5 Simple, Anti-Trend Outfits Everyone Will Wear This Summer

Lately, I've noticed an uptick in the number of classic, anti-trend outfits landing on the fashion set. I attribute it to the rise of smart shopping habits with an emphasis on buying great staples and investment pieces. No matter where you land on the trend-adoption spectrum, though, it's always a great idea to have an array of timeless looks on standby.

For the season ahead, there are key buys to add to your closet. Among them are tailored shorts, A-line dresses, leather belts, slingback flats, and top-handle bags. With a small collection of versatile wardrobe staples, you can create a number of polished, easy looks that work season after season. It all comes down to simple styling ideas. For summer, there are already winning outfit formulas to have on hand. Ahead, see the best classic summer outfits to wear this year.

1. Sleeveless Knit Top + A-Line Skirt + Kitten-Heel Mules + Earrings

Woman wearing a summer skirt outfit.

(Image credit: @nlmarilyn)

Style Notes: This A-line skirt outfit feels so fresh for summer. It's a great way to tap into classic, elegant style with versatile staples. If you're looking for a shoe alternative, try adding in strappy sandals or slingback flats.

2. Button-Down Shirt + Denim Shorts + Blazer + Slingback Flats

Woman wearing summer outfit with denim shorts.

(Image credit: @kelseymerritt)

Style Notes: For the summer, a tailored blazer is a great piece to layer over a button-down and shorts as temperatures dip at night.

3. Midi Dress + Mules + Bag

Woman wearing a summer dress outfit.

(Image credit: @jastookes)

Style Notes: These staples are the perfect pieces for a daytime event.

4. Miniskirt + Long-Sleeve Top + Bag + Sunglasses

Woman wearing a summer outfit with a miniskirt.

(Image credit: @clairerose)

Style Notes: Balance the proportions of a micro miniskirt with a long-sleeved knit top.

5. Tailored Shorts + Tee + Trench Coat + Loafers

Woman wearing a summer outfit with shorts.

(Image credit: @cassdimicco)

Style Notes: Stick to a tonal head-to-toe color palette.

Associate Director, Special Projects

Kristen Nichols is the Associate Director, Special Projects at Who What Wear with over a decade of experience in fashion, editorial, and publishing. She oversees luxury content and wedding features, and covers fashion within the luxury market, runway reporting, shopping features, trends, and interviews with leading industry experts. She also contributes to podcast recordings, social media, and branded content initiatives. Kristen has worked with brands including Prada, Chanel, MyTheresa, and Luisa Via Roma, and rising designers such as Refine and Tove, and her style has been featured in publications including Vogue.com, Vogue France, WWD, and the CFDA. Before Who What Wear, Kristen began her career at Rodarte, where she worked on assistant styling, photo shoots, and runway shows, and at Allure, where she moved into print and digital editorial. She graduated from the University of Southern California, where she studied art history and business, and currently lives in New York.