Summer is officially in full swing 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 get to 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.
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This perfect blouse for summer days.
& Other Stories
High-Waist Straight-Leg Jeans
Chloé
Jeannette Studded Leather Clogs
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.
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Nobodys Child
Black Tailored Crew Neck Waistcoat
Cropped waistcoats are everywhere at the moment.
An A-line cut will never feel dated.
COS
Multi-Strap Suede Sandals
These also come in a versatile tan hue.
& Other Stories
Broderie Anglaise Scrunchie
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.
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M&S Collection
Linen Rich Twill Wide Leg Trousers
AXEL ARIGATO
Dice-T Panelled Leather Sneakers
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.
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Reformation
Jessi Linen Dress
This pale yellow is wonderful for the summer.
A.Emery
Kinto Leather Thong Sandals
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.
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Reformation
Jori Cropped Denim Jacket
The only denim jacket you’ll ever need.
Agolde
Low Curve Mid-Rise Barrel-Leg Jeans
Our entire team have fallen for these jeans recently. If you’ve got the budget, the quality and perfect fit make them worth the investment in our opinion.
SAINT LAURENT
Tribute Woven Leather Slides
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.
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Free People
Carrie Tube Top
Tend to overheat every summer? Befriend a good tube top.
Nobodys Child
White Denim Ava Shorts
You can’t go on holiday without packing a pair of white shorts.
ANDERSONS BELTS
Suede Belt
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.
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Reformation
Balia Linen Dress
A dress you can wear from morning into the evening.
Sezane
Josepha Low Sandals – Patent Black – Bovine Leather – Sézane
When flip flops don’t quite cut it, lean on these.
DOLCE&GABBANA
The Paris | Black Smooth | Demellier
This bag will hold all of your summer essentials.
8. Polka Dot Shorts Set + Fisherman Sandals
(Image credit: @caetanaba)
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 a fisherman sandal with toughen up the pretty look just enough.
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Posse
Rosalie Polka-Dot Linen Top
This pretty polka dot top will see you through every summer.
Posse
Rosalie Polka-Dot Linen Shorts
Wear with a simple tee or the matching top for maximum impact.
Ancient Greek Sandals
Homeria Jelly
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.
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Rixo x Billie Bhatia
Faroe Open-Back Printed Satin Maxi Dress
You need to see this stunning dress in real life. And it goes up to a size UK 26.
A.Emery
Jalen leather sandals
Chunky black strappy 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.
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ZARA
Linen Blend Tailored Waistcoat
A neutral waistcoat looks chic when paired with trousers, denim shorts or satin skirts.
Reiss
Devon Linen-Blend Wide-Leg Trousers
These relaxed trousers have a comfortable dart pleat to the front and are made of breathable linen.
Sleepers
Tapered Flip Flops
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.
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With Nothing Underneath
The Boyfriend Shirt in White Linen
This kind of relaxed shirting is so versatile.
The zestiest pair of trousers—prime for summer dressing.
Whistles
Multicolour Sahar Botanical Silk Scarf
A detailed piece that can be worn in so many ways.
This story was published at an earlier time and has since been updated.
