- 11 Summer Outfit Ideas to Try
- 1. White Blouse + Blue Jeans + Clogs
- 2. Waistcoat + Cotton Skirt + Sandals
- 3. Cardigan + Tailored Trousers + Trainers
- 4. Bright Mini Dress + Flip Flops
- 5. Denim Jacket + Ecru Jeans + Slider Sandals
- 6. Strapless Top + High-Waisted Shorts
- 7. White Linen Dress + Sandals
- 8. Polka Dot Shorts Set + Sandals
- 9. Floral Dress + Gladiator Sandals
- 10. Waistcoat + Lightweight Trousers
- 11. Relaxed Shirt + Bright Trousers + Silk Scarf
With the Easter bank holidays out of the way, summer is officially on the horizon and I couldn't be happier. Alongside the warmer weather comes a shift in our approach to dressing as we make room for seersucker, linen and cotton fabrics, and suddenly accessorise each outfit with chic sunglasses and silk neckerchiefs. But, just like the seasons, trends come and go, which can make dressing for the hottest months rather difficult sweat-inducing sun rays aside. What you bought on a whim last year might not take your fancy anymore. Fortunately, there are classic summer outfits that have proven their reliability year after year, 11 of which I've listed below.
What we're looking for are timeless silhouettes and colours that can be worn with a huge handful of other pieces in our wardrobes. Ultimately, easy yet polished summer looks that will work from now into the last drawn-out days of the season. From simple jeans-and-a-nice-top combinations to chic suiting, each of these inspiring outfits deserves a spot on your summer 2025 vision board. Scroll on to see them.
11 Summer Outfit Ideas to Try
1. White Blouse + Blue Jeans + Clogs
Style Notes: A flowy white blouse and blue jeans is a pairing as old as time, but adding clogs into the mix makes it feel very current. Whilst it's a nod to trends from decades ago, it feels so modern.
Shop the Look:
This perfect blouse for summer days.
Other Stories denim has really impressed our editors.
This cream leather colourway pairs nicely with any jeans.
2. Waistcoat + Cotton Skirt + Sandals
Style Notes: When I want to look polished with low effort, a waistcoat-skirt combo is my go-to. Team this with a minimalist pair of sandals and you've got yourself an effortlessly chic look.
Shop the Look:
Cropped waistcoats are everywhere at the moment.
An A-line cut will never feel dated.
These also come in a versatile tan hue.
A bright scrunchie will brighten up any summer outfit.
3. Cardigan + Tailored Trousers + Trainers
Style Notes: It's that time of year where you can wear a cardigan as a top rather than a layering piece. I love the juxtaposition between a more relaxed cardigan and formal trousers.
Shop the Look:
So easy to wear.
Effortlessly chic.
There's no limit to the amount of outfits these classic trainers will go with.
4. Bright Mini Dress + Flip Flops
Style Notes: Summer is best spent in mood-boosting hues like yellow, baby pink and cerulean blue. Try rocking a yellow mini and wear with it classic flip-flops and a chic hair accessory.
Shop the Look:
This pale yellow is wonderful for the summer.
Simple but elegant.
A cream bag will blend more seamlessly with a light yellow dress.
5. Denim Jacket + Ecru Jeans + Slider Sandals
Style Notes: Nothing says summer like a denim jacket—I'll be wearing mine with white or ecru jeans and slides.
Shop the Look:
The only denim jacket you'll ever need.
Raw hem jeans add to the summery feel of the look.
These will go with everything, from maxi dresses to denim shorts.
6. Strapless Top + High-Waisted Shorts
Style Notes: High-waisted shorts and a strapless top signifies that summer is well and truly here. For a combination that will forever feel classic, choose a mix of black and white. We love what Marianne has done here, opting for a black strapless tube top with tailored white shorts. These colours never falter.
Shop the Look:
Tend to overheat every summer? Befriend a good tube top.
You can't go on holiday without packing a pair of white shorts.
This belt can be worn through any and all seasons.
7. White Linen Dress + Sandals
Style Notes: The epitome of this season is a white linen dress. There is a style, neckline and length for everyone. The lightweight fabric ensures you'll stay cool, and it's one item of clothing that will have a place in your closet for many summers to come.
Shop the Look:
A dress you can wear from morning into the evening.
A heeled sandal is essential for summer. When flip flops don't quite cut it, lean on these.
This bag will hold all of your summer essentials.
8. Polka Dot Shorts Set + Sandals
Style Notes: Polka dot prints never go out of style. So, if you're looking for a more playful investment to turn to year-after-year, consider it your trend-free pattern. Opt for a co-ord for easy styling and choose accessories in the same shade as the dots for a more pulled-together finish.
Shop the Look:
This pretty polka dot top will see you through every summer.
Wear with a simple tee or the matching top for maximum impact.
A white sandal breaks away from classic black and brown styles.
9. Floral Dress + Gladiator Sandals
Style Notes: Choose a cheerful palette of bright colours to rock into the summer months. One simple way to do this is through uplifting floral prints and patterns. Whether you adore a puff-sleeve dress or something sans straps, this effortless outfit will carry you through the season.
Shop the Look:
You need to see this stunning dress from the back.
Strappy gladiator sandals will never lose their charm.
10. Waistcoat + Lightweight Trousers
Style Notes: A waistcoat is a relatively recent trend that has proven its staying power. They're the summer equivalent of a blazer and go with everything from shorts to skirts. These structured tops are more elevated than a basic ribbed vest but keep you nearly as cool. Pair it with lightweight trousers like Emma and you'll have a summer outfit that will pass at both casual and dressier outings.
Shop the Look:
A neutral waistcoat looks chic when paired with trousers, denim shorts or satin skirts.
These relaxed trousers have a comfortable dart pleat to the front and are made of breathable linen.
Black flip flops are classics, but the tapered edge gives this pair a little more interest.
11. Relaxed Shirt + Bright Trousers + Silk Scarf
Style Notes: This outfit demonstrates how comfort and style can go hand-in-hand. A relaxed button-down tied into a knot will give your slinky trousers a casual spin. Add a silk scarf for extra colour and flair.
Shop the Look:
This kind of relaxed shirting is so versatile.
The zestiest pair of trousers—prime for summer dressing.
A detailed piece that can be worn in so many ways.
This story was published at an earlier time and has since been updated.
-
European Women Have Convinced Me That This Is Spring 2025's Most Elegant Jacket TrendAnd it goes perfectly with jeans.
-
I've Done The Research—These 21 Trench Coats Are The Epitome Of LuxurySpring into action.
-
Here's Everything Our Editors Wore to Paris Fashion WeekStraight from the streets of Paris.
-
With Jeans, Dresses or Skirts, Fashion People Are Using This Styling Trick to Make Every Outfit an 11/10So simple, so chic.
-
Sambas Aren't a Trend Anymore—They're a Staple: Here's How to Wear Them in 2025They've become a classic.
-
5 Winter Basics to Own If You Refuse to Follow TrendsOur forever favourites.
-
So You Bought a Suede Bag—Here Are the Affordable Ways to Keep it Looking Brand NewRestore your prized possession to its former glory.
-
5 Ways I'm Wearing This Classic Jacket Style Now and Well Into SpringThe styling possibilities are endless.
