When it comes to getting dressed in the summer, I’m all about outfits that are simple, wearable, and don’t take a lot of thought. Summer style doesn’t have to be complicated. With a few easy outfit combinations, you can put together looks that feel fresh and wearable without overthinking it.

These are some of my favorite summer outfits, and I hope they’ll give you ideas to shop your closet and make getting dressed for these final summer days feel easy and fun. I divided them into 5 sections for easier browsing, and I tried to link similar options for pricier or sold-out pieces, but the idea is to shop your closet and make these your own, so use what you have and add your own twist.
STYLE TIP: Don’t overlook the accessories! I linked bags and jewelry wherever I could because, especially with simple summer outfits like these, it’s often the accessories that make your outfits feel complete.
Light & Breezy: Linen Pants & Shorts
There’s no fabric more quintessentially summer than linen, and it’s definitely having a moment this season, making linen pants and shorts the perfect foundation for easy summer looks. These are a few linen looks I’ve been wearing (and loving) lately.
These linen blend crop wide leg pants from Anthro have a cult-following and for good reason. They’re so flattering and easy to dress up or down, and they come in tons of great colors. I love the flat front and polished look. Sadly, the black is low inventory, but KUT from the Kloth also has a pair that I linked below. I paired them with this printed mesh top and added black espadrille wedges for an elevated summer look that I wore to church a few weeks ago.

WHBM Ruched tank (M) // Maeve The Collete Linen Blend Crop Wide Leg Pants (29) (option) // Tory Burch Espadrilles (8) // Freja Hudson Bag Black Lizard // Jenny Bird Ola Bangle // similar watch
Here’s another look with those pants that take it down a notch, for a more casual everyday look that is still polished and put-together.

Wit & Wisdom stripe linen blend shirt (S) // Maeve The Collete Linen Blend Crop Wide Leg Pants (29) (option) // Dolce Vita Lorene T-Strap Sandal (8) // stud earrings
For a dressier look that might work for your workplace or a nice dinner out, this linen set with the longline cutaway vest and full-length trousers is super chic and on trend for summer 2025. I just wish I’d worn a lighter shoe. I feel like the black espadrilles weigh down the look.

J.Crew linen vest (8) // J.Crew linen pants (8) // Tory Burch espadrilles (8) // Freja Caroline Bag Oat // Jenny Bird earrings & bangle
Here’s a similar matching vest set with a linen slip skirt. In this case, I like how the black sandals tie into the monochromatic look. I think having the break in between the skirt and shoes keeps it feeling light and summery.

Gap Factory Linen Slip Skirt (M) // Gap Factory Linen Vest (M) // Tory Burch espadrilles (8) // Quince box bag // rattan hoops // chain necklace // gold bangle
And here’s an outfit I wore in Italy last summer. It felt a little heavy around the middle, with the pleated shorts, but I liked that it was something different for me. I’d like to find a pair with a flat front.

similar linen sweater tank // similar linen shorts // Tory Burch Miller Sandals (8) // similar belt // similar layer necklace
For a lighter look, I love these drawstring linen shorts in Clay with the utility-inspired pockets. (They also come in Olive and Black.) They lay flatter that most elasticized waistbands, and they’re super comfy.
I kept this outfit simple with a white tee and neutral sandals (they have a molded footbed, super comfy!), and I made sure to add earrings and a necklace. Also, this woven bag is super cute and affordable.

KUT from the Kloth Linen Short (M) // AllSaints tee (M) // Dolce Vita sandals (8) // crossbody bag
Easy & Effortless: One-and-Done Dresses
A summer dress is the ultimate throw-on-and-go piece, and there are so many good ones out there right now. I love having a few in rotation for those days when I want to look pulled together with minimal effort.
This muscle dress has been one of my Summer MVPs, and I’m so sad to see it selling out in the blue, but it’s fully stocked in coral. I also found a similar style for a great price at Gap Factory that I linked below. The white adidas Sambas keep it the look chic and casual, but I’ve also worn it with sandals for a lighter look. And there’s that woven bag again!

EVEREVE Nora Muscle Dress (M) (option) // adidas Samba (8.5) // Tom Ford sunnies // crossbody bag // similar bracelet // Jenny Bird Puffy Faye earrings // sunnies (option/option)
Here’s another easy t-shirt dress I’ve enjoyed this summer, and it’s an amazing price point.

Gap Factory Stripe Jersey Mini Dress (M) // adidas Samba (8.5) // sunnies (option/option) // similar Jenny Bird earrings // similar watch
It also looks great with a denim jacket on top.

Gap Factory Icon Denim Jacket (S) // Gap Factory Stripe Jersey Mini Dress (M) // Marc Fisher Glynne Slide Sandals // similar watch // similar earrings
Another one of my summer favorites is this black Tommy Bahama linen sheath with the contrast stitching. They updated it this year with the split neck, which I love. It also comes in white and blue.

Tommy Bahama Palm-A-Dora Split Neck Bay Shift Dress (M) (more options) // Paul Green Hadley Sneakers (8) // teardrop earrings // bangle // sunnies (option) // similar watch
And when I need a more elegant look to dress up or down, I love this timeless knit sheath.

Ming Wang Sleeveless Scoop Neck Side Slit Tank Bodycon Dress (S) // Dolce Vita Mylee Heels (8) // similar necklace & earrings // similar bag
Fresh & Polished: White Denim Looks
White denim is a summer classic for a reason—it’s fresh, versatile, and pairs beautifully with just about anything. I’ve heard some rumblings that white jeans are starting to look dated, but after discussing the question at length, we came to the conclusion that it’s more of a regional thing.
I still love white jeans, so I decided to keep this section. The key to keeping them feeling current is choosing modern silhouettes and styling them in a fresh way. If you’re not a white denim person, feel free to skip this part, but these are a few of my favorite ways I’ve been wearing mine this season.
This brown fern-print mesh muscle tee and the strappy sandals with gold hardware is a great example of how to style your favorite white jeans in a modern way. I love my white flares, but a wide leg silhouette would be another great option.

Sanctuary Charisma Dolman Mesh Tee (M) // MOTHER Weekender (30) (similar for less) // Dolce Vita Mylee Heels (8) // similar hoops // similar bag
Black and white is a classic summer pairing I never get tired of. This lace top is super cute and very affordable, and the ankle-length flares are great for showing off your shoes. I bookended the look with my black espadrille wedges.

Gap Factory Lace top (S) // MOTHER Hustler Flares (30) // Tory Burch Espadrilles (8) // Freja Hudson Bag Black Lizard // J. Crew woven earrings
Here’s another black top I’ve been loving lately, with the crochet trim and button-up back. In this case, I went with a neutral shoe to keep the look light and summery.


cloth and stone Trim Detail Back Button Tank (S) // MOTHER Weekender (30) (similar for less) // Dolce Vita Mylee Heels (8) // J.Crew earrings // bangle option
White and navy is another classic summer combo that I love. This textured sweater adds interest and keeps this preppy look on trend, and the rattan earrings add a fun seasonal touch.

EVEREVE Taylor Sweater (S) // AG Mari (30) // Dolce Vita Lorene (8) // St. Armands hoops // similar link necklace // woven bag
This crochet sweater was a top seller this summer, and I love how it pairs with the baby bootcut jeans.

Gap Factory Crochet stripe top (S) // Gap Factory Seamed Universal baby boot cut jeans (29) // Schutz Taliah (8) // Naghedi tote
And this light neutral look is one of my favorites this summer. I’ve also worn this top with white shorts (see below!)

cloth & stone square neck tank (S) // MOTHER Weekender (30) (similar for less) // Schutz woven heels (8) // rattan hoops // similar necklace // J.Crew bracelet // similar bag
A fresh blue and white stripe popover keeps these white ankle flares fresh. I added a layered necklace, hoop earrings, and a woven bracelet to tie into the gold hardware on my sandals.

EVEREVE Beckett Muscle Shirt (S) // MOTHER Hustler (30) // Dolce Vita Mylee (7.5) // similar bag // similar hoops // hammered coin pendant// similar link necklace // J.Crew Braided snake chain bracelet
And here’s one more! This bold red cutaway sweeter vest creates such a striking look with the white flares, neutral shoes, and gold accessories.

WHBM sweater vest (M) // MOTHER Weekender (30) (similar for less) // Dolce Vita Mylee Heels (7.5) // similar link bracelet // Jenny Bird earrings // similar necklace // similar bag
Cool & Casual: Shorts & Skirts
When the heat kicks in, shorts are a must, and I’ve included a couple of short denim skirts here too. I like to keep these outfits simple and wearable with easy tops, tees, and sandals or sneakers for an effortless summer vibe. These are a few of my go-to looks for the warmest summer days.
These Vineyard Vines stretch twill shorts are my favorite white shorts this summer. The subtle herringbone texture gives them a polished feel, and the 98% cotton fabric has just a touch of elastane for comfort without sacrificing structure. I paired them here with a bright pink shirt and my VEJA sneakers for a casual dinner out in Florida earlier this season.

LNA top (on sale) (M) // Vineyard Vines shorts (8) // VEJA Esplar (39) // NAGHEDI Nomad Hobo (Power Points Offer) // sunnies (option/option)
They also look great with this bold red muscle tee.

Nora Muscle Tee (S) (option/budget option) // Vineyard Vines shorts (8) // Kaanas sandals (8)
That red muscle tee also pairs beautifully with blue jeans shorts. I love how these have that trendy shoelace drawstring waistband.

Nora Muscle Tee (S) (option/budget option) // Citizens of Humanity Brynn Short (29) // Sam Edelman sandals (8) // Faherty Open Stitch Everyday Tote // Jenny Bird earrings
This outfit is my twist on the classic denim shirt and white denim combo. The oversized shirt paired with cut-off shorts creates a fun play on proportions, and the boat shoes add just the right preppy touch.

Frank & Eileen denim button-up (S) // similar shorts // Jeffrey Campbell Boast Boat Shoes (8.5) // gold hoops // pendant necklace // gold bangle
Here’s a cute look with boat shoes and denim shorts… but they aren’t actually denim. They’re those rag & bone Miramar sweatshirt jeans shorts that look like denim but feel like loungewear. I love how the clean white tee and the red and white stripe sweater over the shoulders keeps the comfy look polished and put together.

rag & bone Miramar Terry Walking Shorts (M) // stripe pullover (M) // Z Supply tee (L) // Jeffrey Campbell boat shoes (8.5) // sunnies (option/option)
Mixing light neutrals is very much on trend this summer, and this is that same beige cloth & stone square neck tank from above paired with white shorts, for an elevated yet casual vibe.

cloth & stone square neck tank (S) // KUT from the Koth shorts (8) // Kaanas sandals (8) // similar link necklace // J.Crew earrings
And of course, you can’t go wrong with navy and white stripes. This linen tee is a great basic. I paired it here with denim shorts, but it also looks great with white. The beige suede sneakers help keep this basic look modern and interesting.

J.Crew linen stripe tee (M) // Gap Factory denim shorts (29) // Gola Viper (7.5) // similar bag // similar hoops
As for denim skirts, my favorite this summer is the KUT from the Kloth Holly with the shoelace drawstring waist. It’s such a nice wash and super comfy too. I paired it here with that same pink muscle tee from above. I’ve worn this top so much this summer! It seems to go with everything.

LNA Dessa tank (S) // KUT Holly (8) // Adidas Samba sneakers (8) // Tom Ford sunnies // similar bag // shield hoop earrings // similar necklace
I paired the same skirt with a moody graphic tee for a Phish concert a few weeks ago. I wore sneakers to keep it comfy and to protect my toes from crowded spaces.

KUT Holly skirt (8) // similar graphic tee (option) // VEJA Esplar (39) // similar bag // LAGOS hoops
And I also wore it with this bright coral graphic tee and sandals for lunch with a friend a few weeks ago.

KUT Holly skirt (8) // Clare V. Classic Tee (L) // Dolce Vita Dallen (8) // LAGOS hoops // LOFT bangle // similar bag
Relaxed & Wearable: Casual Denim Looks
Blue jeans are a year-round staple for me, and in the summer I like to keep them light and easy with simple tops and sandals. These casual denim looks are the ones I’ve been reaching for most this season.
The PAIGE Anessa is my favorite wide leg crop style. They have a super high rise, so I usually wear them with tops I can leave untucked, like this fresh green stripe muscle sweater.

EVEREVE Jane Pullover (S) // PAIGE Anessa (29) // Sam Edelman slides (8) // similar bag
I did, however, wear them with this white muscle tee in Florida last spring. I did a front tuck and added a belt, which I think worked out okay.

Z Supply top (L) // Splendid cardigan (S) // PAIGE Anessa (29) (budget option) // Veronica Beard slides (8.5) (option) // similar belt // similar bag // sunnies (option/option)
For a full-length style, I love these drawstring waist full length wide leg jeans. I paired them with a ribbed tank and brown jelly sandals for a super casual, summery vibe.

Z Supply Long Weekends Tank (M) // KUT from the Kloth Holly W Drawstring (6) // Left On Friday X Loeffler Randall Dana Brown Strappy Jelly Sandal (8) // J.Crew Woven Chainlink Earrings // similar camera bag // sunnies (option/option)
And these trouser jeans are a major splurge, but they’re super lightweight and comfy. I paired them here with an ivory sweater tank and neutral t-strap sandals to keep the look elevated and polished.

Florence Tank (S) // Frank & Eileen West Village NYC Wide-Leg Trouser (8) // Dolce Vita Lorene (8) // LAGOS earrings // Monica Vinader bracelet
The MOTHER Insider Crop Step Hem Fray is another summertime favorite, and I linked a similar-for-less option from LOFT. The stripe top I’m wearing here is selling out, sadly, but there are lots of other options out there that would work. I also love the Converse sneakers with navy accents.

LOFT Banded tee muscle top (M) // MOTHER Insider (29) (option) // Converse Run Star Trainer (7.5) // Madewell shopper tote
Here are those same jeans with a white and blue stripe popover top. The warm brown woven leather tote ties in with the raffia slides, for a chic summery look.

EVEREVE Cecilia Shirred Top (S) // MOTHER Insider (29) // Sam Edelman Bambi Raffia Slides (8) // Dragon Diffusion Tote
Finally, another splurge pair from Frank & Eileen, these gaucho-style jeans are really fun. I found a few similar-for-less options, too. I love them paired with this white linen oversized button-up, and the raffia slides and woven leather tote make another appearance here—such a good bag/shoe combo for summer!

Frank & Eileen Linen Button-Up (S) (option) // Frank & Eileen Gaucho Jeans (29) (option/option) // Sam Edelman Bambi Raffia Buckle Slides (8) // Dragon Diffusion Santa Crose Shoulder Bag
I hope this post gives you some inspiration to shop your closet and put together a few new outfit combinations to carry you through the final weeks of summer!
Stay In Touch
If you liked this post, be sure you’re signed up for my email newsletter. In addition to my most recent blog posts, you’ll receive exclusive newsletter content like special sales, my newest favorite finds, and an occasional peek behind the scenes — all delivered right to your inbox.
I would also love for you to join my JLS Fashion Insiders Facebook Group! This is a friendly place to discuss all matters of fashion and style with other women, share your outfits, get advice, and stay up to date on all the happenings in our community.
20 Responses
Great ideas. I’ve found myself being lazy putting interesting outfits together. It’s been denim shorts and tees lol. I better up my game this week. Thanks for the ideas. Enjoy your day. It sounds fun.
I love your first outfit! It’s so chic and I’ve always been a fan of wearing lightweight black outfits in the summer. I bought the Kut from the Kloth linen pants you showed last year and I like that they’re not too wide. I tried Evereve’s linen pants and they were too much for me. How does the Collette compare? My only issue with linen is it tends to grow on me, and can be one or two sizes bigger after a few hours! If you want to replace your pleated shorts, Evereve has great black linen shorts that are chic and very comfortable. They do run large so I suggest sizing down one from your normal size. I bought the gold Kaanas sandals and had to punch holes in the strap because they’re too loose. I was afraid of that since my feel are kind of low profile. They’re very pretty!
I feel like the Colette is similar to the KUT Topaz. They are very popular, and definitely fit closer to the hips and thighs than some. I have heard a lot of people size down in them, but I feel good in my size 8. Glad you could make the Kaanas sandals work. They really pretty and super versatile. They’re the only sandals I brought to Maine (other than flip flops). I’ll check out the EVEREVE shorts.
What a great post!! Lots of great ideas and beautiful color combinations. Thank yiu for all of your hard work. Have a wonderful day!! 😊
Thanks for ideas. I have been enjoying putting outfits together this summer, especially wearing sweater tanks, light jackets jackets, etc. But in California August through September is blazing hot. From here on out I will be wearing running shorts and tanks every chance I get. Menopause and summertime is not my friend.
I love white jeans (and have a few pairs), but here in NC it is too hot for anything but shorts and summer dresses during the summer. Such a short season for white jeans (I am still not comfortable wearing white jeans in the fall/winter. I just can’t seem to put together an outfit I like for when it is cooler and white jeans.)
I am trying to be more intentional with accessories (bracelets and necklaces) to put together an outfit, even shorts and a tee or tank top. I do feel more put together when I do. So, thank you for your suggestions.
Arna I have the same problem with long pants in summer! (Which unfortunately for me lasts from April thru Sept!) I’ve started wearing my white jeans in spring. One I got over the “no white before Memorial Day” rule, I discovered I really love them with pastels in early spring! I get much more use out of them now.
Thanks for the inspiration! While I have a lot of more summery jeans in my closet, the unbearable heat and humidity here has kept me from wearing them. Come on Fall! Enjoy the rest of your time in Maine.
Jo-Lynne, thank you so much for all this wonderful content you provide! I can’t imagine how you’re able to find inspiration daily for so much worthy content! I know you mentioned the other day how it can be a little challenging to talk about clothes every day, but it’s such a valuable resource beyond the clothing. I’m a volunteer stylist, helping women and a few men find professional clothing for job interviews and other occasions. It’s tremendously rewarding to find the right outfit for a client, but it’s more about the internal struggle of gaining confidence and presenting yourself in the best way. I’m 50 years old, it’s super hot outside and summer dressing is a daily struggle for a lot of us! But I always feel better, no matter what the temperature is, when I wear something I feel great in! So thank you, sincerely, for helping us all with that struggle. And a huge thank you for introucing me to Evereve. They finally opened a store in Bethesda, Md., and I absolutely love it! I feel like it is so thoughtfully curated for more mature women who still want to be stylish!
Thanks for the encouragement, Jen! I absolutely love my businesses and the community we’ve cultivated here. Doing what I do does feel a little frivolous and vain at times, especially as the “influencer”
space has gotten more crowded, and I fear I may be adding to the noise. But I love how you put it – that it’s more about the internal struggle of gaining confidence and presenting yourself in the best way than it is about selling clothes. That’s a great way to look at it.
Absolutely! And you embody the spirit of “women helping women” in such a genuine way!
Is it too early to be excited for fall? This is the first summer where I’m actually getting giddy about pulling out all my fall colors and putting together those transitional outfits. 🙂 I appreciate the inspiration for shopping my closet. I’ve got so many ideas I’m just dying to try. Of all your looks, I think the black ones are the most chic on you. 🙂
I recently got black linen pants but was having difficulty styling them. Thanks for the ideas. I’m shopping my closet for options.
Definitely Not too early to be excited for Fall! I’ve already counted the days!(: I love both black vests and am in the market for one–but sadly both that you showed are sold out. I like the woven leather bag from Quince too–and the dark brown is enticing–I just think it might be too small and I hate when there’s not an outside slide pocket for cell. Lots of great ideas here tho–thanks!
It has been 2 years since you went to Italy, not last summer as mentioned in the caption in the linen section.
Jolynn, where do I find your white addidas samba sneakers. I have looked at Nordstrom, Amazon, footlocker and Dicks. I can’t seem to find the all white that you have on. Thank you!
I think my exact colorway is sold out. I’ve tried to find them too, so I can link my exact pair. It is called WHITE/ OFF WHITE/ GUM.
These and these are the most similar I can find.
I love all these looks on yiu. I’ve duplicated some with items I own, and love wearing the Nora Muscle dress. That was a great find for summer. Thank you. I just ordered the Steve Madden sneak in the white color as I love the green/pink pair.
I’m not ready for fall. I love the changing seasons on Ohio, but never rush summer. The winters here are long and cold. Fall is a great season but only it’s it time…I’ll be ready for pumpkins later in September after our beach vacation. We always go around Labor Day to avoid the crowds. Love having the beach to myself. It’s so relaxing as my work life is busy.
I’m adding Maine and Acacia National Park to my must see list. Have yiu ever seen the puffins that migrate there?
Cheers!!
I’m right there with you. I never want to rush summer. We used to always go to the beach the week of Labor Day, before the kids were in school. Loved that time at the shore. I have not seen the puffins, but we were talking about doing a puffin tour next year. I hear they are a lot smaller than you expect.
I think our weather is similar. I love to see what is coming in clothing trend, but I have items to mix and match for summer still. And summer just makes me feel youthful lol no rushing the season.
My brother took a trip to see the puffins among other sites in Maine. He said it was an amazing experience! If you plan a trip, I’ll be keeping my eye out for your recommendations!