Outfit Inspiration
May 11, 2022

I'm Already Planning My Summer Outfits—3 Zero-Effort Formulas I'm Repeating

by Anna LaPlaca

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.

Photo:

@jordanrisa

A simple tank and trousers are really what you make of them. Here, heeled sandals and an elevated shoulder bag ensure a polished finish.

Photo:

@narrinanatasha

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.

Photo:

@deborabrosa

The classics, like flat slides and a straw bag, never fail with this combo.

Photo:

@laurareilly___

A tank and trousers are the perfect base for funkier accessories.

Shop the outfit:

Caes Ribbed Stretch-Jersey Tank

Ribbed Stretch-Jersey Tank

The soft fabric makes this sustainably made tank a true luxury investment.

Orlain Fitted Tank Top

Fitted Tank Top

For $10, this is worth stocking up on.

Mango Belted Crop Trousers

Belted Crop Trousers

In case you wanted to re-create the first outfit in this gallery.

Agolde Bea Cutaway Tank

Bea Cutaway Tank

The epitome of an elevated basic.

Zara Wide Leg Satin Effect Pants

Wide Leg Satin Effect Pants

Zara's best-selling trousers are now available in summer-ready ecru.

Photo:

@greceghanem

Boxer-and-button-down sets were huge last summer, and much to my delight, they're coming back again this year.

Photo:

@champagnemani

Perfect for hot and humid days in the dead of summer.

Photo:

@cassdimicco

For lounging, travel, or the beach, these easy sets are incredibly versatile.

Photo:

@nnennaechem

Name a cooler swimwear cover-up. I'll wait.

Shop the outfit:

The Frankie Shop Lui Cotton Shirt

The Frankie Shop

Lui Cotton Shirt

Insiders buy this crisp button-down en masse.

The Frankie Shop Lui Cotton Shorts

The Frankie Shop

Lui Cotton Shorts

Boxers, but make them fashion.

Brunette the Label Striped Button Up Shirt

Brunette the Label

Striped Button Up Shirt

You can never have too many button-downs, and that's a fact.

Brunette the Label Striped Shorts

Brunette the Label

Depending on which shoes you style these with, they can be surprisingly versatile.

Open Edit Relaxed Poplin Button-Up Shirt

Relaxed Poplin Button-Up Shirt

This yellow hue is pure seratonin.

Open Edit Cotton Poplin Pull-On Shorts

Cotton Poplin Pull-On Shorts

This editor-favorite pick is on sale. You know what to do.

Photo:

@salome.mory

French girls are already fans of this simple combo for their vacations.

Photo:

@hoskelsa

Maxi hemlines are trending hard right now, and this Elsa Hosk ensemble is immediately going on my mood board.

Photo:

@nonicyngor

Amp up the '90s vibes with the addition of a bucket hat.

Photo:

@meganadelaide

Heeled sandals and chunky jewelry immediately take this from day to night.

Shop the outfit:

The Line by K Selma Tank in Ivory

Selma Tank in Ivory

I don't always describe basics as elegant, but it definitely applies here.