socol sets the tone of Parisian fashion by showing that slip dresses never go out of style. Styled with the Chanel two-toned slingbacks, there is no better option for a fashion-filled summer’s day.
The shape, print and ruffling are typical of Parisian-style dresses.
You can always rely on Reformation dresses to make you feel like a million dollars.
JW Pei created a wonderful baguette bag. The concave accent makes this style stand out.
Chanel made it so two-toned slingbacks would become a sought-after piece decades later. Both rounded- and pointed-toe variations are timeless.
The Outta Love frames are a favourite of many, including Gigi and Bella Hadid.
9. Silk Co-Ord With Minimalist Sandals
Style Notes: Kenya Hunt wears a silk shirt-and-maxi-skirt two-piece by Victoria Beckham with the ATP Atelier sandals that have become a summer must-have. A style like this looks so effortlessly chic. Simply pop the two-piece on and match your bag to the sandals.
This Reformation two-piece will never date. You can dress it up or down with the addition of extra layers and a change of footwear.
Grecian-style sandals that will no doubt fulfil their cost-per-wear quota.
10. White Shirt Dress With Gold Ankle-Tie Sandals
Style Notes: Sabrina Dhowre Elba wears a mini shirt dress with bold sleeves. The addition of gold accessories takes this look from casual to glamour. If in doubt, add gold!
A classic style with some seriously impressive billowing sleeves.
You can always rely on the allure of jewellery to take looks from basic to glamourous. Case in point: Sabrina's look. These drop earrings by Wolf Moon are breathtakingly beautiful.
Gianvito Rossi sandals are forever on my wish list. Tie the ankle strap high or low. Either way, it'll look fabulous.
11. Vest and Linen Wide-Leg Trousers
Style Notes: Nicole Chapoteau is pictured in loose-fit jeans with chunky slip-on sandals, a tweed jacket and a matching Chanel backpack, proving once again that tweed helps to offset pared-back textures like denim. Add layered jewellery to pull in the gold accent on the rucksack handle.
Rebecca Vallance is the brand to watch if you're on the hunt for a tweed jacket this season.
It's classic pieces like this that facilitate fanciful looks, as you can build outfits around them.
Just when you thought you'd seen all the sunglasses frames on offer, along comes the Miu Miu butterfly shape to rival the rest.
Agolde is renowned for good-quality and classic-shaped jeans. This style has '90s shaping with distressed details.
If you're hankering after the sold-out Birkenstock x Proenza Schouler Arizona slides, then look no further than this Tony Bianco pair. The white stitching gives the sandals a modern twist.
Up Next: I'm Obsessed With Dresses, and These Are the 9 I Adore
Avalon Afriyie is a freelance writer and storyteller based in London. She specialises in sustainable fashion, health and the narratives of marginalised communities. She has a background in fashion show production and styling, having previously worked on The Clothes Show and with the Lyst Group. Since graduating in 2013 with a BA (Hons) in English and contemporary media, she’s worked as a feature writer for an independent publication and a contributor for Quill’s creator network. She now marries her passion for words and style, writing for some of the most esteemed fashion and lifestyle publications,Best Knockoff Luxury Clothing UK and Stylist. Avalon also provides copywriting services, creative consultancy, and visual media for independent businesses, including travel guides, interviews, press releases and blog posts. Her work has been featured on Lush, Contiki, Youswim and Ohne. She spends her days writing to her heart’s content for business and pleasure, shooting on film and dreaming of residing a stone’s throw away from the ocean with her love and a pup (clad in a sweeping frock, of course). She’s currently penning ideas for a book of personal essays and free verse poetry on love, life and the stages in between.
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