Let's be real. True style isn't determined by the price tag. Even though we live in an era in which what's stylish has often been equated with how much money is spent on clothing, that's not the true definition of style. In fact, the best dressed people understand that looking rich is an art form. But what exactly is the secret to crafting expensive-looking summer outfits? It's pretty simple: styling. Whether or not they're wealthy, the most elegant people curate a closet that has some luxury items (e.g., designer bags and sandals) as well as a series of staples that stand the test of time. With those items, they find new ways to pair them together to create summer outfits that scream "wealthy," even when they may not actually have an offshore account.
If you're unsure of how to dress elegantly for yourself, you're in luck. In the vein of helping discern what to wear in order to look wealthy, I've done extensive image and market research. Ahead, you'll find 15 sophisticated summer outfit ideas for every single possible occasion. Plus, I've included a few styling tips and luxury shopping recommendations that will give you a master class on how to dress rich. Trust me—these effortless ensembles are the easiest way to make your wardrobe look more expensive without emptying your bank account.
What You'll Need: Kerchief + Sunglasses + Earrings + Maxi Shirtdress + Quilted Bag + Mesh Ballet Flats
Styling Notes: One of the easiest ways to look rich this summer is to invest in solid staples, such as a maxi shirtdress. Not only does this simple dress stand the test of time, but if you style it right, you can also look like you spent the summer in the South of France.
Pucci's pieces are peak summertime, IMHO.
You'll wear this well into the fall.
It doesn't get more classic than Chanel's Flap bag.
What You'll Need: Sunglasses + Scarf + T-Shirt + Maxi Skirt + Ballet Flats
Styling Notes: If there's one other staple you shouldn't be caught without this summer, it's the black maxi skirt. No matter what things you choose to pair this timeless basic with, it will always make you look like you have a trust fund. If you really want to lean into the old money feel, keep your outfit minimal by pairing it with a black T-shirt, ballet flats, and a contrasting scarf.
One of the best long-term buys you can make is in a quality black T-shirt.
You might not be the Princess of Genovia, but this skirt will make you feel like one.
Insider tip: You can make your ballet flats feel even more sophisticated by opting for a satin pair.
What You'll Need: Matching Linen Set + Belt + Woven Tote Bag + Strappy Sandals
Styling Notes: What's another easy way to look elegant this summer? A matching linen set. A linen top and skirt paired with strappy sandals, a belt, and a raffia tote bag makes for a super-simple outfit formula to follow, and it always looks sophisticated.
Sublime.
Shop the matching Menorca Top Tobacco ($90).
Drop subtle hints you're about your paper with this green tote.
Suede sandals will always scream "money."
What You'll Need: Halter Top + White Maxi Skirt + Strappy Sandals + Clutch Bag
Styling Notes: Beyond sets, there's another straightforward hack that will make you look stylish this summer: Stick to neutral shades. No matter what's on your calendar, you can always count on a black-and-white look to always look chic.
If I was a rich girl, this would be in my cart right now.
White skirts are the secret to making your summer wardrobe look wealthy.
It's a need, not a want.
What You'll Need: Blazer + Tank Top + Belt + Bermuda Shorts + Mesh Ballet Flats
Styling Notes: If your summer plans call for you to look a bit more corporate but you still want to tap into the out-of-office energy, then the outfit above is right up your alley. You can craft an outfit for work that looks like you don't need to work anymore by pairing a white blazer with a matching tank top, pleated shorts, a belt, and woven ballet flats.
NGL, I'm gawking over the gold buttons on this blazer.
These shorts are timeless.
Fun fact: These are handmade by artisans in Ukraine.
What You'll Need: Sculptural Earrings + Draped Top + Bermuda Shorts + Slingback Heels + Clutch Bag
Styling Notes: Don't think that shorts can look sophisticated? Think again. If you want to make this staple look a bit more expensive, take styling inspiration from the example above. You can elevate Bermuda shorts by pairing them with a draped top, slingback heels, a snakeskin clutch bag, and sculptural earrings.
Hello, Fendi bag of my dreams.
Someone please come pick up my jaw off the floor.
Butter yellow is the color of the season.
What You'll Need: Draped Top + Belt + Jeans + Shoulder Bag + Strappy Sandals
Styling Notes: Not all stylish summer outfit ideas have to err on the formal side. Case in point: the effortlessly elegant 'fit above. You can elevate your white jeans by styling them with a white draped top, belt, shoulder bag, and strappy sandals.
Heavenly.
Never choose between gold and silver again.
Cool girls, apply here.
What You'll Need: Sunglasses + Shell Earrings + Waistcoat + Linen Pants + Clutch + Slides
Styling Notes: When it's far too hot outside to get away with denim, the next best thing is a pair of linen trousers. This staple will withstand heat waves, and when styled with a matching linen vest and other summer-centric accessories, it will exude sophistication.
Lean into the theme of summertime by embracing shell jewelry.
Note the styling!
Prediction: You'll live in these linen pants.
What You'll Need: Raffia Hat + Linen Set + Sunglasses + Raffia Bag
Styling Notes: For those days when it's far too hot outside to wear pants but you still want to look as if you're polished enough to own a flat in Positano, use the outfit above as inspiration. Whether you're heading to the beach or brunch, a linen tank and matching shorts styled with woven accessories will always look expensive—sans effort.
Nothing quiet about this hat.
You can wear these to the beach or bed. It's your prerogative.
Spacious enough to fit all of your beach-day essentials.
What You'll Need: One-Piece + Sunglasses + Slides
Styling Notes: Whether you are planning a day by the resort's pool or have secured an elusive invite to a yacht party, you'll want to make sure your swimwear looks sophisticated this summer. When in doubt, you can't go wrong with a simple one-piece styled with chic shades and contemporary slides.
Rest assured, you'll be the main character in these Celine sunglasses.
Warning: This suit will secure you so many compliments.
There's no shortage of ways you can style these Saint Laurent slides—with swimwear, sundresses, shorts, and so on.
What You'll Need: Sunglasses + Button-Down Shirt + Tank Dress + Flip-Flops
Styling Notes: What's the secret to looking rich after spending the day in some form of water? Having a simple look you can swap after swimming. You can make your swimsuit appropriate for aperitivo by adding layers—e.g., a tank dress and button-down shirt over your swimsuit. Bonus points if you add a few bolder accessories into the mix to make these boring staples feel bougier.
Sporty shades? Here for it.
Perfect for layering over dresses, bikinis, and tank tops.
Simple but so stylish.
What You'll Need: Sunglasses + Earrings + Black Minidress + Watch + Slingbacks + Handbag
Styling Notes: Although we might associate "wealthy activities" with being by the water, that's not the only way that the top 1% spends their time during the summer—which is why you'll also need another fail-proof outfit formula. When in doubt, a black minidress styled with expensive-looking accessories (such as a watch, a handbag, and sunglasses) will work for various occasions.
It's timeless. (Excuse the pun.)
Chic, chic, chic.
Please stop scrolling to admire the hardware on these slingbacks.
What You'll Need: Sunglasses + Hoops + Halter Top + Balloon Skirt + Strappy Sandals + Raffia Tote Bag
Styling Notes: You can't go wrong with a black minidress, but if you want to go for something a bit more dramatic, you'll want to get your inspiration from above. Whether you're getting dinner by the sea or going out dancing, an all-black halter top and balloon skirt will make sure you stand out from the crowd in a good way.
You can also style this top with shorts or jeans.
It's sure to become a cult classic in your closet.
Yes, bubble skirts are back.
What You'll Need: Sculptural Earrings + Strapless Gown + Sandals + Bangles + Clutch
Styling Notes: Whether you've secured tickets to the theater or the hottest table in town, the easiest way to ensure you don't stand out among the sea of rich people is to check the dress code. If you still happen to be unsure, opt for an elegant gown styled with jewelry and a clutch bag for the evening.
Go for a uniquely shaped clutch if you want the piece to strike up a conversation.
Strapless dresses have never been more elegant.
BRB, I'm dreaming of wearing these sandals in Saint-Tropez.
What You'll Need: Black Maxi Dress + Belt + Thong Sandals + Shoulder Bag
Styling Notes: By now, you hopefully have a firm grasp on how to dress rich, even if you're not. If you need one last bit of parting advice, let it be this: Keep it simple. Whether it's summertime or any other season, less is always more. A black maxi dress styled with a bold belt and shoulder bag is an outfit formula that will always look sophisticated no matter how much you actually spend creating the look.
Adding a belt to your summer ensembles is the simplest way to make it look bougier.
Black dresses really never fail.
She's currently at the top of my own wish list.
