Avalon Afriyie
We're now midway through July so I think we can all agree that summer has well and truly arrived. After a (pretty surprising, let's be honest) run of hot weather, as well as rails of brighter colour trends and shorter hemlines in some of our favourites stores, there's no denying that summer has kicked off and is in full, very warm, swing.
With a holiday coming up that sets the tone for a busy few months ahead, I'm already starting to mentally prep summer outfits in my mind. The thing is, it's easy to get swept up in the trends at this time of year. They're all incredibly fun and tempting, but if my 14 years spent as a fashion editor have taught me anything, it's that summer trends tend to be more frivolous and fleeting than other trends. And they often don't feel relevant by the time the next summer rolls around.
This is not what we stand for at Who What Wear. Yes, we like to guide you towards fresh looks you might not have considered trying otherwise, but we'd never suggest you invest in items we know will likely have a short shelf life. This is how I shop personally, too, so, when it came to deciding which summer trends to spotlight for the season ahead, I assembled my edit with the idea that, yes, these are looks that feel current now but I know I'll still love beyond 2025.
This year, there's been a focus on elegant dressing across the board, so I thought this would be a helpful place to start. Yes, there's always joy to be found in wearing statement pieces, but if you want to look back on photographs of yourself from past summers and think, "I looked so chic", then the below options should interest you. Keep scrolling to see the ways you can make your summer style feel elegant this season.
10 Ways to Achieve Elegant Summer Style:
1. Basque Dresses
Style Notes: When I begin dreaming of the season, the first thing I think about is the summer dresses I'm going to get to wear again. Over the years, I've amassed quite a collection, and one style I always see make a comeback is that of basque, fitted-bodice-type dresses. This season, they come in the form of strategically-placed seams and taught waistlines.
Shop Basque Dresses:
Reformation makes the prettiest summer dresses. This one comes in five timeless colours.
Dress up with slingback heels or down with strappy flat sandals.
This comes in petite sizing too—perfect if you often find summer dresses are too long.
2. Linen Shirts
Style Notes: Perhaps the most effortless-looking but hardest-working item in any summer wardrobe is the linen shirt. I like to seek out styles with a relaxed fit, as I find they look more elegant than their fitted counterparts. Push up the sleeves to showcase a classic timepiece or bracelet.
Shop Linen Shirts:
This 100% linen shirt is so easy to style in a multitude of ways.
There's something entirely unique about this lapis blue hue.
I love this striped style, especially with cream or white shorts, as above.
3. Striped Trousers
Style Notes: Every summer, without fail, I think, "I should really buy a pair of lightweight striped trousers", but never seem to get around to it. Looking back at influencer looks from the past few summers, however, has convinced me that this year is indeed the year I'll buy a pair. Not only have they proven themselves to be timeless, but they work as a more refined alternative to the loose-fit jeans I've been living in this spring.
Shop Striped Trousers:
You'd be forgiven for thinking this is a designer piece.
Why not explore the complete co-ordinate!
A lovely costal baby-blue hue.
4. Silver Jewellery
Style Notes: I'm a gold-jewellery person through and through, but there's something about silver jewellery for summer that feels so fresh and refined, especially when set against sun-kissed skin.
Shop Silver Jewellery:
Simple and so elegant.
Perfect for pairing with linen.
The woven effect adds a unique texture to your look.
5. Breezy Jumpsuits
Style Notes: Part of what makes a summer outfit look elegant is its silhouette. Where fitted bodices are taking over on dresses, elsewhere we're seeing breezy shapes take centre stage, especially where trousers and jumpsuits are concerned. Jumpsuits especially have a unique, throw-on quality that looks effortlessly elegant.
Shop Breezy Jumpsuits:
So easy to dress up or down.
A cotton and linen blend, which will keep you super cool.
The halterneck style adds a sleek, retro twist.
6. Pretty Embroidered Dresses
Style Notes: There's just something about floral embroidery with a white-cotton canvas that I find impossible to resist—and fashion people seem to find the same. Completely trend-proof, this presents a subtle way to add colour and print to elegant summer looks.
Shop Pretty Embroidered Dresses:
Rixo is so good for embroidered pieces.
This new cute mini on Net-A-Porter has really caught my eye!
The embroidered seems make this white dress unique.
7. Woven Bags
Style Notes: Basket bags will always be a summer style mainstay, but if you're in the market for something a little glossier, look to woven leather styles. Dragon Diffusion has been serving up refined takes on summer bags for years, and now, the high street is following suit.
Shop Woven Bags:
Summer is for fun colours. This bag is on every editor's wish list, and this sea green hue makes it all the better.
Doesn't this look way more expensive?
I've had my eye on this one, and I like its lightweight raffia texture.
8. Classic Gingham
Style Notes: When it comes to summertime prints, it's not florals that come to my mind. Instead, I gravitate towards gingham checks. The picnic-spread motif loans itself especially well to lightweight fabrics such as linen and cotton, and gives an air of '50s holiday dressing. What could be more elegant than that?
Shop Classic Gingham:
Nobody's Child have an entire gingham category!
I'll be wearing this on my summer holidays.
Another pretty style.
9. Thong Sandals
Style Notes: Of all the sandal trends out there, one that's remained constant over the years is the thong sandal. Revived from the '90s fashion archives a few years ago, this sandal has been distilled further, and now we're seeing thinner straps for 2025. To heel or not to heel, that's entirely up to you.
Shop Thong Sandals:
Comfort and style in one sleek shoe!
These have such a '90s vibe to them.
An elevated statement pair that won't feel dated by next summer.
10. Silk Scarves
Style Notes: Summer style is all about versatility, especially when it comes to packing your suitcase for holidays. And one item I always prioritise is a large silk scarf. Knotted around the handle of a tote bag, used to protect your hair from the sun or, indeed, worn as a top. There are a myriad of chic ways to wear this single item.
Shop Silk Scarves:
You can also tie this around the handle of your favourite handbag.
This will go great with the neutrals in your wardrobe.
I think pulling inspiration from the '70s is always fitting for summer, and this scarf's pattern ticks all those boxes.
This piece was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
