When I can’t decide what to wear, or quite what I need to get dressed for, I like to strike a balance between a casual outfit and a chic one – it’s truly the best of both worlds! Comfort with just a little splash of polish, a casual chic outfit gets you where you need to go this summer – making dressing oh so easy.
1. linen pants + white tee + striped sweater (optional) + straw bag + sandals
Linen pants are one of my favorite casual pieces to base an outfit around – especially ones with an elastic waist! This pair from J.Crew is a personal favorite, and I love pairing them with all sorts of things in my wardrobe – even things as simple as a white t-shirt. For a bit of polish (and style), tie a striped sweater around your shoulders. Slip-on sandals are great for adding ease, while a straw bag adds extra interest.
2. dress + sneakers + boat tote + striped sweater (optional) + baseball cap
dress | shoes | sunglasses | watch | hat | bag
Summer is made for dresses – especially ones you can easily dress up or down. A dress and white sneaker combo is a great base for accessorizing. For a preppy finish (and coastal-inspired flair), complete your outfit with a baseball cap, boat tote, watch, and striped sweater.
3. jeans + linen vest + straw tote bag + sandals
This is a favorite summer outfit combo of mine that I fall back on again and again. Jeans (if your weather isn’t too warm for them) paired with a linen vest create a laidback yet stylish outfit – perfect for a lunch date or weekend antiquing. Complete your outfit with easy sandals and a straw bag (the go-to summer accessory!).
Related: 5 Easy Summer Outfit Combos You’ll Reach for on Repeat
4. denim shorts + short sleeve sweater + ballet flats + straw bag
cardigan | shoes | shorts | sunglasses | bag
What’s this website without at least one outfit with Parisian flair? Denim shorts are a great summer staple to build a casual summer outfit around. A short-sleeved woven sweater (especially in colorful stripes) adds a Parisian touch, without causing you to overheat like a long sleeve sweater. Red ballet flats add not just a pop of color, but a pop of chic too.
5. shirt dress + sneakers + sunglasses + straw bag
dress | sneakers | sunglasses | bag
A shirt dress is one of those pieces that can be both casual and chic, so it makes sense that I include it in this post. White sneakers add versatility (not to mention practicality) while stylish sunglasses and a natural straw bag add style.
6. pants + striped t-shirt + sandals + straw bag
pants | sunglasses | shoes | shirt | bag
If you never know what to wear, opt for a striped shirt with linen, cotton, or gauzy pants. It’s a comfy yet chic combo, perfect for cooler summer days or summer nights. With classy sandals, a straw bag, and oval sunglasses, this French-inspired outfit is perfect for pretending you’re vacationing on the Riviera.
Related: 9 Warm Weather Outfits That Are Giving French Girl
7. linen pants + tank top + red sandals + cotton scarf
pants | top | sunglasses | scarf | shoes
It’s amazing what a pop of color can do for an outfit! If you want to jazz up your neutrals, red is the perfect pick. Not only does it breathe life into your subdued colors, but red is one of those colors that just always look chic.
8. linen button-up + shorts + sandals + baseball cap + watch
shirt | cap | watch | shoes | shorts
For an outfit perfect for walks, farmers’ markets, and weekend sporting events, opt for breezy shorts and a linen button-up. The iconic Ralph Lauren baseball cap adds a preppy polish, while the classy silver watch elevates the outfit.
9. denim shorts + gingham shirt + sneakers + boat tote + baseball cap + pearl earrings
shirt | cap | shorts | tote | sneakers
Is it really summer if you don’t wear gingham? This print makes any outfit look feminine and cute! For an outfit that encapsulates both chic and casual, pair your gingham top with denim shorts and pearl earrings. A baseball cap, boat tote, and sneakers make the outfit perfect for play.
Casual Summer Outfits That Don’t Sacrifice Style
Whether summer finds you going to a concert, the pool, the farmer’s market, or exploring new towns, you’ll want outfits that make you feel as chic as you feel comfortable. For more summer outfit ideas, read on for 6 Summer Staples I’m Obsessed With (You’ll Want These Too)
