Today I’m sharing 5 casual summer outfits to help you stay cool and look cute! These are simple outfits that you can create with pieces from your own wardrobe. If you don’t like wearing the types shorts that I’m wearing, you can substitute longer shorts, pants, or skirts. I used to struggle to create cute summer outfits, not only because it’s my least favorite season, but without jackets, scarves, and other cooler weather accessories, I wasn’t sure how to level up an outfit. I’ve learned a great way to add visual interest to a summer outfit is with jewelry. It’s usually too hot to add a layer so fun earrings, necklaces, or bracelets add a nice pop to an otherwise basic outfit.
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White T-shirt and Denim Shorts: A Classic Casual Summer Outfit
The warm-weather version of a classic outfit! I added leopard print earrings to create some visual interest to this basic outfit.
- T-shirt: Old Navy (exact) || Crew-neck version
- Shorts: Amazon (similar) || Nordstrom (similar) || Nordstrom (similar) || Nordstrom (similar pair with longer in-seam)
- Sandals: Nordstrom (exact) || Amazon (exact)
- Earrings: Nickel & Suede (exact)
- Necklace: Amazon (similar)
Patterned Top and Black Shorts or Black Pants
I was recently influenced by Audrey of Putting Me Together to try these wide-leg pants and I was uncertain if I would keep them at first. After styling them with a few pieces from my closet for casual and workwear I decided to add them to my wardrobe. I can dress them up and and dress them down and they are very comfortable, especially for working from home. They’re a bit on the thicker side so I don’t know how cooling they would be outside on a hot day, but they would be a nice alternative to shorts.
- Top: Nordstrom (exact) || Old Navy tie-dye || Old Navy leopard print || Old Navy floral
- Shorts: Target (exact. They have an elastic waistband at the back, which is great for backyard BBQ’s 😉)
- Pants: Old Navy (exact)
- Sandals: Nordstrom (similar) || Amazon (similar) || Amazon (another similar pair)
- Earrings: Nickel & Suede (exact)
Casual Summer Outfit With Striped Tank and Boyfriend Denim Shorts
Another classic style combo: striped tee and denim. If you don’t like horizontal stripes, opt for another simple, repeating pattern. Even the floral top from the previous outfit would work. Another great way to change up your look for summer is to add a hat. I’ve been loving this straw hat from Amazon. It keeps the sun off my face and neck and it looks so cute!
- Tank top: Nordstrom (exact) This tank is very long so I tucked it in all the way around. || Old Navy (similar)
- Shorts: Target (I got mine last year but I linked a similar pair) || Nordstrom (similar but without button-fly) || Old Navy (similar but without button-fly)
- Sandals: Nordstrom (similar) || Amazon (similar) || Amazon (another similar pair)
- Earrings: Nickel & Suede (The ones I have are no longer available but I linked another blue pair.)
- Necklace: Amazon (similar)
- Hat: Amazon (exact)
Bright Colored Tank and White Shorts
I decided to style this outfit with flat sandals and also with wedges to show you how you can dress up shorts. If you think that shorts make your legs look stumpy, then try them with heels to elongate your leg line. It works best if the shoes match your skin tone like the ones in the picture match mine. The flat sandals are more comfortable and create a casual vibe. I linked some green tops below but any bright color that you like will look great.
- Tank top: J. Crew (exact. It’s sold out at the time of writing this so I’m not sure if it’s gone or if it will come back) || Nordstrom (similar but more pastel green) || Nordstrom (another similar one but not quite the same green) || Amazon (similar but limited sizes in green)
- Shorts: Target (exact) || Amazon (similar)
- Flat sandals: Nordstrom (exact) || Amazon (exact)
- Wedge sandals: DSW
- Earrings: Nickel & Suede (exact)
- Necklace: Amazon (similar)
White Tank and Midi Skirt For A Cool, Casual Summer Outfit
You might remember this outfit from my How To Style A Midi Skirt blog post but I thought it fit in nicely with these casual summer outfits. A flowy skirt is a great alternative to shorts in the summer and can be very versatile.
- Tank top: Loft (similar) || Similar one from Amazon
- Skirt: Amazon (exact)
- Sandals: Nordstrom (exact)
- Earrings: Nickel & Suede (exact)
- Necklace: Amazon (similar)
- Hat: Amazon (exact)
I hope you enjoyed the 5 casual summer outfits that I styled and that you will try out some of our own. Let me know in the comments which outfit is your favorite.
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