At some point in your life, you’ve probably had one of those mornings where you wake up and dread the prospect of getting dressed. Maybe it’s because it’s already scorching hot outside or because you feel like you’re missing some summer staples; either way, the conscious is clear that you are over it. Even as an editor, I can’t tell you how many times I’ve fallen into my states of turmoil and frustration over what to wear (especially when it’s hot outside). But I’ve found that when you don’t know what to wear, the best thing to do is return to the fundamentals. Having a few timeless outfit formulas in the back of your pocket always takes the fuss out of the whole process.
So, in that vein, I’ve scoured to find 8 timeless summer outfit ideas approved by the celeb set. Whether you need something just to throw on after you roll out of bed or need a simple date-night look that you won’t sweat profusely in, these looks are easy to replicate.
WHO: Gabrielle Union. WEAR: Prada Dress and Bag; Gia Borghini Wedges. I’m convinced that Gabrielle Union is our generation’s unsung style hero as her looks are always impossibly chic (and easy to replicate). While she’s wearing a vintage Prada dress in this image above, you can definitely create the same look by pairing a mini dress with wedges and a colorful handbag for a balmy summer evening look that requires little effort.
A simple little mini dress will never fail you.
Wedges are back, and I’m not mad about it.
Finish off your look with a fun bag.
WHO: Hailey Bieber. WEAR: Tiffany & Co. Elsa Peretti Sevillana Earrings ($2,275); Balenciaga Neo Sunglasses; Aggi Isabella Designer Blazer ($485); Bottega Veneta Bounce Loafers. Nothing is worse than looking at the weather forecast before heading to work and wondering what to wear when it’s sweltering. But, finding an apropos office outfit doesn’t have to be a struggle—if you recreate this look from Hailey Bieber. Pair a blazer with a skirt and loafers for an outfit that’s weather and office-friendly.
You can also remove the sleeves from this blazer if it’s too hot outside.
Finish off the look with a fun loafer.
WHO: Zoe Kravitz . WEAR: Oliver Peoples Sunglasses; The Row Skirt and Thongs; Telfar Tote. Simplicity is key when it comes to dressing for the summer, but if you still want to look cute, then take a cue from Zoe Kravitz’s look above. Pair your flip-flops and a go-to tank top with a slip skirt, and you’ll have the perfect outfit to run errands in.
Tank tops are the summertime staple.
Pro tip: opt for silk, linen, or cotton fabrics to keep cool this summer.
These will match everything in your wardrobe.
WHO: Kaia Gerber. WEAR: Celine Triomphe Sunglasses, Clear Triomphe Gladiator Chunky Sandal, and Raffia Bag. Whether you’re traveling through Europe or to your local farmer’s market, having a simple yet stylish outfit you can rely on is essential—we recommend recreating this look from Kaia Gerber. A great white or eyelet dress styled with sunglasses, a raffia bag, and flat sandals will always look good.
The number of times you’ll re-wear this dress makes it worth the price tag.
A quintessential summer bag.
If you want to spice up your white dress, pair it with a trendy pair (i.e., fisherman sandals).
WHO: Lori Harvey. WEAR: Dior Mini Lady Bag; Bottega Veneta Tower Square Toe Ankle Strap Pumps. Summer is all about going out and enjoying yourself, but if it’s uncomfortably hot outside, the idea of dressing up can invoke dread. Enter: this cute outfit from Lori Harvey. For date night, you can opt for an oversized button-down styled as a dress (in a bright color or minimal hue) styled with platforms for an evening look or ballet flats for a day look.
Now, here’s a simple dress to throw on and go.
Perfect for the summer.
A simple way to make any of your outfits feel more polished is by adding a pop of color with your shoes.
WHO: Emily Ratajkowski. WEAR: Versace by Fendi Sunglasses; The Row Half Moon Small Leather Shoulder Bag ($1290); Wolford Fatal Strapless Stretch-Jersey Maxi Dress ($215); Vans Sneakers. Another simple outfit you can rely on when it’s hot out? The look above from Emily Ratajkowski. A tube dress paired with sunglasses, a shoulder bag, and sneakers is a surefire way to look stylish no matter where the day takes you.
It’s not red, but it’s just as cute.
You’ll wear these sneakers all the time.
Sunglasses can make or break your outfit.
WHO: Olivia Rodrigo. WEAR: Twelve Jewelry; Justine Clenquet Hari Choker ($90); Réalisation Par The Roxy Black Dragon Dress ($195); T.U.K. Black & White Double Decker Mary Jane ($110). When it’s brutal outside, you need a simple outfit you can throw on—enter: this ensemble from Olivia Rodrigo. A slip dress may feel a bit deja vu, but if you layer on some chains and chunky mary jane shoes it will feel a bit edgier.
Jewelry can always make a simple outfit feel more luxe.
You’ll live in this dress for the rest of the summer.
Mary Jane shoes are making a comeback.
WHO: Bella Hadid. WEAR: Louis Vuitton Bag. Leave it to Bella Hadid to provide us with the perfect outfit idea to replicate on a hot summer day. There’s nothing better than throwing on a cropped t-shirt, shorts, and cowboy boots—it is the perfect ensemble for a warm day and a reminder that the best outfits are the easiest.
