10 Minimalist Summer Outfits That Work Every Time

The change in the seasons can sometimes lead to a whole lot of outfit confusion, and wasted time spent rummaging through your wardrobe. Minimalists, however, have got the seasonal switch down to a fine art with their timeless wardrobes and perfectly selected new season additions. Which is why we are looking to them for minimalist summer outfits inspiration to get us into the summer swing of things. If you have your go-to staples sorted, there is no need for faffing when the new season hits. And let’s face it, when the summer heat is on, nobody wants to be faffing. In fact, the less is more approach of minimalist dressing makes more sense than ever during the warmer months, when you don’t need to worry about layering and can focus in on a few key pieces.

The minimalist 90s/00s aesthetic that continues to trend for spring/summer 2024, means more perfectly pared-back styles than ever are hitting the new arrivals section of high street and high-end stores alike. So if you are looking for a choice addition to your summer 2024 wardrobe rotation, you are in luck. Or, if you are just looking for inspiration, these minimalist summer outfit formulas can largely be recreated with your existing wardrobe. Read on for 10 minimalist summer outfits that will work every time.

minimalist summer outfits – Black Dress + Gold Jewellery

In my opinion, the ultimate minimalist summer outfits start with a classic black dress and some timeless gold jewelry.

Key Pieces:

This refined maxi dress captures the laid-back ease of summer. It's crafted from pure linen and shaped with a V-cut back and a box pleat that creates movement through the A-line skirt. Style it with mules for events or pare it back with flip flops for daytime.
COS A-LINE LINEN MAXI DRESS, £115

This pure linen dress has a fabulously airy and chic silhouette.

Bottega Veneta's 'Sardine' earrings nod to the sculptural handle of the house's bag of the same name. They're cast in a curved shape from glossy gold-plated silver that's polished for a gorgeous shine
BOTTEGA VENETA Sardine gold-plated earrings, £720

Hi.

M&S black skater dress will keep you comfortable all day, thanks to its cotton-rich material. It's cut in an effortless regular fit, with a timeless midi length. The sleeveless design gives an airy feel, while the scoop neckline provides a flattering effect. Gentle ribbing at the bodice creates a neat finish. M&S Collection: easy-to-wear wardrobe staples that combine classic and contemporary styles.
M&S COLLECTION Cotton Rich Ribbed Midi Skater Dress, £39.50

M&S’ take on the midi tank dress trend is elevated by the basque waistline.

These chunky COS teardrop earrings are a modern alternative to classic hoops. Crafted from gold-tone recycled brass that's polished to a high shine, they have a curved shape that elegantly hugs the earlobe.
COS CHUNKY CURVED TEARDROP EARRINGS, £35

Classic.

FAITHFULL
Anais cotton poplin minidress
FAITHFULL Anais cotton poplin minidress, £140

Move fast on this cotton mini dress with a subtle take on the trending bubble hemline.

& Other Stories Teardrop earrings crafted from brass that's polished to a high shine, they have a curved shape that elegantly hugs the earlobe.
& Other Stories Curved Earrings, £17

The curved shape of these earrings is so elegant.

White Shorts + Black Bandeau Top + Classic Belt

Obsessed with this chic summer outfit. Pair with a black bandeau swimsuit for beach-ready style.

Key Pieces:

LESET's clothes can be mixed and matched thanks to their pared-back designs. Cut from flexible stretch-ponte for a close fit, this 'Rio' top has a strapless silhouette that looks great worn solo or layered under a collared shirt. We have the matching pants, too.
LESET Rio strapless cropped stretch-ponte top, £130

Mix and match this minimalist number to your heart’s content.

High-waist shorts sewn from pure linen. Detailed with side pockets, belt loops and back pocket with flaps. Hook-and-bar closure and zip fly. Pressed creases.
Arket High Waist Linen Shorts, £57

A pair of white linen shorts are always summer-ready.

& Other Stories This classic belt is crafted in Italy from supple leather and fastens with a sleek rounded buckle.
& Other Stories Leather Belt, £47

A classic black leather belt will do you no wrong.

Boden black 
This classic bandeau swimsuit features all-over smocked detailing and a high-leg silhouette. Its fixed cups and silicone tape at the neckline make for a comfortable, supported fit.
Boden Milos Smocked Bandeau Swimsuit, £80

Bandeau swimsuits are trending this summer.

Reformation beige linen shorts.
Reformation Mason Short, £128

You already love the Mason pants, so it only makes sense to invest in the shorts for summer.

Arket black Leather Belt
Arket Leather Belt, £57

Timeless.

black BOTTEGA VENETA
Bandeau swimsuit
BOTTEGA VENETA Bandeau swimsuit, £630

The chicest.

AGOLDE white Ellis mid-rise denim Bermuda shorts
AGOLDE Ellis mid-rise denim Bermuda shorts, £270

Tap into multiple denim trends with these white pleated Bermuda shorts.

KHAITE black Benny leather belt
KHAITE Benny leather belt, £380

Simple perfection.

minimalist summer outfits – White Linen + Oversized Shirt + Sunglasses

Linen pants are a summer essential. Pair with a cute coordinating top and pull on a breezy shirt for cooler days.

Key Pieces:

Reformation white Fernando Wide Leg Linen Pant with elasticated waist.
Reformation Fernando Wide Leg Linen Pant, £178

A winning pair of linen pants for life.

Reformation white cropped linen strap top.
Reformation Lorin Linen Top, £78

The perfect combination.

M&S black pure linen shirt is versatile enough for the beach or boardroom. It's designed in a laid-back relaxed fit, with a smart collared neckline. The breezy style has cuffed long sleeves and a patch pocket on the chest. It fastens easily through the front with buttons. M&S Collection: easy-to-wear wardrobe staples that combine classic and contemporary styles.
M&S COLLECTION Pure Linen Relaxed Shirt, £35

You will wear this again and again.

COS × LINDA FARROW black BLADE SUNGLASSES - RECTANGLE
COS x Linda Farrow BLADE SUNGLASSES – RECTANGLE, £115

Classic.

These M&S white pure linen trousers are perfect for warmer days. Designed in a stylish wide-leg fit, with a flattering high waistband. They fasten securely with a smart hook and bar, and feature belt loops for easy accessorising. M&S Collection: easy-to-wear wardrobe staples that combine classic and contemporary styles.
M&S COLLECTION Pure Linen Wide Leg Trousers

These are also so good.

M&S white sleeveless blouse is made from a breathable linen-rich blend for an airy, elegant feel. The sleeveless design is cut to an easy regular fit, with a timeless crew neckline. Striking crossover detail at the back adds a modern finishing touch. M&S Collection: easy-to-wear wardrobe staples that combine classic and contemporary styles.
M&S COLLECTION Linen Rich Cross Back Blouse, £29.50

As is this top.

COS wide sleeved black linen shirt.
COS WIDE-SLEEVED LINEN SHIRT, £75

The wide sleeves on COS’ linen shirt offer a slightly more directional silhouette.

PRADA black Rectangular sunglasses
PRADA Rectangular sunglasses, £355

A perfect investment piece.

COS white laid-back trousers are offered in a crisp white shade and designed with a drawstring waist and wide legs that will pool over your sandals. The lightweight linen and cotton-blend fabric makes them a natural choice for the warmer months – particularly when styled with the matching blouse.
COS WIDE-LEG LINEN DRAWSTRING TROUSERS, £65

COS’ white linen drawstring trousers and white linen blouse are dreamy worn together or alone.

H&M black Oversized shirt in an airy linen weave with a collar, buttons down the front, a patch chest pocket and a double-layered yoke at the back. Dropped shoulders with buttoned cuffs and a sleeve placket with a link button. Rounded hem.
H&M Oversized linen shirt, £27.99

A great budget buy.

& Other Stories Solid coloured shiny 90’s frame sunglasses with a petite oval shape. Made from a glossy durable material, they have tonal lenses and slim temples. Store yours in the accompanying case when you're not wearing them.
& Other Stories Slim Oval-Frame Sunglasses, £27

You can’t go wrong with a flattering oval pair of sunglasses.

Breton Stripes + Black Tailored Shorts + Mesh Flats

Add some mesh ballet flats to a classic Breton t-shirt and tailored black shorts for a chic new season update on some seriously timeless pieces.

Key Pieces:

A playful update to Loewe's essential 'Anagram' tank, this iteration is patterned with classic nautical stripes. It's cut from stretch-jersey and embroidered with the brand's moniker in contrasting red thread. Style yours with denim
LOEWE Anagram embroidered striped stretch-jersey top, £450

A cute update on Loewe’s staple Anagram tank.

TOTEME black Mid-rise bermuda shorts
TOTEME Mid-rise bermuda shorts, £290

These classic tailored shorts should be in your summer capsule wardrobe forever.

LE MONDE BÉRYL Patent leather-trimmed mesh flats
LE MONDE BÉRYL Patent leather-trimmed mesh flats, £390

Need.

H&M strioed Cropped, fitted vest top in ribbed cotton jersey with a narrow trim around the neckline and armholes.
H&M Cropped vest top, £9.99

This cute cropped take will sit perfectly above high waisted styles.

& Other Stories black Tailored shorts featuring a high waist and duo slash pockets.
& Other Stories Tailored Shorts, £67

These are so good.

COS black LEATHER-TRIMMED MESH BALLET FLATS with ankle straps.
COS LEATHER-TRIMMED MESH BALLET FLATS, £110

The ankle straps on these mesh flats add a little something.

Reformation breton strip crew t shirt.
Reformation Breton Stripe Classic Crew Tee, £48

You always need a classic Breton striped t-shirt in your wardrobe.

Arket black Shorts crafted from a structured linen blend. A loose-fitted style with elastics and drawstring at waist and slanted side pockets.
Arket Long Linen. Shorts, £47

Long shorts are trending hard and linen makes a smart choice for summer.

Reformation Britt Mesh Ballet Flat.
Reformation Britt Ballet Flats, £268

So pretty.

minimalist summer outfits – Neutral Denim Maxi + White Vest Top + Red Flats

Make your denim maxi summer-ready in ecru or white, and pair it with your classic white tank. Red mesh ballet flats add a 2024 update.

Key Pieces:

Nili Lotan offers an everyday essential – the white tank top. Featuring a crew neckline and made of finely-ribbed pure cotton, this versatile design is a true foundational classic
NILI LOTAN Jennifer rib-knit tank top, £135

You can’t go wrong with a staple white tank.

Keep it classic with this Missoma cuff bracelet. Whether you're shopping for yourself or looking for the perfect gift, this versatile gold cuff is a wardrobe essential. Available in two sizes, style solo or pair with a double chain for an instant arm stack.
Missoma CLASSIC CUFF BRACELET, £129.00

Bangles are back and this one is timeless.

AGOLDE white Leif denim maxi skirt
AGOLDE Leif denim maxi skirt, £310

This front split maxi is perfect for summer.

All of Le Monde Beryl's shoes are handcrafted in Italy using traditional techniques. These 'Luna' ballet flats are made from breathable mesh and have comfortable flat soles with leather linings. The almond-toe vamps are a small but crucial detail that makes them especially chic.
LE MONDE BERYL Luna leather-trimmed mesh ballet flats, £365

Le Monde Beryl’s Luna mesh flats are perfection in red.

COS TUBULAR KNITTED TANK TOP in Cream
COS TUBULAR KNITTED TANK TOP, £45

An elevated take on a basic you will wear again and again.

This season, the COS jewellery team were inspired by organic forms. Crafted from gold-plated recycled brass, this modern bangle has a hammered, sculptural design and fastens with a hinge clasp.
COS Hammered Bangle, £35

This is so elegant.

COS Ecru denim column maxi skirt calls to mind styles from the '90s. Washed a fresh ivory shade, it's crafted from organic cotton twill blended with TENCEL™ Lyocell that offers a lighter drape than classic denim and has deep side slits for ease of movement.
COS DENIM MAXI SKIRT, £95

Perfection.

Arket red mesh Flat ballerinas made from fine mesh. Designed with a slightly square-shaped toe. Leather lining. Rubber outsole.
Arket Mesh Ballerinas, €139

The Row on a budget.

& Other Stories white Tank top designed with a scooped neckline and a ribbed finish.
& Other Stories Ribbed Tank Top, £19

The square neck is a chic touch.

& Other Stories This sleek cuff is minimally designed, making it easy to stack with a variety of different styles. It's cast from polished brass and features a wavy design.
& Other Stories Wave Cuff Bracelet, £17

The wave detail is so pretty.

H&M Long 5-pocket skirt in cotton denim with a zip fly and button and a straight-cut hem with a high slit at the front.
H&M Denim maxi skirt, £37.99

A great budget buy.

Mango red Mesh ballet flats with buckle strap
Mango Mesh ballet flats with buckle strap, £49.99

Mango’s mesh ankle strap ballet flats now come in sassy red.

Linen Waistcoat + Jorts + Thong Sandals

Denim Bermuda shorts, AKA jorts might be trending this season, but they are also something of a classic, especially combined with pared-back thong sandals and a loose linen waistcoat for a chic summer take.

Key Pieces:

All the coolest fashion editors, celebrities and influencers have been wearing waistcoats for the past few seasons, and the trend shows no signs of slowing down. The Frankie Shop's 'Chelsea' version is made from beige twill blended with touches of breathable linen and has a relaxed shape that's lined for smoothness.
THE FRANKIE SHOP Chelsea twill vest, £196

A classic piece.

AGOLDE Ellis mid-rise denim Bermuda shorts
AGOLDE Ellis mid-rise denim Bermuda shorts, £270

Aside from Jorts, pleats are a key 2024 denim trend.

The Row returns to the early aughties as its source of inspiration for the Ginza platform sandal, a minimalist thong silhouette. Made in Italy from black calf leather with contrast top-stitching around the sole, it's a retro-meets-modern design that belongs in every well-curated wardrobe.
THE ROW Ginza leather platform slides, £940

These will never go out of style.

Reimagining the codes of classic tailoring, the COS womenswear team designed this waistcoat with delicate ties in place of buttons. It's crafted from a lightweight blend of ECOVERO™, linen and cotton and offered in an enduring black hue that will complement most pieces in your wardrobe. Style it with the matching shorts.
COS TIE-FRONT WAISTCOAT, £85

This summery tie front waistcoat is perfect for day or night.

H&M 5-pocket shorts in rigid cotton denim that feels firm at first but then softens and loosens with wear. Low waist with a zip fly and button.
H&M Low Denim shorts, £19.99

H&M’s low and loose denim shorts are a great affordable option.

COS sculptural flip flops with chunky toe posts, contoured footbeds and curved mid-soles for support.
COS SCULPTURAL EVA FLIP FLOPS, £65

Flip flops are a key summer sandal trend for 2024 and this sculptural take from COS is an elevated version.

& Other Stories beige Knitted waistcoat vest secured with duo hook closures.
& Other Stories Knitted Vest, £57\

Sometimes you can’t beat a sexy summer knit.

Me + Em blue denim short. Falling just above the knee, this piece works for both off-duty weekends and trips abroad, slotting seamlessly with layered crisp shirting and tank tops alike.
Me + Em Denim High-Rise Bermuda Short, £150.00

Classic mid-wash denim is always ready for anything and everything.

Emme Parsons' 'Bari' sandals are meticulously crafted in Italy from smooth 'Espresso' leather. Boasting a clean, sleek design, they rest on molded footbeds and have slim straps that frame your foot. Style yours with everything from relaxed tailoring to summer dresses.
EMME PARSONS Bari leather sandals, £410

These sandals are delicious minimalist perfection.

minimalist summer outfits – White Maxi + Chunky Gold Necklace + Basket Bag

Come summer, a flowing white maxi is a prime competition for your timeless rotation of black dresses.

Key Pieces:

LESET's 'Lucy' maxi dress is intricately crocheted from soft cotton - the open construction makes it perfect for layering over a tonal slip or swimsuit. It has a figure-hugging fit and floor-grazing hem.
LESET Lucy crocheted cotton maxi dress, £650

You can’t go wrong with crochet in summer, especially a perfect white maxi.

Missoma gold coloured MOLTEN TWISTED INFINITY CHAIN NECKLACE
Missoma MOLTEN TWISTED INFINITY CHAIN NECKLACE, £285.00

You won’t regret investing in this classic with a twist.

Loewe's 'Puzzle Fold' tote can be collapsed down for easy storage when traveling so it's ideal for vacations. Designed with Paula's Ibiza, this version is made from raffia with origami-inspired creases and topped with contrasting leather handles. Use yours to hold a water bottle, SPF and coverup at the beach.
LOEWE+ Paula’s Ibiza Puzzle Fold medium leather-trimmed raffia tote, €1,500

Another piece you won’t regret investing in, Loewe’s ‘Puzzle Fold’ tote can be collapsed down when traveling so it couldn’t be more perfect for holidays.

Me + Em Summer's sartorial hero: the white maxi. With the ease of a tank top and the polish of a cotton skirt, this dress is granted styling versatility and dawn-to-dusk adaptability, making it a piece you'll revisit year after year.
Me + Em Mixed Media Square Neck Maxi Dress, £195.00

Dream tank dress.

COS gold CHUNKY CHAIN NECKLACE
COS CHUNKY CHAIN NECKLACE, £65

This COS chunky chain necklace is perfectly formed.

summer basket bags 2024 - Sezane natural raffia basket bag with ample volume, adjustable handles and smooth leather finish, which will grow more beautiful with time.
Sezane ROMIE BASKET Natural Raffia, £190

The perfect basket bag is always a summer essential.

Crafted from soft cotton, this COS white reimagined tiered dress is designed with gathers that draw the eye towards the back, where a vertical ruched seam sits above a subtle cutout. Layer it up in the transitional months, styling it alone with sandals when spring fades into summer.
COS White Tiered maxi Dress, £95

This backless detail cotton maxi can be changed up for day or night.

COS CHUNKY MARINER-CHAIN NECKLACE Crafted from gold-plated recycled brass, each oval mariner link has a curved, inflated shape, while the adjustable chain allows you to experiment with styling – wear it above the collarbone like a choker or lower over a T-shirt.
COS CHUNKY MARINER-CHAIN NECKLACE, £65

COS’ jewellery selection. is always so timeless.

& Other Stories This shoulder bag is woven from paper fibers, trimmed with soft leather and whipstitched along the handle strap. Use this bag to store small items like your phone, wallet, and sunglasses. The interior is lined with cotton and holds an internal slip pocket for smaller essentials.
& Other Stories Leather-Detailed Straw Bag, £120

This leather detailed straw bag will replace your heavier leather handbags for summer.

Basic Bikini + Printed Sarong

Plump for a neutral bikini and jazz things up with a printed sarong you can tie in multiple ways. A true beach outfit essential.

Key Pieces:

Arket cream unpadded, wired bikini top with a crinkled surface. Made in a soft and stretchy polyester blend, with cups detailed with a horizontal seam.
Arket Crinkle Wired Bikini Top, £27

This neutral crinkle underwired top and bottoms from Arket are as classic as it gets.

H&M blue and white print short sarong.
H&M Short sarong, £9.99

An easy peasy way to add a pop of colour to your beach outfits.

Mango black metal ring detail triangle bikini.
Mango Metallic-detail bikini top, £22.99

If you like to keep it minimal, both in style and coverage, Mango’s metal ring detail bikini top and bottoms are for you. Metal detailing is another swimwear trend we are so on board with.

Matteau's pareo is an effortless way to cover up at the pool bar or beachside restaurant. Cut from organic silk, it's patterned with an earthy floral motif that'll coordinate nicely with many of the label's swimsuits, especially the matching ones in our edit. Wear yours with sandals and a raffia tote.
MATTEAU + NET SUSTAIN printed organic silk pareo, £277

Perfection.

JADE SWIM Incline high-rise bikini bottoms, £74

Earthy shades are a key 2024 swimwear trend.

FAITHFULL Zinnia printed cotton beach cover-up
FAITHFULL Zinnia printed cotton beach cover-up, £83

So in love with this floral print sarong that will liven up your more neutral swimwear.

Utility Playsuit + Sturdy Sandals

A utility playsuit is a style that never ages. Pair with sturdy sandals for a practical but chic summer look.

Key Pieces:

Rivet Utility’s 'Dreamer' playsuit has a workwear-inspired feel. Made from ecru linen, it's complete with mismatched patch pockets and rolled cuffs. Keep it casual with sneakers or chunky slides.
RIVET UTILITY Dreamer linen playsuit, £295

This workwear-inspired ecru linen playsuit is summer perfection.

A.EMERY'S 'Prince' sandals demonstrate the brand's commitment to craftsmanship. Handmade from supple leather, they have simple straps and a classic gold-tone buckle. The footbeds are padded and molded for a comfortable fit.
A.EMERY Prince buckled leather sandals, £170

The gold buckle elevates these practical sandals.

Mango 100% linen jumpsuit with bow
Mango 100% linen jumpsuit with bow, £59.99

Mango’s 100% linen playsuit is perfect for summer in the city.

COS Atelier THE LEATHER WRAP SANDALS
COS Atelier THE LEATHER WRAP SANDALS, £200

These COS sandals are so expensive looking.

Pretty Lavish utility playsuit in beige
Pretty Lavish utility playsuit in beige, £58.00

Keep it fresh in summer-ready beige.

M&S premium leather gladiator sandals. Made with an adjustable buckle fastening at the ankle and a comfy flat heel. A moulded footbed provides extra cushioning. M&S Collection: easy-to-wear wardrobe staples that combine classic and contemporary styles
M&S COLLECTION Leather Ankle Strap Footbed Sandals, (£45) £33.75

Move fast on these.

Simple Red Maxi + Statement Necklace

Though red is trending hard, it’s always a timeless choice when you want to go bright. Keep it classic with a simple silhouette and add a statement necklace to take things up a notch.

Key Pieces:

LESET red James wool maxi dress
LESET James wool maxi dress, £500

So dreamy.

Make it personal with this Missoma handcrafted engravable necklace. Paired with a delicate chain, the domed locket pendant features a central rainbow moonstone gem and oval ridge detailing. It can be engraved on the back, as well as inside the locket. Add a date, meaningful message or personalized motif to create a one-of-a-kind Jewelry gift. See our locket guide for more details.
Missoma ENGRAVABLE OVAL RIDGE LOCKET PENDANT NECKLACE, £165.00

Silver jewellery pairs so well with red.

Arket red Roomy T-shirt dress cut from a single jersey fabric made of cotton. This is a full-length dress designed with a crew-neck and a cut-seam at centre back.
Arket Relaxed T-Shirt Dress, £47

The relaxed silhouette ensures this bright dress is still a timeless choice.

COS GLASS-PENDANT LEATHER NECKLACE
COS GLASS-PENDANT LEATHER NECKLACE, £40

This gorgeous glass pendant necklace will be a dreamy addition to your summer looks.

COS Linen is a natural choice for drawn-out days in the sun. Offered in a striking crimson hue, this midi dress is cut in an A-line silhouette and designed with a V-shaped neckline that's echoed at the back. Each of the shoulder ties fastens into a bow.
COS BOW-DETAIL LINEN MIDI DRESS, £85

The rich red tone of this summer-ready linen dream dress is TDF. Of course it’s on our list of most expensive-looking high street dresses

Mango Metal pendant necklace
Mango Metal pendant necklace, £15.99

Pair with Mango’s metal pendant cord necklace.

This story was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.

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