The Understated Summer Top Fashion People Are Wearing With Silk Pants and Maxi Skirts

Anna LaPlaca's avatar
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Published In Features
Monikh Dale wearing a white V-neck open-knit sweater and Shay June wearing a beige Khaite open-knit sweater
(Image credit: @monikh; @shayinjune)

If you consider yourself to be a minimalist dresser, you'll want to pay attention to what I'm about to say. As someone who is always drawn to clean lines and pared-back combinations, I've noticed the rise in one surprising top style that all the best dressed people in my feed seem to be styling right now: open-knit sweaters. Understated, relaxed, and nodding to the '90s, a lightweight, airy knit is beginning to replace oversize button-downs as the finishing touch for a minimalist summer outfit. I know—sweaters in the summer? It sounds like an oxymoron, but yes, it's a thing.

Whether draped over fluid silk pants for an elevated evening look or paired with a simple miniskirt for daytime polish, open-knit sweaters are the understated top that adds a cool (and heat-friendly) texture to otherwise simple outfits. The standout style of the moment is the Khaite Davet Sweater with its wide bell sleeves and open neckline, but an internet deep dive led me to a treasure trove of similar white, beige, and oatmeal-colored styles at a range of price points.

Ahead, discover how fashion people are styling an open-knit sweater as the quiet hero of their summer wardrobes, and shop the best versions to shop now.

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Shay June wearing a Khaite open-knit summer sweater

(Image credit: @shayinjune)

Style Notes: Open-knit sweater + maxi skirt + minimalist sandals + clutch

Anouk Yve wearing an open-knit summer sweater with a black mini skirt

(Image credit: @anoukyve)

Style Notes: Open-knit sweater + solid skirt + sleek clutch + pendant necklace

Sylvie Mus wearing an open knit sweater with silk pants in Paris

(Image credit: @sylviemus_)

Style Notes: Open-knit sweater + satin pants + heeled mules + beaded necklace

Monikh Dale wearing an open-knit sweater with Bermuda shorts

(Image credit: @monikh)

Style Notes: Open-knit sweater + Bermuda shorts + heeled thong sandals + clutch

Anouk Yve wearing an open knit summer sweater with trousers

(Image credit: @anoukyve)

Style Notes: Open-knit sweater + tan trousers + woven bag

fashion influencer wearing an open-knit summer sweater with striped shorts

(Image credit: @smythsisters)

Style Notes: Open-knit sweater + swimsuit + lounge shorts

Shay June wearing an open-knit Khaite sweater with tailored trousers

(Image credit: @shayinjune)

Style Notes: Open-knit sweater + tailored trousers + heeled sandals + shoulder bag

Anna LaPlaca
Anna LaPlaca
Senior Editor

Anna is an NYC-based senior fashion editor who has been a member of the Who What Wear team for over eight years, having begun her career in L.A. at brands like Michael Kors and A.L.C. As an editor, she has earned a reputation for her coverage of breaking trends, emerging brands, luxury shopping curations, fashion features, and more. Anna has penned a number Who What Wear cover interviews, including Megan Fox, Julia Garner, and Lilly Collins. She also leads the site’s emerging travel vertical that highlights all things travel and lifestyle through a fashion-person lens.