9 Easy Summer Outfits That Are Probably Hanging in Your Wardrobe Already
Even though we've been blessed with several weeks of glorious temperatures here in the UK, there's no denying the unpredictability of British weather. We're embracing summer with open arms—particularly where our wardrobes are concerned—while being conscious that things could take a (hopefully not too dramatic) turn at any moment. So, what exactly are we supposed to wear in July when it's scorching sunshine one minute and then grey skies the next?
Assembling chic outfits for the month ahead just got easier.
After trawling through the feeds of our favourite fashion people, we managed to come up with nine looks that are ideal for any sort of weather July might throw at us. From the ultimate cool cover-up for chilly evenings to the It dress that'll serve you well in the park and at the bar, there are plenty of ideas you'll want to copy immediately. Consider the following your July style lookbook.
What to Wear in July, According to Fashion People
1. Shirt + Basket Bag + Jeans
Style Notes: In the UK, you need to be prepared for the weather to turn at any moment, which is why we love the practicality of Julie's outfit. The light layering of a vest top and shirt will help keep the chill at bay, as will a pair of jeans.
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2. Maxi Dress + Flat Sandals
Style Notes: An relaxed maxi dress is as much a summer staple as sunglasses or swimwear. The item is so easy to throw on as an all-in-one outfit. Increase the summer vibes with flat sandals and a straw bag, just like Lucy Williams has done here.
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3. Slip Skirt + Scarf Top
Style Notes: July isn't all about shorts and linen. Make like Caroline Lin and embrace more luxurious fabrics such as silk and satin. Style a skirt iteration with a scarf top and tonal accessories for a look you can quickly pull together and look elegant in.
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4. Shirt + Long Shorts + Heeled Sandals
Style Notes: If there's ever a time for shorts, it's July. Longline styles are proving especially popular this summer and work with just about every top trend you can think of. However, they look extremely elegant with a shirt and heeled sandals.
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5. Strapless Dress + Simple Accessories
Style Notes: In the interest of keeping things simple, no outfit looks quite so polished with minimal effort as an all-black outfit. A chic black dress worn with coordinating accessories is a formula that will never, ever let you down.
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6. Blazer + Blouse + Jeans
Style Notes: Every Brit knows you always need to be in arm's length of a jacket regardless of the time of year, and a linen blazer might just be the chicest option around. Follow Marina by wearing yours with barrel-leg jeans or trousers and a pretty white blouse.
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7. Waistcoat + Miniskirt
Style Notes: Waistcoats remain a core trend this year. While trouser sets are still very much in, I'm seeing lots of skirt and waistcoat co-ords come through. Yours, however, don't have to be new or even match perfectly.
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8. Gingham + Basket Bag
Style Notes: No July wardrobe would be complete without some gingham. Make it even more quintessential by pairing it with a basket bag and mary jane flats, just like Slip Into Style's Ellie Delphine did.
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9. Wide-Leg Trousers + One-Shoulder Top + Crochet Tote
Style Notes: Wide-leg trousers are a staple this season, and it makes sense to pair them with another key item from the summer runways—a bra top. Just add crochet tote to complete the look.
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Maxine Eggenberger is Who What Wear UK’s deputy editor and has over thirteen years of experience in fashion journalism. She been creating engaging and elevated style content specifically for Who What Wear UK since 2018, covering runway reports, emerging trends, long-form features, self-styled shopping stories and columns, including her edit of the best new-in buys. She ensures the highest editorial standards are met across the site, leads the editorial team in their SEO strategy and keyword planning, works closely with the beauty team on content initiatives, represents the brand at industry events, and regularly contributes to social media, including her own Who What Wear UK TikTok franchise, French Style Fridays. Previously, Maxine appeared on ITV's This Morning in her own fashion segment and has interviewed countless celebrities—everyone from Victoria Beckham to Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o.
Prior to Who What Wear UK, Maxine’s career began when, after completing her first-ever internship at Look magazine, she was offered a position on the brand's fashion desk. She accepted, leaving university a year early in the process. Her passion and natural talent for writing and styling meant she swiftly rose through the ranks to become the title's fashion news and commercial content editor, with a stint as InStyle.co.uk’s fashion and beauty writer along the way. She later served as Look’s acting Editor in Chief, overseeing both print and digital, before embarking on a successful freelance career, working with Grazia, The Pool, and Marie Claire amongst others.
Maxine is based remotely from her countryside home near Edinburgh where she spends her downtime renovating her house, walking her dogs, hosting friends and trying to master the art of making Old Fashioned cocktails.
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