Simplicity is my middle name when it comes to summer dressing. Once the temperature hits over 30°C, I’m all about leaning into clean and elevated outfits that are easy to assemble yet still look polished and put-together. However, this isn’t always an easy feat in sweltering temperatures.
To get inspired, I’ve been scouring Instagram for a whole host of summer outfit ideas that are easy, elevated and anything but boring, and I’m sharing some of my favourites with you below.. From slip-skirt outfits to sleek linen dresses, these ensembles ooze the kind of relaxed and easy refinement that I can’t wait to re-create this sunny season.
Keep scrolling to see and shop the looks.
7 Simple Outfits That Are Still Elegant and Chic
1. Black Linen Dress + Ballet Flats
Style Notes: A chic black linen dress will work for day or night. Style it with elegant ballet flats and finish the look by tying a silk scarf around your waist for a trend-forward touch.
Shop the Look:
FAITHFULL
Felice Shirred Linen Mini Dress in Black
Miu Miu
Satin Ballerinas in White
Toteme
Signature Monogram Silk Scarf in Black
Wear around your neck or waist, or tie around your handbag strap.
Sézane
Luca Bracelet Set
Such a good price for a set of two bangles.
2. Bermuda Shorts + White Top + Heeled Thong Sandals
Style Notes: Bermuda shorts have been trending for a few summers now, proving they’re actually pretty timeless. Style a chic black pair with a simple white top and kitten-heel flip-flops for a simple yet elevated look.
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Reformation
Drew Low Rise Short in Pitch Black
Black shorts are so versatile and can be styled in so many ways.
COS
Ribbed Tank Top in White
Toteme
Croco-Embossed Heeled Flip Flops in Black
A pair of minimalist low heels will serve your summer rotation so well.
& Other Stories
Leather Bowling Bag in Black Suede
I love the how the leather strap contrasts against the suede body.
3. Polka-Dot Slip Skirt + White Vest + Blazer
Style Notes: Black-and-white polka dots are the perfect print to incorporate into an elegant summer look. Style a polka-dot skirt with a white tank, and finish with simple thong sandals and a blazer for breezy summer nights.
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ARKET
Rib Tank Top in White
Arket is my go-to for basics.
Nobody’s Child
White Polka Dot Knee Length Slip Skirt
The Frankie Shop
Gelso Oversized Blazer
Mint Velvet
Betty Black Leather Flip Flop Heels
These will go with so many outfits.
4. White Linen Trousers + White T-Shirt + Raffia Bag
Style Notes: A white tee and white linen trousers are summer staples I can’t live without. Give the duo a fashion-forward touch and style them with buttery beige accessories: a pair of chic flats, a satin scarf worn as a belt and a raffia bag to finish the look. So chic.
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& Other Stories
Crewneck T-Shirt in White
A must-have basic in any wardrobe.
COS
Wide-Leg Linen Drawstring Trousers in White
Nothing says easy-breezy like white linen trousers.
CELINE
Medium Louise Bucket in Natural/Tan Raffia and Calfskin
You’ll bring this out year after year, it’s so worth the investment.
ARKET
Printed Scarf in Beige/Black
Such a versatile accessory.
5. Black Strappy Top + White Trousers + Black Sandals
Style Notes: There’s just something so stylish about a monochrome outfit. A simple black top and white trousers make for an easy no-think outfit option for day or night. Style with sleek sandals and black accessories.
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MAX MARA
Kansas Silk-Blend Crepe Top
The silk-blend fabric makes this basic far from boring.
H&M
Wide Twill Trousers in White
Reformation
Serenity Bare Sandal in Black Leather
A barely-there sandal can dress up any outfit.
The Row
Mini Devon Bag in Black Leather
6. Cream Satin Skirt + Knit Vest Top + Flip-Flops
Style Notes: A cream satin skirt always looks so elegant. Give it a casual spin with a linen-knit tank top and a trending long pendant necklace. Clear jelly flip-flops will add the coolest finishing touch.
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Reiss
Imogen Metallic Vest Top
This will easily transition from day to night.
Zara
Satin Midi Skirt in Grey/Beige
Such an affordable price for something so elegant-looking.
Jeffrey Campbell
Beach Day Jelly Sandals in Clear/Black
LIÉ STUDIO
The Betty Convertible Silver and Leather Necklace
This comes with both a chain and cord necklace, so you can style the pendant in different ways.
7. White Shirt + Black Capri Pants + Heeled Sandals
Style Notes: When you don’t have time to think, chic black capri pants paired with an oversized button-down always works. Add sleek black heels to pull the look together.
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With Nothing Underneath
The Boyfriend: Weave in White
ASOS DESIGN
Seam Detail Split Capri Trouser
A great price for something you’ll reach for over and over.
MANGO
Pointed Heel Sandals in Black
I love the pointed toe for a sleek finish.
ALAÏA
Le Teckel Textured-Leather Shoulder Bag in Black
