One thing I’ve learned over the years is that looking chic has very little to do with how much money you’ve spent on an outfit.
Some of the outfits I’ve received the most compliments on have been made up of really simple pieces: a white shirt, linen trousers, a basic tank top, a pair of sandals I’ve owned for years… nothing groundbreaking.
What makes an outfit look expensive isn’t the designer label. It’s usually the styling, the fit, the colour palette, and the confidence that comes with wearing something that feels like you.
As someone who gravitates towards timeless pieces rather than fast-moving trends, these are the outfit formulas I find myself coming back to every summer. They’re easy to wear, versatile, and always make me feel put together.
7 Summer Outfit Formulas That Always Feel Chic (AND YOU CAN WEAR ON REPEAT)
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1. White Pants + Black Tank Top + Sandals
If summer had an official uniform, this would probably be mine.
There’s something about the combination of white linen and black that just works. It’s simple, effortless, and somehow always looks polished.
I love wearing white linen trousers with a fitted black tank and a pair of simple leather sandals. Add a woven bag and a few gold jewellery pieces and the whole outfit feels elevated without trying too hard.
It’s one of those looks that’s perfect for almost anything—from running errands to meeting friends for lunch.
shop the look
Sandals by Mango
Bag by Sensi Studio
Tank Top by H&M
Pants by H&M
Sunglasses by Retrosuperfuture
2. A Matching Set & Simple Accessories
Matching sets are one of my favourite style shortcuts.
Whenever I don’t know what to wear, reaching for a co-ord instantly solves the problem. It looks intentional, it takes about thirty seconds to put together, and it always photographs well.
Whether it’s a linen shirt and shorts combination or a matching shirt and trousers set, I think these pieces deserve a place in every summer wardrobe.
The best part is that you can also wear each piece separately and create even more outfits.
shop the Look
Similar Pants by Rag & Bone
Similar Top by Tularosa
Bag by H&M
Sandals by TKEES
Earrings by Jenny Bird
3. White Shirt + Shorts + Ballet Flats
I genuinely don’t think a crisp white shirt will ever go out of style.
During summer, I love pairing mine with shorts and ballet flats or simple sandals. It’s comfortable enough for warm days but still feels polished.
A little styling tip: rolling the sleeves slightly and leaving a couple of buttons undone makes the outfit feel more relaxed and effortless.
4. A Midi Dress and Minimal Accessories
There are days when I want to look put together without spending more than two minutes getting dressed.
That’s where a midi dress comes in.
It’s one of those pieces that does all the work for you. You don’t need complicated styling or lots of accessories. A simple dress, flat sandals, and a structured bag are often enough.
I especially love this outfit for summer dinners or holidays.
5. White T-Shirt + Flowy Pants
This outfit proves that basics don’t have to be boring.
A good white t-shirt and a pair of flowy pants can look incredibly chic when styled well.
The key is focusing on fit and proportions. I usually add gold accessories—whether that’s sunglasses or a handbag—to give the outfit a little more depth.
It’s simple, timeless, and easy to recreate.
6. Linen Shirt + Denim Shorts + Leather Sandals
This is one of those summer outfit formulas I come back to year after year.
An oversized linen shirt paired with denim shorts strikes the perfect balance between relaxed and polished. It’s effortless, comfortable, and ideal for those days when you want to look put together without overthinking it.
I love adding simple leather sandals, a woven tote, and a pair of sunglasses to complete the look. The mix of natural textures gives it that easy, European summer feel that never goes out of style.
Whether you’re heading out for a coffee, exploring a new city, or spending the afternoon by the coast, this is an outfit that always works.
7. Tank Top + Midi Skirt
This is another outfit formula I find myself wearing every summer.
It’s feminine, effortless, and incredibly versatile.
Depending on the skirt and accessories, it can work for a casual coffee date, a day of sightseeing, or even dinner by the beach.
A straw bag always completes the look and instantly makes it feel more summery.
Final Thoughts
If there’s one thing I hope you take away from this post, it’s that style isn’t about constantly buying new clothes.
Some of the most elegant wardrobes are built around simple pieces that can be mixed and matched over and over again.
A great white shirt, linen trousers, a black dress, a good pair of sandals—these are the pieces that work hardest in my wardrobe every summer.
And honestly? They’re usually the outfits I feel best in too.
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