15 Sweet Summer Outfit Ideas to Wear Now (2024)

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Summer is in full swing, and reemergence has made for a very stylish start to summer. As we look at what this season has in store–Weddings! Travel! Social gatherings!—we expect plenty of exciting reasons and occasions to get dressed up. For a little bit of summer outfit inspiration, we’re feeling inspired by archival Vogue images that perfectly balance classic style with staying power and fun seasonal trends. All these photos feel just as relevant and of the moment now as they did when they were captured.

It isn’t a surprise that some of our favorite looks have the summer wardrobe pairings we love: a striped tee with a tiered midi-skirt; a breezy maxi dress and lace-up sandals; or a cardigan and a jean short. They’re summer outfit ideas that are incredibly simple but not lacking personality. There are casual, everyday separates that can take you from breakfast to the beach. Think lightweight fabrics and relaxed silhouettes, beautifully embroidered skirts, shell necklaces, and intricately woven sun hats you’ll want to lock in now ahead of your August holiday.

From beachwear and blouses to canvas carryalls and poolside chapeaus, we’ve broken down 15 summer outfit ideas into easy and re-creatable three- or four-step formulas. Shop all of them here, and repeat them all summer long.

Photographed by Angelo Pennetta, Vogue, April 2020

Knit Dress + Woven Bag + Jute Platforms = Crochet All Day

15 Sweet Summer Outfit Ideas to Wear Now (1)

A.L.C. Carolyn crochet dress

15 Sweet Summer Outfit Ideas to Wear Now (2)

Oscar de la Renta gold-tone, woven faux-raffia, and wood clip earrings

15 Sweet Summer Outfit Ideas to Wear Now (3)

Clare V. Sandy tote

15 Sweet Summer Outfit Ideas to Wear Now (4)

Schutz Byana espadrille platform sandals

Photographed Hugo Comte, Vogue, June/July 2021

Crochet Bucket + Checkered Top + Micro Mini = Summer 2021

15 Sweet Summer Outfit Ideas to Wear Now (5)

Emily Levine Lollipop swirl hat

15 Sweet Summer Outfit Ideas to Wear Now (6)

The Lobby colorblock vest

15 Sweet Summer Outfit Ideas to Wear Now (7)

Svnr Havana earring

15 Sweet Summer Outfit Ideas to Wear Now (8)

Tankair Studio Lotus miniskirt

Photographed by Arthur Elgort, Vogue, April 1993

Knit Top + Printed Pants + Camp Jewelry = Getaway Girl

15 Sweet Summer Outfit Ideas to Wear Now (9)

Zara crochet knit top

15 Sweet Summer Outfit Ideas to Wear Now (10)

Bond Eye Malibu crop top

15 Sweet Summer Outfit Ideas to Wear Now (11)

Mango printed cotton pants

15 Sweet Summer Outfit Ideas to Wear Now (12)

Dannijo Graham anklet

Photographed by Steven Meisel, Vogue, June 2004

Printed Blouse + Beaded Shoulder Bag + Shield Sunnies = Too Hot to Handle

15 Sweet Summer Outfit Ideas to Wear Now (13)

Mango printed oversized shirt

15 Sweet Summer Outfit Ideas to Wear Now (14)

Westward Leaning Volt 07 sunglasses

Photographed by Arthur Elgort, Vogue, December 1992

Maxi Dress + Top-Handle Tote + Strappy Sandals = Summer Romance

15 Sweet Summer Outfit Ideas to Wear Now (17)

Lee Matthews Georgina checked cotton-poplin shirtdress

15 Sweet Summer Outfit Ideas to Wear Now (18)

Completedworks Parade of Possibilities pearl & gold bracelet

15 Sweet Summer Outfit Ideas to Wear Now (19)

Hereu Cala small leather and canvas shoulder bag

15 Sweet Summer Outfit Ideas to Wear Now (20)

Porte & Paire metallic leather sandals

Photographed by Angelo Pennetta, Vogue, March 2019

Crochet Dress + Tie-Dye Scarf + Slide Sandals = Haute Hippie

15 Sweet Summer Outfit Ideas to Wear Now (21)

Zara crochet midi-dress

15 Sweet Summer Outfit Ideas to Wear Now (22)

Sherris Hasida sweater

15 Sweet Summer Outfit Ideas to Wear Now (23)

Isabel Marant Nassau tie-dye cotton scarf

15 Sweet Summer Outfit Ideas to Wear Now (24)

Proenza Schouler pipe stretch-knit slides

Photographed by Steven Meisel, Vogue, December 2002

String Bikini + Shrunken Cardigan + Jean Shorts = Beach Chic

15 Sweet Summer Outfit Ideas to Wear Now (25)

Cos bucket hat

15 Sweet Summer Outfit Ideas to Wear Now (26)

J.Crew cotton-blend Jackie cardigan sweater

15 Sweet Summer Outfit Ideas to Wear Now (27)

Akoia Swim Humba Algarve bikini

15 Sweet Summer Outfit Ideas to Wear Now (28)

Everlane the Relaxed '90s short

Photographed by Angelo Pennetta, Vogue, May 2020

Printed Dress + Shell Necklace + Flat Sandals = Meadow Sweet

15 Sweet Summer Outfit Ideas to Wear Now (29)

Prada shell choker

15 Sweet Summer Outfit Ideas to Wear Now (31)

Tory Burch Robinson embroidered straw convertible shoulder bag

15 Sweet Summer Outfit Ideas to Wear Now (32)

A. Emery Beau flat ankle-wrap sandals

Photographed by Angelo Pennetta, Vogue, March 2017

Puff-Sleeve Blouse + Paper-Bag Trousers + Canvas Tote + Suede Sandals = Summer Feel

15 Sweet Summer Outfit Ideas to Wear Now (33)

Jonathan Simkhai standard Thea Oxford smocked puff-sleeve Top

15 Sweet Summer Outfit Ideas to Wear Now (34)

Rue de Verneuil Parcours S leather-trim canvas tote bag

15 Sweet Summer Outfit Ideas to Wear Now (35)

Zara paperbag baggy pants

15 Sweet Summer Outfit Ideas to Wear Now (36)

Rainbow suede T-bar sandals in red

Photographed by Oliver Hadlee Pearch, Vogue, June 2019

Raffia Hat + Bikini Top + Embroidered Skirt = A Touch of Wanderlust

15 Sweet Summer Outfit Ideas to Wear Now (37)

Sensi Studio ribbon Calado hat

15 Sweet Summer Outfit Ideas to Wear Now (38)

Leslie Amon Caro metallic gingham bikini top

15 Sweet Summer Outfit Ideas to Wear Now (39)

Carrie Forbes salon raffia slide sandals

15 Sweet Summer Outfit Ideas to Wear Now (40)

Le Sirenuse, Positano Livia palm-embroidered linen-blend midi skirt

Photographed by Arthur Elgort, Vogue, December 1992

Breton Tee + Midiskirt + Cat-Eye Sunnies = Retro Rewind

15 Sweet Summer Outfit Ideas to Wear Now (41)

Cos oversized T-shirt

15 Sweet Summer Outfit Ideas to Wear Now (42)

Bottega Veneta acetate cat eye sunglasses

15 Sweet Summer Outfit Ideas to Wear Now (43)

Lisa Says Gah Sun Jellies Betty basket

15 Sweet Summer Outfit Ideas to Wear Now (44)

Staud Lucca drawstring maxi skirt

Photographed by Angelo Pennetta, Vogue, June 2015

Striped Set + Espadrilles + Beach Hat = Happier at Sea

15 Sweet Summer Outfit Ideas to Wear Now (45)

Closed viscose and linen tunic

15 Sweet Summer Outfit Ideas to Wear Now (46)

Closed striped linen mix shorts

15 Sweet Summer Outfit Ideas to Wear Now (47)

J.Crew canvas espadrille flats

15 Sweet Summer Outfit Ideas to Wear Now (48)

Janessa Leone Lynda straw hat

Photographed by Steven Meisel, Vogue, June 2004

Bucket Hat + Oxford Shirting + Sandals = California Dreaming

15 Sweet Summer Outfit Ideas to Wear Now (49)

Faithfull the Brand Frederikke floral linen sun hat

15 Sweet Summer Outfit Ideas to Wear Now (50)

Solid & Striped the Oxford oversized striped cotton-blend shirt

15 Sweet Summer Outfit Ideas to Wear Now (51)

Emily Levine persephone pearl necklace

15 Sweet Summer Outfit Ideas to Wear Now (52)

Tamara Mellon Solstice sandals

Photographed by Chris Militscher, Vogue, March 2003

Striped Sweater + White Trousers + Colorful Accessories = All-American Ease

15 Sweet Summer Outfit Ideas to Wear Now (53)

Minquiers Moderne authentic Breton stripe shirt

15 Sweet Summer Outfit Ideas to Wear Now (54)

Madewell bandana

15 Sweet Summer Outfit Ideas to Wear Now (55)

Vibi Venezia whipstitched velvet furlane slippers

15 Sweet Summer Outfit Ideas to Wear Now (56)

Rag & Bone Logan high-waist wide-leg linen blend jeans

Photographed by Camilla Akrans, Vogue, June 2013

Pajama Set + Bikini + Basket Bag = Bringing the Beach to Your Backyard

15 Sweet Summer Outfit Ideas to Wear Now (57)

Helen Kamainski packable raffia cloche

15 Sweet Summer Outfit Ideas to Wear Now (58)

Eberjey Gisele printed short PJ set

15 Sweet Summer Outfit Ideas to Wear Now (59)

Mark Cross Murphy raffia and leather bucket bag

15 Sweet Summer Outfit Ideas to Wear Now (60)

Culta Gaia Jasie sandal

15 Sweet Summer Outfit Ideas to Wear Now (2024)

FAQs

How can I look trendy in summer? ›

Keep reading to see the 10 summer fashion do's to try!
  1. CHOOSE NATURAL FIBERS TO BEAT THE HEAT. ...
  2. EMBRACE LOOSE, FLOWY STYLES. ...
  3. WHITE SNEAKERS FOR THE WIN. ...
  4. PICK THE PERFECT PAIR OF SHORTS (THAT FLATTER AND FIT!) ...
  5. SLIP INTO SUMMER SANDALS. ...
  6. DRESS UP YOUR DENIM. ...
  7. DARE TO BARE YOUR SHOULDERS. ...
  8. DABBLE IN A NEW HUE.

What to wear in summer in Los Angeles? ›

Summer in Los Angeles is warm and sunny and there are plenty of fun activities to enjoy outside, so dress accordingly. I recommend bringing dresses, tank tops, and light shirts or blouses for a summer trip to LA.

How to dress in summer for men? ›

In fact, long layers in lightweight fabrics, such as a breathable cotton twill chino, help shield skin from the sun, keeping you cool and comfortable all day. For a smart-casual look that possesses a playful charm, mix tailored chinos with a modern spin on the tropical print and finish with a clean white sneaker.

What fashion is trending right now? ›

Preppy fashion is also enjoying a major moment, giving you the go-ahead to dress like a more stylish high-school athlete. On the accessories front, belts are getting wider and more sculptural, while sneakers are slimmer than ever; don't toss those Adidas Sambas from last summer just yet.

How to dress stylish when it's hot? ›

Linen and cotton (in light colors) are your best bets for staying cool in the heat, especially if it's a dress, but it can also mean a cotton t-shirt and an airy, light skirt. Stay away from fabrics that can't breathe, like polyester and synthetics! Shoes: A mule, a flat, a sandal/espadrille, and a sneaker.

What is the summer chic dress code? ›

Summer-chic is usually associated with formal and luxurious, but the dress code represents the exact opposite: summer looks with a chic and glamourous twist. Express your creativity with this dress code - from stunning jumpsuits to refined summer dresses in all colors.

What is summer chic clothing? ›

A typical Summer Chic outfit is often in light and pastel colours, and lightweight materials such as linen and cotton. Summery accessories like sunglasses, hat, linen scarf complete the outfit.

How to dress a California style girl? ›

California girl style errs on the side of casual, comfortable, and carefree. Pair a sundress with flats or espadrilles; look for breezy fabrics; balance tailored pieces like a button-up shirt with jeans. It's all about feeling comfortable and confident in the clothes you're in too.

What color to wear during summer? ›

One should wear light color clothes for examples white, yellow, orange, sky blue, etc under sun and heat. Avoid wearing dark colors like black, which absorbs more light and heat wherein white color reflects light which results in less absorption of heat.

What shirts to wear out in summer? ›

First and foremost is a lightweight material. Avoid anything heavy or non-breathable; that's a no-brainer, but it bears repeating. Think cotton, linen, and even terrycloth. Natural fibers are best, because they allow for maximum breathability and feel better on the skin in the sweltering heat.

How to dress preppy male summer? ›

Spring & Summer Preppy Essentials

Linen shirts, chino shorts, and lightweight blazers are staples during these seasons. Boat shoes, often worn without socks, become the footwear of choice, adding a nautical touch to summer outfits.

How to dress nice as a guy? ›

Styling Tips For Men
  1. Dress for the Occasion. A huge part of dressing well as a guy is looking the part. ...
  2. Choose Quality Over Quantity. Investing in high-quality clothing immediately elevates your style. ...
  3. Start with Staples. ...
  4. Priortise Fit. ...
  5. Take Proper Care of Your Clothing.

Which fabric is best for summer? ›

Cotton. Cotton is one of the coolest fabrics for summer and hot weather. Not only is it cheap and hugely available, but it is also great for the heat. Cotton is soft, lightweight, breathable, and soaks up sweat, allowing heat to escape the body and for you to stay cool.

How can I look attractive all day? ›

How to Look Beautiful Inside and Out
  1. Embrace a Healthy Lifestyle. Looking beautiful starts from within. ...
  2. Skincare Routine Tailored to Your Skin Type. ...
  3. Enhance Your Features with Makeup. ...
  4. Dress to Impress. ...
  5. Take Care of Your Hair. ...
  6. Practice Good Posture. ...
  7. Smile and Be Positive. ...
  8. Nourishing Your Inner Beauty.
Nov 8, 2023

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