15 Summer Outfits That Give Off "I'm Heading to a Villa in Saint-Tropez" Vibes

Let's be real. True style isn't determined by the price tag. Even though we live in an era in which what's stylish has often been equated with how much money is spent on clothing, that's not the true definition of style. In fact, the best dressed people understand that looking rich is an art form. But what exactly is the secret to crafting expensive-looking summer outfits? It's pretty simple: styling. Whether or not they're wealthy, the most elegant people curate a closet that has some luxury items (e.g., designer bags and sandals) as well as a series of staples that stand the test of time. With those items, they find new ways to pair them together to create summer outfits that scream "wealthy," even when they may not actually have an offshore account.

If you're unsure of how to dress elegantly for yourself, you're in luck. In the vein of helping discern what to wear in order to look wealthy, I've done extensive image and market research. Ahead, you'll find 15 sophisticated summer outfit ideas for every single possible occasion. Plus, I've included a few styling tips and luxury shopping recommendations that will give you a master class on how to dress rich. Trust me—these effortless ensembles are the easiest way to make your wardrobe look more expensive without emptying your bank account.

A woman wearing a blue printed headscarf, sunglasses, gold earrings, a white maxi shirtdress, a black quilted handbag, and mesh ballet flats.

(Image credit: @nlmarilyn)

What You'll Need: Kerchief + Sunglasses + Earrings + Maxi Shirtdress + Quilted Bag + Mesh Ballet Flats

Styling Notes: One of the easiest ways to look rich this summer is to invest in solid staples, such as a maxi shirtdress. Not only does this simple dress stand the test of time, but if you style it right, you can also look like you spent the summer in the South of France.

A woman wearing a black t-shirt with a black and white scarf, black belt, a voluminous black skirt, and black ballet flats.

(Image credit: @iamnkirote)

What You'll Need: Sunglasses + Scarf + T-Shirt + Maxi Skirt + Ballet Flats

Styling Notes: If there's one other staple you shouldn't be caught without this summer, it's the black maxi skirt. No matter what things you choose to pair this timeless basic with, it will always make you look like you have a trust fund. If you really want to lean into the old money feel, keep your outfit minimal by pairing it with a black T-shirt, ballet flats, and a contrasting scarf.

A woman wearing a matching linen set and carrying a raffia tote bag.

(Image credit: @monikh)

What You'll Need: Matching Linen Set + Belt + Woven Tote Bag + Strappy Sandals

Styling Notes: What's another easy way to look elegant this summer? A matching linen set. A linen top and skirt paired with strappy sandals, a belt, and a raffia tote bag makes for a super-simple outfit formula to follow, and it always looks sophisticated.

A woman wearing a black halter top with a white maxi skirt, black strappy sandals, and a snakeskin clutch bag.

(Image credit: @iliridakrasniqi)

What You'll Need: Halter Top + White Maxi Skirt + Strappy Sandals + Clutch Bag

Styling Notes: Beyond sets, there's another straightforward hack that will make you look stylish this summer: Stick to neutral shades. No matter what's on your calendar, you can always count on a black-and-white look to always look chic.

A woman wearing a white blazer over a white tank top with black Bermuda shorts and woven ballet flats.

(Image credit: @deborabrosa)

What You'll Need: Blazer + Tank Top + Belt + Bermuda Shorts + Mesh Ballet Flats

Styling Notes: If your summer plans call for you to look a bit more corporate but you still want to tap into the out-of-office energy, then the outfit above is right up your alley. You can craft an outfit for work that looks like you don't need to work anymore by pairing a white blazer with a matching tank top, pleated shorts, a belt, and woven ballet flats.

A woman wearing yellow slingback heels with black shorts, a black draped top, gold jewelry, and a snakeskin clutch.

(Image credit: @sandrashehab)

What You'll Need: Sculptural Earrings + Draped Top + Bermuda Shorts + Slingback Heels + Clutch Bag

Styling Notes: Don't think that shorts can look sophisticated? Think again. If you want to make this staple look a bit more expensive, take styling inspiration from the example above. You can elevate Bermuda shorts by pairing them with a draped top, slingback heels, a snakeskin clutch bag, and sculptural earrings.

A woman wearing a white draped top with a black belt, white jeans, black strappy sandals, and a black shoulder bag.

(Image credit: @cassdimicco)

What You'll Need: Draped Top + Belt + Jeans + Shoulder Bag + Strappy Sandals

Styling Notes: Not all stylish summer outfit ideas have to err on the formal side. Case in point: the effortlessly elegant 'fit above. You can elevate your white jeans by styling them with a white draped top, belt, shoulder bag, and strappy sandals.

A woman wearing brown sunglasses, gold earrings, a white vest, a Celine clutch, white linen pants, and tan slides.

(Image credit: @divrav)

What You'll Need: Sunglasses + Shell Earrings + Waistcoat + Linen Pants + Clutch + Slides

Styling Notes: When it's far too hot outside to get away with denim, the next best thing is a pair of linen trousers. This staple will withstand heat waves, and when styled with a matching linen vest and other summer-centric accessories, it will exude sophistication.

A woman wearing a raffia hat with a linen shirt, matching linen shorts, and a raffia tote bag.

(Image credit: @mimixn)

What You'll Need: Raffia Hat + Linen Set + Sunglasses + Raffia Bag

Styling Notes: For those days when it's far too hot outside to wear pants but you still want to look as if you're polished enough to own a flat in Positano, use the outfit above as inspiration. Whether you're heading to the beach or brunch, a linen tank and matching shorts styled with woven accessories will always look expensive—sans effort.

A woman wearing a one-piece contrast-trim swimsuit.

(Image credit: @nitsanraiter)

What You'll Need: One-Piece + Sunglasses + Slides

Styling Notes: Whether you are planning a day by the resort's pool or have secured an elusive invite to a yacht party, you'll want to make sure your swimwear looks sophisticated this summer. When in doubt, you can't go wrong with a simple one-piece styled with chic shades and contemporary slides.

A woman wearing a black linen button-down shirt styled over a white tank top with black sunglasses.

(Image credit: @hannamw)

What You'll Need: Sunglasses + Button-Down Shirt + Tank Dress + Flip-Flops

Styling Notes: What's the secret to looking rich after spending the day in some form of water? Having a simple look you can swap after swimming. You can make your swimsuit appropriate for aperitivo by adding layers—e.g., a tank dress and button-down shirt over your swimsuit. Bonus points if you add a few bolder accessories into the mix to make these boring staples feel bougier.

A woman wearing black sunglasses, shell earrings, black minidress, and black slingback heels.

(Image credit: @minahabchi)

What You'll Need: Sunglasses + Earrings + Black Minidress + Watch + Slingbacks + Handbag

Styling Notes: Although we might associate "wealthy activities" with being by the water, that's not the only way that the top 1% spends their time during the summer—which is why you'll also need another fail-proof outfit formula. When in doubt, a black minidress styled with expensive-looking accessories (such as a watch, a handbag, and sunglasses) will work for various occasions.

A woman wearing black sunglasses, large hoops, a black halter top, a black balloon skirt, gold sandals, and a woven tote bag.

(Image credit: @oumaymaboumeshouli)

What You'll Need: Sunglasses + Hoops + Halter Top + Balloon Skirt + Strappy Sandals + Raffia Tote Bag

Styling Notes: You can't go wrong with a black minidress, but if you want to go for something a bit more dramatic, you'll want to get your inspiration from above. Whether you're getting dinner by the sea or going out dancing, an all-black halter top and balloon skirt will make sure you stand out from the crowd in a good way.

A woman wearing gold sculptural earrings, a white strapless maxi dress, a black bag, and gold bangles.

(Image credit: @nnennaechem)

What You'll Need: Sculptural Earrings + Strapless Gown + Sandals + Bangles + Clutch

Styling Notes: Whether you've secured tickets to the theater or the hottest table in town, the easiest way to ensure you don't stand out among the sea of rich people is to check the dress code. If you still happen to be unsure, opt for an elegant gown styled with jewelry and a clutch bag for the evening.

A woman wearing a black maxi dress, a black belt with gold hardware, a cream shoulder bag, and thong sandals.

(Image credit: @dawn.tan)

What You'll Need: Black Maxi Dress + Belt + Thong Sandals + Shoulder Bag

Styling Notes: By now, you hopefully have a firm grasp on how to dress rich, even if you're not. If you need one last bit of parting advice, let it be this: Keep it simple. Whether it's summertime or any other season, less is always more. A black maxi dress styled with a bold belt and shoulder bag is an outfit formula that will always look sophisticated no matter how much you actually spend creating the look.

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Jasmine Fox-Suliaman
Editor

Jasmine Fox-Suliaman is a fashion editor living in New York City. What began as a hobby (blogging on Tumblr) transformed into a career dedicated to storytelling through various forms of digital media. She started her career at the print publication 303 Magazine, where she wrote stories, helped produce photo shoots, and planned Denver Fashion Week. After moving to Los Angeles, she worked as MyDomaine's social media editor until she was promoted to work across all of Clique's publications (MyDomaine, Byrdie, andBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing ) as the community manager. Over the past few years, Jasmine has worked onBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing 's editorial team, using her extensive background to champion rising BIPOC designers, weigh in on viral trends, and profile stars such as Janet Mock and Victoria Monét. She is especially interested in exploring how art, fashion, and pop culture intersect online and IRL.