11 Outfits for When You Don’t Know What to Wear This Summer
Photo Credit:@aimazin
As much as I love Summertime Chi, let’s be honest—it can be hot as AF. And trying to figure out what to wear when it’s that kind of hot? Frustrating. My ideal wardrobe is fall (because layers, hello), but summer? I’m usually in a matching set, trying not to melt and still look like I tried.
I want to look cute. I want it to feel effortless. But I don’t want to spend hours planning outfits—or drop $500 on a summer wardrobe refresh. So if you’re in the same boat, these are my 5 go-to summer outfits that are easy, realistic, and actually wearable.
You don’t need to overthink it. You just need a few solid summer outfit ideas that work for your real life—and these are mine.
Need outfit ideas all year long? Grab my free 365 Outfit Ideas—because standing in your closet feeling stuck isn’t the move.
1. Linen Pants + Fitted Tank + Slides
Lightweight linen pants are basically the cheat code for cute summer wear. They look polished, feel like pajamas, and breathe when it’s 90 degrees outside.
Hyacinth House
Pink & Red Crochet Cooper Tank
$128
Vineyard Vines
White Cap Linen Pants
$138
Tuckernuck Shoes
Red Embossed Leather Evelyn Sandals
$205
2. Ribbed Mini Dress + Oversized Button-Down + Sneakers
This is the move when you want to look put together without trying. The button-down gives your casual summer fashion vibe that extra cool factor—and it’s perfect for overly air-conditioned coffee shops.
Old Navy
Sleeveless Ribbed Maxi Dress
$39.99
Old Navy
Classic Button-Down Shirt
$29.99
Samba OG Shoes
$110
3. Matching Set (Shorts + Top) + Chunky Sandals + Crossbody
Matching sets are still the MVP of summer clothes ideas. It’s one decision, two pieces, endless compliments. Bonus if it’s a bold color that makes you look tan even when you’re not.
Two Piece Matching Lounge Set
$32.99
Flat Sandals with Soft Cushioned Footbed
$59.99
4. Flowy Midi Skirt + Crop Top + Slides
There’s something about a flowy skirt that makes even a quick Target run feel like a main character moment. This combo nails casual summer fashion without feeling over the top.
Loretta Caponi
Ostuni Giannina Top
$424
Tuckernuck
Cornflower Blue Stripe Prado Skirt
$128
The Summer Sandal
$139
5. Athletic Shorts + Mesh Tee + Sunnies
Running errands, hitting the bookstore, pretending you’re going to work out—this is the summer look that lets you live your comfy life without sacrificing style.
Alo
Mesh Cropped Mirage Tee
$58
Alo
Match Point Tennis Skirt
$68
Aviator Sunglasses
$19.99
6. White Wide-Leg Jeans + Tube Top + Simple Sandals
Yes, you can wear jeans in summer—you just need the right pair. Wide-leg white denim feels fresh, especially when paired with a simple tube top for easy summer style ideas that aren’t just denim cutoffs.
Strapless Crop Tube
$24.99
High Rise Wide Leg Jean
$90
The Summer Sandal
$139
7. Knit Romper + Strappy Slides + Statement Earrings
A knit romper = chef’s kiss for lazy days when you still want to look like you had a plan. It’s one of my favorite outfit ideas for summer that still feels elevated.
Casual Sleeveless Short Romper
$43.95
Open Toe Braided Slingback Shoes
$34.99
14K Gold Plated, Hypoallergenic Chunky Earrings
$9.99
8. Casual Slip Dress + Denim Jacket + Platform Sandals
When you need a “throw it on and look like you tried” outfit, a slip dress saves the day. Layer with a denim jacket when the sun goes down for instant summer style vibes.
Flowy Boho Long Sundress with Pockets
$43.98
Crop Denim Shirt
$34.99
Platform Open Toe Slip On
$49.99
9. Cotton Jumpsuit + Belt Bag + Sporty Sneakers
A cotton jumpsuit = the stylish older cousin of leggings and a tee. It’s breathable, movable, and absolutely counts as casual summer fashion when you need something easy.
Open Back Jumpsuit
$42.99
Shoulder Bag Fanny Pack
$25.99
Low Top Casual Walking Shoes
$39.99
10. Cargo Pants + Baby Tee + Baseball Cap
Cargo pants are sneaking back in, and honestly? They’re a game-changer for summer outfit ideas when you’re tired of shorts. Throw on a baby tee and a hat and you’re out the door.
Cashmere Plush Waffle Polo Tee
$248
Show Off Cargo Wide Leg Trouser
$158
Satin Off-Duty Cap
$98
11. Satin Skirt + Tank Top + Kitten Heels
For when you randomly get invited to rooftop drinks or brunch and have nothing cute ready. A satin skirt instantly makes your summer look feel polished without trying too hard.
Button Up Vest Top
$12.98
Satin Maxi Skirt
$31.99
The Knot Sandal
$189
Need outfit ideas all year long? Grab my free 365 Outfit Ideas—because standing in your closet feeling stuck isn’t the move.
