I’m Going for Casual Elegance—9 Low-Key Yet Classy Outfits I'm Copying This Summer
I'm copying these nine classic and easy-to-wear outfits this summer to look casually elegant and incredibly chic. Scroll to see the looks and shop the pieces.
The older I've gotten, the more casual my style has become. This, however, isn't something I view as a bad thing. Instead, I find it empowering. Gone are the days of feeling the need to hide myself behind more statement outfits. Now, at the ripe age of 34 and feeling more comfortable in my own skin than I ever have, I've found there's beauty to be had in casual outfits that I never fully appreciated before.
Of course, I still want my capsule wardrobe to look classic and chic, but these attributes aren't tethered to high heels and fanciful dresses. On the contrary, I'd argue the most classic looks are those that rely on more refined, uncontrived items which, depending on the styling, can work casually or formally. It's something you understand more acutely with trial and error—styling ensembles without worrying about whether they "work" or not and getting a feel for what you like in the process. However, if time is short, I've got you.
I went on the hunt for some classic casual outfits to inspire my own looks this season—below are 9 I immediately wanted to copy, and I have a feeling you'll want to, too. Utilising what many of us would call wardrobe "staples" such as blazers, jeans, Oxford shirts, T-shirts and simple skirts, scroll on to see them.
9 Classic and Easy-to-Wear Outfits for Summer 2026
1. T-Shirt + Embroidered Skirt + Flip-Flops
Style Notes: Embroidered separates burst back onto the scene a few seasons ago and are sticking around in 2026, too. Opt for a simple tee to keep things understated and complete the look with a pair of leather flip-flops and classic summertime accessories.
Shop the Look:
This is one of COS' bestsellers for very good reason.
French-girl-approved.
Next never lets me down.
Striped raffia? Sign me up!
For those chillier summer days.
2. Top + Tailored Trousers + Ballet Flats
Style Notes: Tailored trousers aren't just for the office, in fact, they make for a great casual throw-on pant style as well. This outfit is centred on my current go-to black pair, which is made all the more low-key with the addition of a simple tee and easy ballet flats.
Shop the Look:
Everyone should have a classic tee in their wardrobe.
A true wardrobe staple.
We're big fans of Demellier here at Who What Wear.
An instant outfit elevator
Dear Frances make some of the most comfortable shoes on the market.
3. Midi Dress + Cardigan + Basket Tote
Style Notes: Handily, a midi dress just so happens to have the ability to be dressed up or down, meaning the outfit above works for a variety of different occasions. Me personally? I'll be copying this look for days strolling around the city. Just tie a cardigan around your waist for a pop of colour and a sensible extra layer for when you need it.
Shop the Look:
The perfect throw-on midi dress.
Such a pretty shade.
The logo is instantly recognisable.
A. Emery has some of the best sandals on the market.
Just so chic.
4. Top + Bermunda Shorts + Wedges
Style Notes: Longer shorts are a great choice for warm summer days, especially since they're so easy to dress up. A relaxed top, structured handbag and pair of wedge mules can completely elevate this look, just like above.
Shop the Look:
You'll get so much wear out of this.
Don't underestimate the power of Bermuda shorts.
These have such a '90s vibe to them.
Don't sleep on Calvin Klein's accessories.
Proof you don't need to splash out loads on chic sunnies.
5. Textured Tank + Bandana + Wide Leg Trousers
Style Notes: A top like this goes beyond your classic tank—a little bit of texture whether it's frayed, silk, sequinned or leather works just as well in casual and formal outfits and, dare I say, might even look a little bit fresher for 2026. I love this relaxed combination featuring a pared-back bandana, baggy trousers and stacks of silver jewellery.
Shop the Look:
UV protective? What will they think of next!
Simple, chic and easy to style.
Still the perfect investment piece for summer 2026.
Layer a couple of these for the full effect.
6. Cropped Trench + Tank Top + Capris
Style Notes: Leave it to a structured, cropped trench to give a little extra sophistication to a tank top-and-capri leggings combo. With classic hues still standing strong this season, try wearing it as above—with a timeless white tank and black pedal pushers.
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A very modern cut.
This will act as the basis for so many of your outfits.
The perfect length for showcasing your shoes.
I'm a big fan of this cream suede iteration.
7. Top + Satin Skirt + Flip-Flops
Style Notes: You might not initially think so, but satin skirts are actually at the heart of many a great casual outfit. Lately my favourite way to style them has been with basics—namely a long-sleeve white tee and jelly flip-flops, much like the ensemble above.
Shop the Look:
Basic? Yes. But so very stylish.
You'll reach for this throughout autumn and winter too.
So fun!
Iconic.
8. Tee + White Jeans + Mesh Flats
Style Notes: The beauty of wide-leg jeans is that they can be dressed up or down on a whim, the latter of which is perfectly demonstrated here with the addition of a classic tee and mesh flats. Comfortable and cool? Sign me up.
Shop the Look:
You can never have too many tees, in my opinion.
No one makes denim quite like Levi's.
The mesh flats that started it all.
How cute is this?
Cottagecore at its finest.
9. Halter Dress + Mary-Jane Flats
Style Notes: I feel like I become more time-restricted by the day, so I'm always on the lookout for easy yet elegant outfits I can assemble in a couple of minutes. This look definitely falls into that category. Let a printed midi do the hard work for you; all you need to consider is what shoe to wear it with.
Shop the Look:
This print is so retro yet so modern at the same time.
These flats are going nowhere for 2026.
This timeless style will never date.
This story was published at an earlier time and has since been updated.
