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With summer in full swing, it’s the perfect excuse to stock up on some classic pieces to get you through the season. It’s always a good idea to have a well-rounded assortment of timeless summer pieces on hand for many occasions. The more versatile they are, the more you can style them with ease. But if you have a limited budget and zero inspiration, you may be stuck with ideas on what to wear. Don’t worry! I have gathered classic summer pieces from H&M that you can easily copy for the best budget-friendly (yet chic) summer outfits this season!
1. swimsuit top + oversized blazer + linen shorts
swimsuit top | blazer | shorts | sandals
A bikini top is a great starting point for a fun yet chic outfit. Mixing up swimsuit separates is also the perfect idea for scorching weather when you plan to be in and out of the water all day.
I opted to pair my swim top with a blazer to not only give this summer outfit an irresistibly fashionable look, but the lightweight blazer also helps give a little bit of modesty in a stylish way.
Comfy and classic shorts are, of course, a summer must-buy, so linen shorts are the perfect way to finish off this ensemble.
2. graphic tee + linen shorts
With the abstract motif and the French saying, this tee is a must-have for French fashion lovers as the design makes the tee look like a modern French art piece.
Since a t-shirt and shorts combo is a no-fail way to nail a casual-chic aesthetic in summer, getting a pair of basic linen shorts like these will provide you with endless outfit ideas.
To add a beachy yet unique touch to this basic outfit combination, pair it with stylish sandals like this rope pair. These were just made for summer!
3. tank top + linen shorts
As you can see, if you have a versatile pair of linen shorts, you will be reaching for them all summer long. They go well with so many summer tops, from graphic tees to tank tops, to even swimsuits.
What I love about this tank top is that it isn’t baggy. A fitted silhouette makes it very easy to tuck into shorts. These two staples, a fitted tank top and linen shorts, are summer must-haves that can easily be dressed up with the right accessories.
4. tank top + shirt dress + linen shorts
tank top | shirt dress | shorts | sandals
Adding one extra layering element can really change a whole look! By using the same outfit formula as above and layering a pinstripe blue shirt dress, this outfit gives a summer in Europe vibe.
It also has a sophisticated appeal that elevates the entire look and makes the ribbed tank top seem less casual.
Related post: What To Wear for a European Summer (Whether You’re Traveling to Europe or Not)
5. linen button-down + linen shorts
linen button-down | shorts | sandals
To look chic from the beach to dinner, get yourself a linen button-down. Since this linen button-down is oversized, I did a half-tuck to create a balanced look, but the beauty of a piece like this is that it could be styled in so many different ways.
If you have a necklace you love, unbutton the shirt to allow your pendant necklace to stand out.
This whole ensemble has somewhat of a summer business look, so slide on the rope sandals to give the outfit a beach-ready finish.
6. linen button-down + midi slip skirt
For this next outfit, swap out the black shorts for this silk skirt. This midi skirt is a classy piece that would work year-round, but pair it with a linen-button-down shirt to give it a summery update.
This outfit reads classy yet casual all at the same time. It can be worn for any occasion when you want to look a bit elevated.
7. graphic t-shirt + midi slip skirt
If you want an outfit that looks cute but still allows you to relax, then opt for a flowy midi skirt and a graphic tee.
The graphic t-shirt adds a casual finish to the skirt. This combo is such a simple outfit that always looks well put together!
8. one-piece swimsuit + linen pants + linen button-down
swimsuit | button-down | pants | sandals
A white button-down shirt works perfectly as a top and a layering piece as well. Pair with a black v-neck swimsuit to give your outfit an “I’m on my way to the beach” look.
High-waisted linen breezy pants coordinate well with a linen shirt. This outfit can go from beach days to getting ice cream in no time at all!
9. tank top + linen pants
As you know, a tank top is a staple in any summer wardrobe. It makes putting together stylish looks super easy.
Tuck your tank top into a pair of high-waisted linen pants for a stylish yet casual look.
Once again, notice the rope sandals. Summer must-have! Not only are they reasonably comfortable, but they add the perfect amount of texture and interest to an outfit.
10. tank top + linen shorts
When the temperature starts rising, so does my need to wear bermuda shorts. Even though cut-off denim shorts are usually all the rage, longer “dad” shorts are worth getting for the summer.
Not only do they beat the heat, but tailored bermuda shorts make an entire outfit look instantly polished!
11. linen button-down + linen shorts
button-down | shorts | sandals
Nothing quite says chic quite like this outfit formula. A neutral head-to-toe outfit is a great way to master classic summer dressing.
Since a linen button-down is a versatile piece, I used it to style with my bermuda shorts. Two tailored and neutral items create a very stylish look!
12. linen dress + sandals
Isn’t this a dress you would love to wear on rotation this summer? The lightweight linen material is perfect for summer days. Plus, the waist tie is a great detail as it helps to accentuate the body.
This neutral and simple pick is a great choice for anyone who needs a little break from floral dresses in the summer.
13. shirt dress + denim shorts
There is nothing easier than throwing on a shirt dress over some distressed denim shorts. This combo perfectly captures the style of casual yet stylish summer fashion.
It is the type of look to wear on vacation or casual weekends with friends. A pinstripe shirt dress with distressed, light-wash jeans offers a cool and edgy appeal.
14. linen button-down + denim shorts
To celebrate the warm weather in style, pair your go-to linen shirt with light-wash denim shorts.
For early morning Farmer’s market or late summer nights, the overall look is a chic and laid-back aesthetic that’s so easy to copy.
For a timeless fashion lover, the summertime is all about rocking chic staples and neutral colors. But finding inexpensive and chic pieces is not always easy. Thankfully, these budget-friendly classic summer outfits from H&M will have you covered all season!
Though not from H&M, here are some of my go-to classic summer accessories:
For more classic summer tips, check out the Coastal Grandmother trend that has been trending!
Up Next: The One Trend Everyone Can Wear This Summer | Coastal Grandmother Style
Hi MCO team! Love your content! I revamped my wardrobe to create a beautiful Parisian chic capsule wardrobe that suits my lifestyle. It isn’t finished but I am well on my way to progress. I am so happy that I discovered your content. A small request…I travel to NYC for business/work meetings monthly and the dress code ranges from business casual to business formal depending on the events. I would *love* to see a posting on a Summer/Fall/Winter/Spring in NYC business attire capsule wardrobe series for women like myself in their 30s. Is this something you might be able to assist me with? Thank you!
Thank you for your message! We do have a classic work capsule wardrobe for women in their 30s and beyond. Hope that’s what you’re looking for!