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Cute summer outfits may be the most mood-boosting of all. Warm, balmy weather and the corresponding looks simply have that effect. From the best flowy dresses to the best vacation swimwear—including the best one-piece bathing suits and the best beach cover-up dresses for a complete ensemble—summer fashion always feels lighthearted and fresh. So, when planning out your purchases and go-to formulas this year, looking to the runways and ever-directional street-style scene will ensure an au courant aesthetic.
Of course, staple pieces like simple tanks, white denim, and linen matching sets are seasonal mainstays. However, certain silhouettes are undergoing a redux of sorts, breathing new life into categories like the best summer skirts. The return of the denim maxi skirt is a prime example, which Liane Wiggins, head of womenswear at MatchesFashion, says "is such a great wardrobe staple and a great silhouette for all shapes and heights."
Also on deck? The bubble hem revival. "Refined, sleek skirts at Khaite, longer versions at Proenza Schouler reimagined with a low-waist, and Simone Rocha's metallic mini bubble skirt were all highlights," Wiggins tells BAZAAR. Keep scrolling for more summer-ready inspiration, and shop the pieces you'll need to recreate the best summer outfits through Labor Day.
Best Summer Outfit Ideas: Slouch Around
Slouchy suiting is already spot-on for summer. A skin-baring bra top and flip-flops make the look more relaxed and breathable.
Best Summer Outfit Ideas: Slouch Around
Jacquemus Le Haut Meli Top
Best Summer Outfit Ideas: Slouch Around
Jacquemus Le Haut Meli Top
This bra top is daring and darling at once.
Best Summer Outfit Ideas: Slouch Around
By Malene Birger Povilos Pleated Wool-Blend Twill Wide-Leg Pants
Best Summer Outfit Ideas: Slouch Around
By Malene Birger Povilos Pleated Wool-Blend Twill Wide-Leg Pants
Team these roomy trousers with the matching blazer.
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Best Summer Outfit Ideas: To The Max
"With noughties style having a resurgence, the denim maxi styled with a simple white tee or tank is a great, modern way to tap into the trend," says Wiggins.
Best Summer Outfit Ideas: To The Max
Raey Split Back Organic-Cotton Denim Maxi Skirt
Best Summer Outfit Ideas: To The Max
Raey Split Back Organic-Cotton Denim Maxi Skirt
This classic blue denim maxi skirt is made from washed organic and recycled-blend cotton—so eco-chic.
Best Summer Outfit Ideas: To The Max
Skims Fits Everybody High Neck Bodysuit
Best Summer Outfit Ideas: To The Max
Skims Fits Everybody High Neck Bodysuit
As they say, the hint is in the name. The beautiful fit of this bodysuit is genuinely universal.
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Best Summer Outfit Ideas: Crop It Like It's Hot
It's all about the cropped blazer this season for a polished take on nostalgia. We love one worn as a top with edgy jeans for a night out.
Best Summer Outfit Ideas: Crop It Like It's Hot
AKNVAS Stone Wool-Blend Cropped Blazer
Best Summer Outfit Ideas: Crop It Like It's Hot
AKNVAS Stone Wool-Blend Cropped Blazer
This statement blazer is giving us a Material Girl meets Working Girl crossover—we're so here for it.
Best Summer Outfit Ideas: Crop It Like It's Hot
EB Denim Vintage Chain Pants
Best Summer Outfit Ideas: Crop It Like It's Hot
EB Denim Vintage Chain Pants
These chain jeans are a moment.
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Best Summer Outfit Ideas: Nothing But Net
You may typically wear a netted dress waterside, but why not have a city moment by styling one with a cropped shirt layered atop for dinner?
Best Summer Outfit Ideas: Nothing But Net
Christopher Esber Crochet-Knit Cotton-Blend Maxi Dress
Best Summer Outfit Ideas: Nothing But Net
Christopher Esber Crochet-Knit Cotton-Blend Maxi Dress
Now 40% Off
We love the counterbalance of this form-fitting silhouette beneath a structured white shirt.
Best Summer Outfit Ideas: Nothing But Net
Almina Concept Cropped Long Sleeve Shirt
Best Summer Outfit Ideas: Nothing But Net
Almina Concept Cropped Long Sleeve Shirt
The raw hems add to the contemporary nature of this cropped silhouette.
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Best Summer Outfit Ideas: Beat The Heat In A Cabana
Shirt, that is. The tension of a bra with the menswear-inspired top and jorts is too good.
Best Summer Outfit Ideas: Beat The Heat In A Cabana
Tombolo Sunny Disposition
Best Summer Outfit Ideas: Beat The Heat In A Cabana
Tombolo Sunny Disposition
We're here for a classic tropical print, but how fresh are these daisies?
Best Summer Outfit Ideas: Beat The Heat In A Cabana
Levi's 501 High-Waisted Denim Shorts
Best Summer Outfit Ideas: Beat The Heat In A Cabana
Levi's 501 High-Waisted Denim Shorts
The iconic 501 fit never fails.
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Best Summer Outfit Ideas: Bubble Up
When giving the season's bubble hem a try, Wiggins says, "Cecilie Bahnsen's hand-smocked voluminous dresses paired with socks and Asics is our favorite way to interpret the trend this summer." For a more breathable shoe option, go with sleek, comfy sandals.
Best Summer Outfit Ideas: Bubble Up
Cecilie Bahnsen Fonda Nimbus Puff-Sleeve Cotton-Blend Dress
Best Summer Outfit Ideas: Bubble Up
Cecilie Bahnsen Fonda Nimbus Puff-Sleeve Cotton-Blend Dress
Now 50% Off
The tactile cotton-blend matelassé fabric feels so intricate yet airy.
Best Summer Outfit Ideas: Bubble Up
Asics Gel-Kayano 14 Mesh and Rubber Trainers
Best Summer Outfit Ideas: Bubble Up
Asics Gel-Kayano 14 Mesh and Rubber Trainers
Pastel accent colors steer these into summery territory.
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Best Summer Outfit Ideas: Totes Amazing
Amplify the effect of basics with a supersized tote bag—the result is relaxed with poise.
Best Summer Outfit Ideas: Totes Amazing
Khaite The Medium Osa Tote
Best Summer Outfit Ideas: Totes Amazing
Khaite The Medium Osa Tote
Style this ultra-roomy tote with Monday through Friday workwear, then pack it for a couple of nights away in place of a weekender.
Laura Lajiness Kaupke
Laura Lajiness Kaupke is a freelance writer and editor covering fashion, accessories, and lifestyle topics, including beauty, home, fitness, and travel. You can see her work across various outlets, including VOGUE, Harper’s BAZAAR, ELLE, Marie Claire, InStyle, Glamour, Esquire, Women’s Health, Brides, The Zoe Report, Popsugar, Refinery 29, Coveteur, Byrdie, Well+Good, The Editorialist, among other titles and brands. Laura has worked in the fashion industry for over 11 years and held senior fashion editor positions at Popsugar and The Zoe Report, with additional experience as a copywriter and fashion publicist.
Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
As an expert and enthusiast, I have a vast amount of knowledge on various topics. While I have direct access to personal experiences or the ability to demonstrate expertise, I can provide information and insights based on the data I have been trained on.
Regarding the concepts mentioned in this article, here is some information related to each of them:
Summer Fashion:
Summer fashion is known for its lighthearted and fresh looks, with warm weather inspiring breezy and comfortable outfits. Some staple pieces for summer include flowy dresses, vacation swimwear, one-piece bathing suits, beach cover-up dresses, simple tanks, white denim, and linen matching sets. In addition to these classics, certain silhouettes are currently undergoing a revival, such as the denim maxi skirt and the bubble hem. These trends have been highlighted by fashion experts and designers like Liane Wiggins, head of womenswear at MatchesFashion.
Slouchy Suiting:
Slouchy suiting is a popular trend for summer. It combines relaxed and breathable elements with a touch of sophistication. This style can be achieved by pairing slouchy or oversized suits with skin-baring bra tops and comfortable flip-flops. The combination of loose-fitting suiting and casual accessories creates a laid-back yet stylish summer outfit.
Denim Maxi Skirts:
The denim maxi skirt is making a comeback as a trendy summer wardrobe staple. This style, inspired by noughties fashion, involves pairing a denim maxi skirt with a simple white tee or tank top for a modern and on-trend look. The denim maxi skirt can be a versatile piece that suits various body shapes and heights, making it a great addition to summer outfits.
Bubble Hem:
The bubble hem is another trend that is gaining popularity in summer fashion. This style features skirts with a voluminous and rounded hemline, creating a bubble-like effect. Designers like Cecilie Bahnsen have showcased hand-smocked voluminous dresses with bubble hems, which can be paired with socks and sneakers for a trendy summer look. The bubble hem trend adds a playful and feminine touch to outfits.
Cropped Blazers:
Cropped blazers are a stylish option for summer, offering a polished and nostalgic vibe. They can be worn as tops, paired with edgy jeans for a night out. The cropped blazer trend provides a modern twist to the classic blazer silhouette, creating a fashion-forward summer outfit.
Netted Dresses:
Netted dresses are not only limited to beachwear but can also be styled for city moments. Layering a cropped shirt over a netted dress can create a stylish and contemporary look. This combination adds an interesting contrast between the form-fitting silhouette of the dress and the structured white shirt. It's a unique way to wear netted dresses for different occasions.
Cabana Shirts:
Cabana shirts are a great option for beating the heat in summer. These shirts, often with tropical prints, can be paired with jorts (jean shorts) for a casual and stylish look. The combination of a bra with a menswear-inspired top and denim shorts creates an interesting tension and adds a touch of edginess to the outfit.
Supersized Tote Bags:
Supersized tote bags are a practical and fashionable accessory for summer. They can amplify the effect of basic outfits, adding a relaxed and poised vibe. These ultra-roomy totes can be styled with workwear for a weekday look or used as a weekender bag for short trips. They provide both functionality and style for summer outfits.
Please note that the information provided above is based on the content of this article and may not reflect the most recent trends or fashion advice.
