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—minimalist 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, 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 and cool and require three or fewer 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.
Formula One: Tank Top + Tailored Trousers
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 oversize look with slouchy-fit trousers. A leather belt and "dad" hat complete the low-key, cool aesthetic.
The classics, like flat slides and a straw bag, never fail with this combo.
A tank and trousers are the perfect base for funkier accessories.
Shop the outfit:
The soft fabric makes this sustainably made tank a true luxury investment.
The perfect balance of slouchy and tailored.
For $10, this is worth stocking up on.
In case you wanted to re-create the first outfit in this gallery.
The epitome of an elevated basic.
Zara's best-selling trousers are now available in summer-ready ecru.
Formula Two: Breezy Shorts Set
Boxer-and-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.
Name a cooler swimwear cover-up. I'll wait.
Shop the outfit:
Insiders buy this crisp button-down en masse.
Boxers, but make them fashion.
You can never have too many button-downs, and that's a fact.
Depending on which shoes you style these with, they can be surprisingly versatile.
This yellow hue is pure seratonin.
This editor-favorite pick is on sale. You know what to do.
Formula Three: Fitted Top + Column Skirt
French girls are already fans of this simple combo for their vacations.
Maxi hemlines are trending hard right now, and this Elsa Hosk ensemble is immediately going on my mood board.
Amp up the '90s vibes with the addition of a bucket hat.
Heeled sandals and chunky jewelry immediately take this from day to night.
Shop the outfit:
I don't always describe basics as elegant, but it definitely applies here.
So pretty.
Ooh.
Dream skirt.
Okay, Zara!
My jaw actually dropped.
Up next, 17 Swimsuits With Rave Reviews on Amazon (Plus 13 That Are Just Pretty)
-
Cooler Than Jeans and a T-Shirt—Everyone With Good Taste Will Wear These 15 Denim Outfits This FallNext time fall styling inspiration runs dry, just reference these looks.
-
Goodbye, Ballet Flats: It Girls in London, NYC, and Paris Are Prioritizing This Fall Flat Shoe Trend InsteadAnd they're styling it like *this.*
-
Every Fall Outfit I Want to Wear This Year (So Far)These looks are the definition of effortless.
-
Everyone Is Suddenly Wearing This Expensive-Looking Item With White PantsSo chic.
-
No One Wears a White T-Shirt Quite Like a Fashion Person—6 Incredibly Cool Looks to Re-Create NowNothing but chic, effortless vibes.
-
The French-Girl Way to Style Black Capris This FallOutfit inspiration inside.
-
6 Fashion Editors, 36 Summer Buys—Inside Our Summer 2025 Mood BoardsEverything inspiring our wardrobes this season.
-
If I Saw You in Any of These 15 Summer-to-Fall Transitional Outfits, I'd Think You Hired a StylistNice taste.
