12 Summer Outfit Ideas That Balance Top Trends with Timeless Silhouettes

Carefree summer style is calling, and we’re picking up the phone. Warmer forecasts always invite innovative aesthetics and playful new takes on favorite silhouettes, and this season, we're welcoming the mainstream return of carefree boho elements and preppy athletic wear. Call it the Challengers effect or simply the timely swing of the fashion pendulum—either way, we’re excited to welcome these resurgent trends into our closets. We’re also remixing winter’s most prominent trends, like bows and lace, in formats primed for warm-weather adventures. Ahead, get inspired by 12 celebrity-approved summer outfit ideas, complete with products to shop the summer’s best trends for yourself.

Varsity Vibes

It’s no secret that we’re majorly into polo tops this summer. Sabrina Carpenter treads further into the look’s sporty element with an ultra-mini athletic skirt and classic crew socks.

Low-Lift Lace

EmRata is no stranger to summer-ready looks—the multi-hyphenate style icon is practically a pro when it comes to styling semi-sheer floral numbers (among other warm-weather staples). Here, she pairs a white, crochet-adorned sundress with this season's boldest sneakers.

Cool Coordination

Take inspiration from Scandinavian designs and style stars this season, as their gravitation towards modern minimalism makes for effortlessly chic summer energy. Split-hem tops are squarely on-trend, while flowy black slacks remain a closet staple throughout the seasons. Pull it all together with an essential summer bag. 

Trending Trousers

This sunny look combines the best of this season’s trends: gingham, ballet flats, and the return of capris (count us as fans of all three). The below full-coverage heels from Everlane are an easy swap for open-toed shoes in the summer.

Buttery Basics

Consider this coordinated butter yellow ensemble to be your new office uniform. Lightweight linen keeps things breezy during your commute, while full-length pants shield you from the blasting AC in the office. Feel free to toss on a coordinating blazer if things get too frigid.

Updated Boho

Boho crochet dresses are steadily returning to our outfit rotation. Pair yours with a pair of sturdy block-heeled boots to carry you through all your summertime adventures, such as frolicking through Amsterdam (as Olivia Rodrigo demonstrates here).

Polished, Poolside

Versatility is the name of the game when it comes to summertime dressing, and former Byrdie cover star Shay Mitchell effortlessly nails a transitional look. The best part? A chic, Palm Beach-inspired bikini top is so fun if you're going from drinks to a late-night dip in the pool (or vice versa).

Classic Knits

Crochet mini dresses are primed for sunny beach days and dinners with close friends. In the spirit of this vacation-ready look, we’d recommend pairing with a simple black bralette and on-trend mesh flats.

Precious Pastels

Mini dresses with corseted bodices are summer’s most romantic (yet effortless) trend—and here, model Tatiana Elizabeth Price adds a sugary-sweet spin with a lavender shoulder bag. Meanwhile, kitten heels in a similar candied shade pull the look together. 

Sunny Skirt

Leave it to Toni Bravo to build one of summer’s most playful outfits. Online, the trend-forward beauty creator has built a following for her accessible yet inventive looks—and this sweet butter yellow skirt and motorcycle boots combo stands as just one example.

Ruffles and Ribbons

SZA doesn’t shy away from taking fashion-forward aesthetics to the max, particularly in the case of this coquettish ensemble. Roll call: Bloomer shorts, a milkmaid-inspired top, and platform Mary Janes are all in attendance.

Unexpected Lace

Summer is all about considering new perspectives—whether it’s exploring a new corner of the world or going on a first date. When you feel like being daring in the wardrobe department, a lacy mini skirt and powder blue tights contrast with a graphic tee in the best way possible.