10 Classic Summer Outfits Fashion People Come Back to Year After Year
Summer is tantalisingly close, so I've rounded up a selection of very chic outfits that are perfect for wearing across the new season. Consider this your guide to looking stylish for the next few months...

- 10 Summer Outfit Ideas to Try
- 1. White Blouse + Blue Jeans + Clogs
- 2. Waistcoat + Cotton Skirt + Sandals
- 3. Cardigan + Tailored Trousers + Trainers
- 4. Bright Mini Dress + Flip Flops
- 5. Denim Jacket + Ecru Jeans + Slider Sandals
- 6. Strapless Top + High-Waisted Shorts
- 7. White Linen Dress + Sandals
- 8. Floral Dress + Gladiator Sandals
- 9. Waistcoat + Lightweight Trousers
- 10. Relaxed Shirt + Bright Trousers + Silk Scarf
Melissa Epifano
After tolerating months of drizzle, cold winds and the bulky clothing weather necessitates, I couldn't be happier about summer making its way to us. With warmer weather comes a shift in our approach to dressing. Wool and fleece get shoved to the back of the wardrobe to make room for seersucker, linen and cotton, and scarves are swapped for chic sunglasses and silk neckerchiefs. But, just like the seasons, trends come and go, which can make dressing for the hottest months rather difficult. What you bought on a whim last year might not take your fancy anymore. Fortunately, there are classic summer outfits that have proven their reliability year after year.
We've seen a few glorious sunny days in the UK lately so now feels appropriate to start rotating some easy yet polished summer looks that will work from now into the last drawn-out days of the season. From simple jeans-and-a-nice-top combinations to chic suiting, each of these inspiring outfits deserves a spot on your summer 2025 vision board. Scroll on to see them.
10 Summer Outfit Ideas to Try
1. White Blouse + Blue Jeans + Clogs
Style Notes: A flowy white blouse and blue jeans is a pairing as old as time, but adding clogs into the mix makes it feel very current. Whilst it's a nod to trends from decades ago, it feels so modern.
Shop the Look:
& Other Stories denim has really impressed our editors.
2. Waistcoat + Cotton Skirt + Sandals
Style Notes: When I want to look polished with low effort, a waistcoat-skirt combo is my go-to. Team this with a minimalist pair of sandals and you've got yourself an effortlessly chic look.
Shop the Look:
3. Cardigan + Tailored Trousers + Trainers
Style Notes: It's that time of year where you can wear a cardigan as a top rather than a layering piece. I love the juxtaposition between a more relaxed cardigan and formal trousers.
Shop the Look:
There's no limit to the amount of outfits these classic trainers will go with.
4. Bright Mini Dress + Flip Flops
Style Notes: Summer is best spent in mood-boosting hues like yellow, baby pink and cerulean blue. Try rocking a yellow mini and wear with it classic flip-flops and a chic hair accessory.
Shop the Look:
5. Denim Jacket + Ecru Jeans + Slider Sandals
Style Notes: Nothing says summer like a denim jacket—I'll be wearing mine with white or ecru jeans and slides.
Shop the Look:
6. Strapless Top + High-Waisted Shorts
Style Notes: High-waisted shorts and a strapless top signifies that summer is well and truly here. For a combination that will forever feel classic, choose a mix of black and white. We love what Marianne has done here, opting for a black strapless tube top with tailored white shorts. These colours never falter.
Shop the Look:
You can't go on holiday without packing a pair of white shorts.
7. White Linen Dress + Sandals
Style Notes: The epitome of this season is a white linen dress. There is a style, neckline and length for everyone. The lightweight fabric ensures you'll stay cool, and it's one item of clothing that will have a place in your closet for many summers to come.
Shop the Look:
A heeled sandal is essential for summer. When flip flops don't quite cut it, lean on these.
8. Floral Dress + Gladiator Sandals
Style Notes: Choose a cheerful palette of bright colours to rock into the summer months. One simple way to do this is through uplifting floral prints and patterns. Whether you adore a puff-sleeve dress or something sans straps, this effortless outfit will carry you through the season.
Shop the Look:
You need to see this stunning dress from the back.
9. Waistcoat + Lightweight Trousers
Style Notes: A waistcoat is a relatively recent trend that has proven its staying power. They're the summer equivalent of a blazer and go with everything from shorts to skirts. These structured tops are more elevated than a basic ribbed vest but keep you nearly as cool. Pair it with lightweight trousers like Emma and you'll have a summer outfit that will pass at both casual and dressier outings.
Shop the Look:
A neutral waistcoat looks chic when paired with trousers, denim shorts or satin skirts.
These relaxed trousers have a comfortable dart pleat to the front and are made of breathable linen.
Black flip flops are classics, but the tapered edge gives this pair a little more interest.
10. Relaxed Shirt + Bright Trousers + Silk Scarf
Style Notes: This outfit demonstrates how comfort and style can go hand-in-hand. A relaxed button-down tied into a knot will give your slinky trousers a casual spin. Add a silk scarf for extra colour and flair.
Shop the Look:
This kind of relaxed shirting is so versatile.
This story was published at an earlier time and has since been updated.
Bébhinn Campbell is an Edinburgh-based fashion and lifestyle writer and editor. She started her first blog at age 14 and went on to intern at publications in Berlin and London, including Dazed & Confused and Indie magazine.
A job at a fashion startup took Bébhinn from Ireland to Scotland in 2019, where she now works as a freelance journalist and copywriter covering everything from travel and interiors to styling advice. As a contributor to Who What Wear, Bébhinn always keeps her eyes peeled for emerging trends and looks worth writing about. She prides herself on her ability to cut through the noise and identify solid investment buys, exciting new brands and fresh takes on classic design.
- Melissa EpifanoContributor
-
European Women Have Convinced Me That This Is Spring 2025's Most Elegant Jacket Trend
And it goes perfectly with jeans.
By Charly Suggett
-
I've Done The Research—These 21 Trench Coats Are The Epitome Of Luxury
Spring into action.
By Sophie Robyn Watson
-
Here's Everything Our Editors Wore to Paris Fashion Week
Straight from the streets of Paris.
By Brittany Davy
-
With Jeans, Dresses or Skirts, Fashion People Are Using This Styling Trick to Make Every Outfit an 11/10
So simple, so chic.
By Natalie Munro
-
Sambas Aren't a Trend Anymore—They're a Staple: Here's How to Wear Them in 2025
They've become a classic.
By Yusra Siddiqui
-
5 Winter Basics to Own If You Refuse to Follow Trends
Our forever favourites.
By Drew Elovitz
-
So You Bought a Suede Bag—Here Are the Affordable Ways to Keep it Looking Brand New
Restore your prized possession to its former glory.
By Aleksija Vujicic
-
5 Ways I'm Wearing This Classic Jacket Style Now and Well Into Spring
The styling possibilities are endless.
By Anu Odugbesan