Do you ever have those mornings when you just can’t think? If, like me, you’re not much of a morning person, then that might be the majority of them. Aside from making it easier to forget something at home or skip a part of my makeup routine, it also tends to make it a lot harder to put together an easy outfit—especially if I haven’t had my first coffee yet.
In order to combat this, I like to keep a mental registry of quick and simple looks I know will always work for me, made up of classic basics I already have hanging in my wardrobe. For the summer months ahead, I’ve already found eight such looks I’ll be screenshotting and then committing to memory, all of which I have a feeling you’ll like too.
From throw-on dresses that look the polished part but require two seconds to assemble to the linen trousers that pair with every top you can imagine, these ensembles will save you time and valuable brain space. To see them all and, of course, shop them in case you’re missing any of the essentials, just keep scrolling.
Simple Summer Outfits That Will Never Fail You
1. Lightweight Jacket + Bermuda Shorts + Heeled Flip Flops
Style Notes: Sure it's summer, but this is Britain after all, so a jacket should never be out of reach. Look for lightweight textures and pair them with other summer staples, such as Bermuda shorts and heeled sandals.
Shop the Look:
A stylish throw-on option.
A staple if there ever was one.
COS always does summer tailoring best.
An easy way to make all of your outfits look chic.
2. White Shirt + Black Trousers + Straw Bag
Style Notes: While jeans make for a solid summer outfit option (I have a look on this list I know you'll love) more breezy pairs may also interest you. Choose a linen pair—I like the addition of embroidery here—and finish with a linen shirt and straw bag.
Shop the Look:
This shirt is an influencer favourite.
So pretty!
Tod's Gommino loafers are an "old money" It buy.
Trust me, you'll see this bag in all this chicest destinations this summer.
3. Two-Tone Dress + Sun Hat + Chunky Sandals
Style Notes: Simple dresses become a big part of my personality in the summer months—this two-tone style, with a cream skirt and black top, looks effortlessly chic when the reality is that you just threw it on. The best kind of outfit, IMO.
Shop the Look:
Practical and yet utterly fabulous.
You better believe I have this on order.
These also come in a gorgeous chocolate brown hue.
Lightweight and ideal for packing.
4. Blue Shirt + Cream Trousers + Simple Accessories
Style Notes: Stylish women across Europe know they can rely on the blue-shirt and cream-trouser pairing to look elegant throughout the summer months. Give the combo some structure with pared-back black accessories.
Shop the Look:
A no-brainer addition to your next Reiss order.
This will make every trouser you wear look premium.
These hang so beautifully on the body.
If you told me this was designer, I'd believe you.
5. Vest Top + Maxi Skirt + Chunky Bangles
Style Notes: Butter yellow is one of the biggest colour trends of the year, but it's also incredibly classic, so if you do choose to invest in it, rest assured it'll serve you well long after this year. Still, you don't need to copy the palette of this look for it to work—a maxi skirt and a basic vest top strike the perfect balance of being relaxed yet elevated.
Shop the Look:
A welcome change from your traditional white vest.
This colour is stunning.
A. Emery's sandals are a big hit amongst Who What Wear editors.
Resin bangles are huge this summer.
6. Strapless Top + Jeans + Statement Sunglasses
Style Notes: Jeans and a T-shirt will always serve you well, but consider upgrading the combination by swapping in a strapless top. Jersey styles will work, but chiffon and satin make much more of an impact for evening ensembles.
Shop the Look:
Isn't this just gorgeous?
Slouchy jeans will keep you cooler than straight-leg pairs.
As iconic a sunglass shape as you'll ever find.
No outfit is complete without a gold earring. At least, that's my thoughts on the matter.
7. Waistcoat + Shorts + Braided Bag
Style Notes: If simplicity is what you seek (as well as a few extra minutes in bed in the morning) then co-ords are your best friend. In summer, a waistcoat and short look is hard to better.
Shop the Look:
A waistcoat is a modern wardrobe staple.
Wear as a set or pair these with a classic white tee.
A cute crochet shoe only adds to the beachy vibe of a linen co-ord.
This has been on my wish list for months.
Give all your looks a beachy feel with a beaded necklace.
8. T-Shirt + Slip Skirt + Flip Flops
Style Notes: Slip skirts are a year-round staple but I think they come into their own in the summer months where the styling veers more on the casual side—just add a relaxed-fit T-shirt and leather flip flops to make the usually formal piece look the everyday part.
Shop the Look:
The comfiest T-shirt I own, no contest.
The A-line shape of this linen slip means it drapes rather than clings.
I just ordered these in the black leather and tan suede.
See what I mean about mixed metal earrings?
-
I've Mastered Hamptons Style—7 Outfit Formulas I Rely On Every SummerCoastal chic at its finest. No flight necessary.
-
Matching Sets Are Trending in London—I Personally Think They're Cooler Than DressesI have confirmation that I'm not alone.
-
The Most Elegant Outfits Right Now All Have This Colour in CommonIt's giving rich and beyond chic.
-
8 Classic Outfits to Try This Summer If You're a French Girl at Heart (Like Me)Chic.
-
I'm an F1-Obsessed Fashion Editor—7 Looks I've Spotted Track-Side That Are Worth CopyingVroom vroom!
-
Jeans Don't Always Cut It—The Elegant Trouser-and-Shoe Combination Fashion People Are Wearing RNTake a page out of Hailey Bieber's style book.
-
Summer Is Here! 4 Fun and Incredibly Chic Colour Combinations I've Spotted Fashion People WearingPerfect pairings.
-
Of Course, 2025's Cali Summer Uniform Involves This Timeless Denim TrendCan you take any guesses?
