8 Classic Outfits That Give "Summer" Without Trying Too Hard

There's something so satisfying about assembling an outfit and knowing from the moment you complete the dressing process that it just works. Of course, this doesn't happen every time you throw a look together, but you can significantly up the chances of good-outfit synergy when you focus on classic pieces.

Classic summer outfits are reigning supreme right now, and I have a theory as to why. As a slew of lockdowns put a pause on the trend cycle, what ensued was a renewed appreciation for wardrobe basics—finds that never feel too "of the moment." It made many of us (myself included) realize that a well-rounded edit of staples is a surefire way of looking stylish and put together. That's not to say there's no place for trends—a strong wardrobe will always have a marriage of both—but never before have classic pieces been so prevalent. And it shows.

As the warm-weather season kicks off, I'm seeing more and more influencers leaning heavily on classic summer outfits centered on staples—things like linen shirting, relaxed tailoring, white dresses, simple slider sandals, and basket bags. So if you're in the market for easy outfit solutions, you've come to the right place, for I've listed eight of my favorite summer outfit ideas that make full use of the aforementioned basics. Okay, so there are a couple of pieces you might not yet have in your closet—a crochet top being one—but I genuinely believe that these are the sort of classic summer outfits you can rely on year after year, whatever the trends might be. Scroll on to see them.

Style Notes: Shorts are an integral part of summer styling and look their chicest worn with a linen shirt. 

I love this shade of blue. 

The wide legs on these shorts ensure they still feel breezy and lightweight. 

A sound sandal investment. 

Style Notes: White dresses and basket bags are my favorite summer pairing, hands down, and work for a multitude of occasions. 

I have a thing for white dresses, and this Dôen number is high up on my wish list. 

Also on my wish list? A Muuñ basket. 

Okay, okay—so are these sandals. 

Style Notes: The jeans-and-a-nice-top pairing isn’t one you need to retire when summer rolls around—just make sure that nice top is sleeveless. 

The ribbed fabric will feel gorgeous on the skin. 

I wear gold jewelry to elevate all of my classic summer outfits. 

These come in so many colors and treatments. Faded rips, anyone? 

Style Notes: Another summer-jeans look that stands the test of time: white denim and a printed, short-sleeve shirt. I also love the addition of a headscarf. 

This will help protect your hair from the sun’s harsh rays. 

Summer holidays in a shirt. 

Look for wide-leg white jeans in lieu of skinnies, as they look more modern. 

Style Notes: This bandeau-top-and-maxi-skirt outfit taps into the Y2K trend that’s so prevalent right now, but the muted color palette ensures it feels classic and chic. 

There’s nothing dated about this take on the tube top. 

So simple, so beautiful. 

A fun addition to any handbag collection. 

Style Notes: Layering different shades of the same color will help create an expensive-looking, tonal ensemble, as Lorna has mastered here with her beige shirt-and-trouser look. 

I adore this shade of soft buttercup.

Rectangular sunglasses are everywhere this season. 

These will pair just as nicely with a white vest top and heels. 

Style Notes: Classic summer outfits rely heavily on denim in all its forms, including the midi skirt. Although this will work with just about any top option in your wardrobe, I particularly like how Anne has paired hers with a short-sleeve cardigan. 

Anne’s exact cardigan comes from French-girl cool brand Rouje. 

This will look great with a white broderie blouse. 

Too cute for words! 

Style Notes: Crochet might feel on-trend for 2022, but rest assured it’s a look that comes back every summer season. Worn with palazzo trousers and chunky sandals, this is an outfit you’ll want to live in when temperatures soar. 

Gimaguas has some of the best crochet options out there. 

You could opt for white linen trousers, but these silky palazzos present a glamorous alternative. 

The designer sandals every editor wants (if they don’t already own them). 

This post originally appeared on Who What Wear UK and has since been updated.

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