Summer Outfit Ideas For Different Occasions

Finally, summer is upon us: It's time to break out your warm-weather favorites and dream big about your ideal persona for the most easy-breezy months of the year. The season requires options for seaside getaways, sweltering office days in the city, and more—and luckily, the outfit inspo this year is just as abundant. To feel dreamy, party-ready, and every vibe in between, you'll want to pair staples like flowy maxi dresses, denim, and sunglasses with trending palettes, unmissable handbags, and practical yet playful footwear.

1. Coastal Grandma

It’s no secret that the "coastal grandma" aesthetic is still going strong. For breezier climates and East Coast summers, a sweater paired with linen pants is always a winner. (And bonus points here for the cream-on-white combo and texture play.)

2. Follow the Sun

A flowy maxi sundress and raffia accessories are not only practical on a sweltering summer day—they have a way of instantly radiating euphoric warm-weather vibes. Now all you need is some fun afternoon plans to accompany your carefree yet elevated ensemble.

3. Office Hours

A summer work wardrobe requires careful planning: You'll want an outfit that can navigate both frigid office air conditioning and the muggy conditions outdoors, all while still feeling inspired. Here, Weleny makes a case for capris as a warm-weather staple, pairing them with a white bucket bag, cord necklace, mesh ballet flats, and a cropped chocolate brown suede jacket. (We'd recommend adding a breezy short-sleeved button-down underneath for an easy, still-professional switch when you're feeling warm.)

4. City Conqueror

There's something special about New York summer style and its blend of comfortable classics with head-turning elements. Elevate your favorite fitted white tee by pairing it with voluminous trousers, statement jewelry, sunglasses, and a bold purple handbag.

5. Resort Chic

Shopping for an upcoming vacation? In addition to swimsuits and cover-ups for those long-awaited beach days, you'll want an arsenal of sophisticated yet playful dinner ensembles. You can't go wrong with a mini dress in an on-trend yet timeless shade of olive. Complete the look with a metallic handbag, an eye-catching pendant necklace, and your favorite strappy summer heels.

6. Feeling Groovy

Bohemian details and silhouettes are back in a major way (it's ethereal girl summer, after all). Lean into the '70s side of this trend in a warm-toned patterned mini dress, a fringed vest, and a curation of silver rings with a bit of personality.

7. Classic with A Twist

A white tank and skinny jeans make for an effortless summer formula that transitions from daytime outings to evening house parties. Make the ensemble your own by adding cowboy boots in a head-turning design.

8. Dockside Dream

Spending a day (or multiple) on a boat this summer? Prep for both sunbathing and breezy moments by wearing a floral skirt set as a cover-up over an itsy-bitsy yellow bikini, just as Sabrina Carpenter does here.

9. Breezy And Buttery

On the hottest summer days, there's nothing quite like throwing on a breathable dress paired with your favorite seasonal accessories. The butter yellow trend continues to feel right on cue, so take a dress in the shade for a spin in tandem with gladiator sandals and tinted oval shades.

10. Party Prep

Ready or not, the micro mini is set to be the skirt of the summer. If you're ready to give the trend a try, lean into prep-school chic by pairing a classic black style with a lightweight, short-sleeved sweater (cashmere is a year-round staple, after all) with silver shoes styled over ruffled socks.

11. Carrie Bradshaw Energy

Carrie Bradshaw is an eternal summer style icon, thanks to her ability to personalize any city-ready look with chaotic combos and unmissable shoes. Embody her this summer by heading out in a simple tank and bohemian maxi skirt, taken to the next level with snakeskin heels, a vivid green clutch, aviators, and a stretch headband.

12. Cool Coordination

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.