I’ll admit it: My personal style can be a bit chaotic at times. I’ve always enjoyed testing out every trend under the sun, so my daily outfits tend to run the gamut. If I were to document each one, they’d be an amuse-bouche of trending aesthetics—minimalistic tailoring one day and slinky cutouts the next. But no matter how many different styles I rotate through, summer is the time when I really pare things back. When it’s hot out, it’s the simpler the better. And with warmer weather on the horizon, I’m already planning out the fallback formulas I know I’ll lean on throughout the season.
Ahead, I’m highlighting the three effortless summer outfit ideas I’m putting into rotation. They’re each brainless, cool, and requires three or less items, but just in case you’re a visual learner I went ahead and sourced plenty of styling examples for each one to really prove how repeatable they are. I’ll be taking notes from these fashion people on how to turn something as simple as a tank and trousers or a matching shorts set into a bona fide ‘fit, and if you want to do the same, then I suggest you keep reading.
A simple tank and trousers are really what you make of them. Here, heeled sandals and an elevated shoulder bag ensure a polished finish.
For a more casual vibe, embrace the oversized look with slouchy-fit trousers. A leather belt and “dad” hat complete the low-key cool aesthetic.
The classics never fail with this combo—like flat slides and a straw bag.
A tank and trousers is the perfect base to funkier accessories.
The soft fabric makes this sustainably-made tank a true luxury investment.
The perfect balance of slouchy and tailored.
For $8, this is worth stocking up on.
In case you wanted to recreate the first outfit in this gallery.
The epitome of an elevated basic.
Zara’s best-selling trousers: now in summer-ready ecru.
Boxer-button-down sets were huge last summer and much to my delight, they’re coming back again this year.
Perfect for hot and humid days in the dead of summer.
For lounging, travel, or the beach, these easy sets are incredibly versatile.
