6 Easy-to-Copy Summer Outfits I've Saved Ahead of the Upcoming Bank Holiday Weekend

The word 'summer' conjures up all kinds of wonderful things: the smell of seawater lingering after a day at the beach; the sweetness of perfectly-ripe fruit picked up from the farmer's market; the whiling away of hours in a friend's garden, sipping chilled wine and exchanging holiday plans. Bliss. For us fashion-obsessed folk, it also signals a sartorial shift. So long, thick outerwear and weighty boots—hello crisp cotton, colourful sun dresses and open-toe footwear.

All that being said, if you weren't already excited about summer's impending arrival, I hope you are now. And to get you up to my level (i.e. itching with impatience), I've rounded up a few outfits that I think will be perfect for the warmer weather. Because the good news is the temperature has already started rising. Though it's technically still spring, this past week alone has seen several sunny spells in which you could definitely get away with wearing short sleeves and lighter fabrics.

So, when you're done with the 9-5 and find yourself lying in bed on a bright Saturday morning, come back to these looks. Whether you want a fresh take on your go-to outfit formulas, or you're ready to rock the cotton dresses that are politely waiting for their time to shine, you'll find plenty of inspiration below. And just in time for the bank holiday too. You're welcome!

1. Slip Dress + Shirt + Woven Bag

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(Image credit: @frannfyne)

Style Notes: Slip dresses can be carried through the seasons, but they feel particularly appropriate for a lazy summer's day when you want to look stylish but carefree. Layer a lightweight shirt on top if you're feeling chilly.

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2. T-Shirt + Maxi Skirt + Ballet Flats

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(Image credit: @deborabrosa)

Style Notes: It's finally T-shirt weather, and we're celebrating by styling ours in true 2024 fashion. That means with a long skirt, ballet flats and a pair of oversized white sunnies.

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3. White Blouse + High-Waisted Jeans + Plimsolls

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(Image credit: @livpurvis)

Style Notes: Blue jeans and a white blouse is a foolproof combination, loved by the likes of Jane Birken and Brigitte Bardot. Give your take a casual spin by adding some gum-soled plimsolls.

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4. Gingham Co-Ord + Sneakers

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(Image credit: @champagnemani)

Style Notes: If your weekend plans involve a park picnic, top-to-toe gingham is your ticket to looking the part. A co-ord feels fresher than a midi dress, and it's easy to mix and match the separates for different occasions.

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5. Blazer + Mini Dress + Flatform Sandals

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(Image credit: @francescasaffari)

Style Notes: Mini dresses are back, and we're not sad about it. I adore how Francesca has styled hers with a blazer of the same length, plus a pair of strappy flatform sandals to keep the look relaxed.

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6. Linen Set + Slides

@lucywilliams02 wearing a striped linen set

(Image credit: @lucywilliams02)

Style Notes: Linen tailored pieces are a summer essential, and Lucy's outfit is a brilliant example of how to embrace their simplicity in an understated way. This is the kind of look you could wear from brunch with friends, to a stroll around town, to date night dinner.

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Freelance Fashion Editor

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 print and digital 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.

In her spare time, Bébhinn enjoys perusing Edinburgh’s best vintage shops, working through her out-of-control book collection and watching dog reels on Instagram.