30 Cute Outfit Ideas to Add to Your Summer Wardrobe Right Now
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What does summer 2024 have in store for you? A gorgeous vacation, afternoon brunches, rooftop soirees, a summer romance perhaps? Whatever the season brings, be sure to have a weather-appropriate outfit prepared. From sweating in the city to sparkling in the sea, we might not have your itinerary handled for the summer, but we’ll surely do our best to make sure you look good doing it (whatever it may be) in a cute summer outfit.
In the age of character dressing—clean girl, office siren, rocker girlfriend, etc.—choosing your aesthetic for the summer can seem overwhelmingly compartmentalized. Not to knock the aesthetics of the moment, but your personal style is an ever more important way to stand out from the other mob wives. This summer, try out different characters for different activities or, better yet, create your own complex and nuanced character: you. To help you get started writing your summer story, we’ve analyzed street style, social media, and runway trends to help build out your warm-weather wardrobe. Whether you’re nautical or nice, Wild West or heading east, or anything in-between, scroll on for your dose of summertime fit-spiration:
Pop of Red
You might’ve seen this phenomenon on the streets of New York or all over your Instagram feed. Red accents are nothing new, but the pop of red has become synonymous with a sleek, on-trend aesthetic in recent months. To meet the requirements of this trend, just a pop is all you need. Nothing more, nothing less!
Easy Shirt
Cowgirl Straight Cut-Out Knee Jeans
Blink Metallic Knot Slide Sandals
Mediterranean Summer
Whether you’re living it up in the Greek Islands, Mallorca, or St. Tropez, or you’re just trying to make it to work every day, you can still manifest the Mediterranean lifestyle. Dress for the life (or at least the vacation) you want!
The Nautilus Hair Clip
Lands' End Womens Supima Cotton Camisole White Plus 2X
Solid Kerry Long Skirt
Hot Pants
A trend we’ve seen season after season, the appropriate season for hot pants is finally here. You won’t have to freeze your butt off (literally) anymore for this summer ’fit. Pair with boots or loafers and an oversized blazer or moto jacket.
Cropped Embroidered Tank
Monica Shorts
Leather Harness Buckle Biker Boots
Scarf Tops
Nothing says summer like a flirty printed scarf worn as a top. Scarf tops can go with anything, from loose jeans to mini skirts, and look perfectly cool and casual. They’re also a great way to even out (or show off) your summer tan lines.
Ramona Scarf Top
Poppy Eco Jeans
Kitten Heels Thong Sandal
Boho Chic
If you paid attention at all during the recent fall/winter 2024 runway shows, you’ll know that boho is back and better than ever. That means fringe bags, flowy dresses, and slouchy boots will dominate the summer and last well into fall.
Ruffled Mini Dress
Miyako Two-Tone Denim Ankle Boots
Fringe Messenger Bag
Animal Prints
Animal prints are, in some fashion tribes, a neutral. Glamorous winter prints aside, summer is the best time to have fun with prints, from zebra to snakeskin. Mix and match or wear your print of choice as a single statement piece with true (a.k.a. other) neutrals.
Zebra Mesh Minidress
Suzanne Baguette Bag
The Marion Strappy Wedge Sandal
Brunch-Ready
This one goes out to the Sofia Richie Grainge wannabes of the world (so…most of us). For an elegant summer look that you can wear from brunch to boat (read: yacht), go for more skin coverage, minimalist colorways and patterns, and ultra-flattering silhouettes. Hamptons home not included.
Halter Knit Maxi Dress
Luna transparent Mesh Ballerina Flats
Small Andiamo
Nautical or Nice
We should all be around some form of water this summer, whether it’s a beach, lake, pool, sailboat, you name it. For this particular outfit trend, a port town is recommended but not required. We know boat shoes are making a big comeback thanks to Miu Miu, but stripes are fair game here, too.
Colorblock One Piece
Striped Mini Dress
Boat Shoe
Fresh Off the Beach
Even if you live nowhere near a beach, why not look like you do? Go for a carefree, California vibe with a beach-to-outdoor-dinner look: swimsuit top, denim shorts, and easy sandals, bonus points if you have gorgeous, glimmering jewelry to elevate the ’fit. In summer, the rules are what you make them! (Disclaimer: If you’re actually going from the beach to dinner, do make sure to bring dry bottoms to change into post-swim!)
Barbados Bandeau Top
Ayla Denim Shorts
Suede Sandals
Going West
Thanks to Beyoncé (and Lana del Rey’s upcoming country album, lest we forget), it’ll be a cowboy kind of summer. Get your cowboy boots and oversized belt buckles ready. Even if the Western look isn’t exactly your style, you can go with subtle nods to the trend, like the horse print swimsuit top from Solid & Striped. Yee haw!
The Miranda swimsuit Top
Parker Long Frayed Shorts
Howdy Y'all Boot
Office-Appropriate
Although you might dream of vacationing all summer long, you still have bills to pay, which means you’ll be taking frequent trips into the office. This simple, sophisticated tailored set is ideal for workdays.
Irena Tailored Fitted Vest
Irena High Waisted Tailored Pant
Miranda Semi Patent Leather Top Handle Bag
A Blazer Set
Many fashion lovers like to pair blazers with lengthy bottoms, but during the warmer months, swapping a long pair of pants for shorts or a skirt offers a cooler alternative.
New Agency Blazer
Contour Muscle Tank
Samba Vegan Shoes
Crochet Cover-Up
If you’re traveling to the beach this summer, packing a crochet cover-up is essential. I’d suggest pairing this colorful look with a white swimsuit set and a pair of comfy flip-flops that will carry you through the day. By the time the sun sets and the temperatures drop, you’ll be glad to have something to keep you warm.
Multicolor Open-Knit Halter Maxi Dress
Crochet Swim Triangle swimsuit Top
Crochet Swim swimsuit Bottom
Public Pajamas
A simple pajama-inspired set is arguably the easiest summer outfit idea to exist. If you don’t feel like putting a lot of energy into assembling an outfit, you’ll want to have one of these tucked away in your closet.
Garçon Cotton-blend Voile Shirt in Tidewater Stripe
Pull-on Short in Tidewater Stripe
Ully Lo Nappa Leather Sandal
The Button-Down Shirt
Button-down shirts have been around for ages, and they’re never going out of style. Why would they? The sharp seam lines and crisp collars exhibit a sense of elegance that is so appealing. To dress it down a bit, we recommend matching this outfit with a pair of white sneakers.
Linen Oversized Shirt
The Neale Linen Shorts
Marchello Pleated Linen Shorts
Air Max 90 Sneakers
Flow Retro Runner Sneakers
The Shirtdress
Summer is all about shedding clothing, so leave the pants behind. Of course, if you want to jazz things up, add a pair of classy mules.
Mary Classic Shirtdress
Magnolia Mule
Candy Mini Knotted Intrecciato Leather Tote
Summer Corsetry
Since the corset is the main attraction here, additional statement pieces aren’t necessary. Instead, a plain black skirt will suffice.
Strapless Corset Top
Opening Pencil Skirt
Houramu Light Blue Patent Leather Mules
The Micro Mini
If you were paying attention during Fashion Week last fall, chances are you witnessed the takeover of Miu Miu micro miniskirts—which are very much still en vogue. Mix up the proportions by styling micro-minis with oversized T-shirts.
Fitted Crew Marcy Tee
Audrey Pleated Cotton-twill Mini Skirt
Mia Low Waist Linen Skort
9060 Sneaker in Turtledove
9060 Sneaker in Turtledove
Baby Blues
We can’t get enough of baby blue this summer, especially in the form of a flowy maxi dress. You can even dress it down during the day with sneakers and up at night with heels.
Chambray Callahan Shirt Dress
Xt-6 Expanse Low Top Sneakers
Cat Eye in White
Easy Neutrals
While vibrant colors certainly dominate summertime fashion, neutrals deserve to shine too. This outfit is functional for a night out on the town or a casual summertime date night.
Audette Structured Cotton Twill Corset Top
High Rise Stride Jeans with Washwell
Dunk Low Retro Sneakers
Double Denim
The denim-on-denim look is such an early 2000s trend. How can anyone forget that Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake’s double-denim look? Well, this trend has definitely made a comeback, but in 2023, we’re opting for denim corsets paired with baggy jeans.
Corset Style Denim Top TRF
Tinsley Baggy High-Rise Jeans
Leather Croissant 90 Heel
The Silk Slip
Slip into a silky skirt for a leisurely day in the sun. Satin slip skirts are so versatile, and one of our favorite ways to style this look is with a white tank top.
Tasha Tank
Sense of Shine Midi Skirt
Linden Patent Leather Sandals
On the Down-Low
You may have thought the end of low-rise pants had happened years ago, but the style has seemingly resurfaced among the street style set. If you’re wondering how to style low-rise pants during the summer, a scarf or satin top might just be your answer.
Cowl Neck Cami
Elise Silk Crop Camisole
The Harlow Wide-Leg Pant
Daya Slide Sandal
The Harlow Wide-Leg Pant
Daya Slide Sandal
Unexpected Necklines
An unexpected neckline immediately transforms any outfit from simple to spellbinding. For a chocolate brown shade like this, beige accessories are your best bet.
Rossana Maxi Dress
Tribute Mules in Smooth Leather
VLOGO Small Raffia Top-Handle Bag
The Tailored Vest
There are certain pieces of clothing that are worthy of investment, and vests are one of them. During colder months, style them with a long sleeve garment underneath, and when temperatures warm up you can wear them solo. No matter the weather, vests are always there to save your wardrobe.
Baby Got Back Linen Vest
Wide-leg Linen-blend Pants
Joy Shoulder Bag
Black & White
At first glance, this outfit might appear dull, but I’d argue that it’s actually a flattering formula. The black-and-white combination will never go out of style, and its ageless quality is what makes it so special.
Fitted Ribbed Tank
Full Length Pants
Punta Leather Mules
Crema Nappa Mule
Maxed Out
Every summer wardrobe calls for a white maxi dress. And this season, crewneck styles are having quite a moment.
Asymmetric Draped Maxi Dress
Platform Strap Sandals
La Vague Shoulder Bag
Easy Co-ords
The coordinated look is simultaneously polished and casual. Take this look for example—we love how the sophisticated nature of the top balances the relaxed quality of the cargo pants.
Wide Strap Crop Top
The Oversized Poplin Shirt
Drop-Waist Wide-Leg Cargo Pant
Summer Brights
Weekend brunches have always been a beloved summertime activity, and aside from the bottomless mimosas and delicious food, dressing up for the occasion is the best part. To really serve a look, style a vibrant dress paired with toned-down accessories.
Tie-detail Shirt Dress
Linley Sandal
White Baguette Swipe Bag
A Go-To Formula
You know those days when you’d prefer to keep it lowkey, and the thought of piecing together a look is simply a nuisance? If you’re having trouble styling an outfit that doesn’t require a lot of effort, this outfit recipe comes to your rescue: one sleeveless top, wide-leg jeans, and sandals. What more could you need?
Halter Vest
Celia Bootcut Jeans
Ollie Zip Leather Shoulder Bag
Say hello to rooftop happy hours and weekend trips to the shore, because summer has officially arrived. Although many of us look forward to basking under the sun, we often spend endless time ruminating on what to wear before stepping outdoors. Sultry temperatures place several limitations on the type of fabrics we can wear and the amount of garments we can layer, so it’s understandable that dressing for warm weather can be tiresome. If you find yourself defaulting to overused outfit formulas that are lacking excitement, you're not alone.
Fortunately, we're here to help! One of the best ways to reignite your passion for summer dressing is to search for inspiration through street style looks. We’ve gone ahead and done that for you, perusing countless street style moments that took place across the globe, from New York City to Paris, and even Copenhagen. Below, you’ll find a curated collection of cute summer outfits that you can incorporate into your own wardrobe. We’ve got an outfit for every occasion, whether you’re grabbing brunch with friends, traveling to your summer getaway, or even running errands in the heat. And we've even taken note of all the hottest trends from crochet pieces to slip skirts.
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