13 summer outfit ideas for easy breezy dressing

It's short-shorts season.
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Valentina Valdinoci

Summer may not *officially* start till 21 June, but with the 20-degree days coming up, summer is here in our book, and with it comes a new set of outfits.

This is the season to retire our suede jackets, swap out loafers for sandals, and let our limbs get some sun. Of course, we still have things to do and places to be. As much as we'd love to relive our school summer holidays or swan about a resort in swimwear for three months, our summer lewks still need to be practical, versatile and city-appropriate. #Adulting

That means easy separates that can help you look put together in under thirty seconds, trendy pedal pushers that serve as micro-shorts' elegant elder sister, and some fresh denim combos.

So if you've recently done your closet swap and are staring at some newly resurfaced pieces in search of some summer outfit ideas, we've got you covered.

Below, check out 13 summer outfit ideas we can't wait to wear as the mercury rises.

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Rotate Flower Oversized Shirt Light Blue

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Rotate Flower Maxi Skirt Light Blue

I've never met a matching set, and I didn't love, but this Rotate by Birger Christensen shirt and skirt set is as chic as they come. With subtle floral embroidery in the same hue, the crisp blue set is immediately elevated from your everyday office shirt to a statement top in its own right. Layer the look under a light, oversized raincoat on gloomy days, or swap out the shirt for a tank top during a heatwave. One set, dozens of looks.

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Ganni Black Shirred Blouse

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By Anthropologie Popcorn Knit Capri Pants

Like it or not, last summer's pedal pushers are back, but thankfully, we've also been served fresh ways to style them. Wear with an off-shoulder top and strappy heels for an elegant date night look or with a sports shirt and flip flops for a borrowed-from-the-boys touch, here's your second chance to fall in love with the elegant capri shorts.

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Reformation Ophelia Denim Top

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Citizens of Humanity Ayla Wide-Leg Mid-Rise Denim Jeans

Denim on denim will never not be a fashionable summer look, but this season try combining two trends in one with a denim button-down vest paired with barrel jeans. The slimming top and wide-legged trousers balance each other out perfectly, so you've got a chic, statement look without sacrificing comfort.

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NRBY Iris Gauze Linen Dress

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Ariat Heritage J Toe Western Boot

Not just for Glastonbury, your cowboy boots can be the perfect accompaniment to those floaty linen dresses you've dusted off in your closet, grounding the airy fabric with a bit more structure and Western cool. Bonus points if you can match the colour of your pointy boots with a detail in your dress, but blue and red in general also make for a bold, Americana combo.

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More to Come Clarita Top

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Gucci Horsebit Detail GG Shorts

Sometimes the best way to get out of a style rut is to find a new way to style something you already own. You likely already own an asymmetric top or printed shorts but just need a little help combining them, so may this baby blue top and khaki shorts combo be your guide. It's certainly about to be my go-to all summer. You're welcome.

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House of Harlow 1960 x REVOLVE Katya Top

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Levi's Baggy Dad Jeans

Need something else to pair with your favourite wide-legged jeans other than a T-shirt? Try a pinstripe tube top that will immediately amp up the formality of the outfit, especially when worn with a kitten heel. Your boyfriend jeans just got a glow-up.

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Rixo Valerie Silk Midi Dress

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Allsaints Beckie Metallic Leather Bag Belt

Sometimes a dress can be made to feel new again simply with the addition of a different accessory. Cue the belt bag. Not only is it useful to help you stay hands-free (which we're sure mums would appreciate), it could also add a little edge to an otherwise ultra-feminine satin or floral dress. Not all bum bags are made the same, though; opt for dainty belt bags that still feel fashion-forward, and maybe save the ultra-utilitarian camping versions for an actual hike.

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Bluebella Cordelia Top Black

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Jacquemus Women's White The Small Bambola

For the girlies who love their all-black looks even as temperatures climb (you do you, babe) a lace top is a great way to transition from your winter blacks to your summer blacks. Worn with a simple pair of slick trousers, all you need is a statement bag (like everyone's favourite Jacquemus Bambola zebra bag) to dress up the look.

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Cult Gaia TAMARA GOWN

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Dehanche Hollyhock leather belt

A lace dress for summer? Not so groundbreaking. But a lace dress with some interesting accessories, be it a chunky belt, '90s handbag, or an embellished cap, can turn even a cocktail dress into an easy, everyday outfit.

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Guest in Residence Chalet Cashmere Vest

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Simon Miller River Fringe Skirt

Don't put away those knitted vests just yet. With some clever styling, you could extend the lifespan of this wintery staple. Pair it with a mini skirt (perhaps one with some fringe—one of spring/summer 2025's most whimsical trends) and watch the outfit transform into a fun, preppy summer look. Slim loafers à la Kendall Jenner optional.

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House of CB Fernanda handkerchief-hem lace top

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Self Portrait Cream 3D Flower Satin Midi Skirt

Beige doesn't have to mean boring, as long as you make sure to include some interesting textures. A lacy top and matching skirt with 3D florals (another pretty spring/summer trend fresh off the runways) could just be the outfit you need to show off your incoming tan.

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Damson Madder Remie Rugby shirt

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Aquazzura Bow Tie Pump 105

Remember when everyone wore rugby shirts to transition from summer to autumn? It's time for them to come back out from the back of your shelves, but this time try styling them with some nautical shorts and bright red pumps—a sartorial spin on the sailor uniform.

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Khanum's KALLISTE BLAZER

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Dragon Diffusion Egola woven leather tote

The oversized blazer is for every season and can be the perfect summer office look. The trick is in swapping out your wintery accessories like leather totes and boots for sandals and Dragon Diffusion's cult leather basket bag. Oh and feel free to go trouser-less, if you dare!

For more fashion content, see fashion editor Rosana Lai's articles on GLAMOUR UK, or follow her on Instagram @rosie.lai.