10 Apr 6 Minimalist Summer Outfits That Work Every Time

The change in the seasons can sometimes lead to a whole lot of confusion, which is where minimalists have really got it down. 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 really focus on a few key pieces. This season a minimalist 90s/00s aesthetic is still trending, meaning pared-back summer styles are hitting down in the new arrivals sections of high-street and high-end stores alike. So if you are looking for a choice addition to your summer 2023 wardrobe rotation you are in luck. Or, if you are just looking for inspiration, these outfit formulas have got you covered for simple summer outfits you can probably recreate with your own wardrobe. Read on for the 6 minimalist summer outfit formulas that work every time.

Black Dress and Gold Jewellery

A classic pairing that never fails. The LBD is timeless for a reason, and paired with warm gold accents, she is ready for summer.

This COS gathered linen maxi dress was a hit last year and is now available in timeless black for the new season. This breezy linen style has subtle side seam pockets too. It’s a winner.

Add interest with this layered chain necklace.

Minimalist thong sandals never went away, but they are trending hard this season. Reformation’s Ludo toe ring strappy flat sandals are a great classic take on the (non) trend. If you have budget to splurge, try The Row’s Kris leather slides.

A little bit obsessed with this knitted bandeau maxi dress from COS and its subtle take on the sheer trend. Be speedy, it’s sure to sell out…

Wear with these statement chain link drop earrings and a chunky necklace.

This knitted tank dress from Arket is simple and beautiful. Also a big fan of these leather strap sandals that manage to be both sturdy and elegant.

Opt for an equally simple and slinky serpent chain like this gold-plated number from Sophie Buhai and classic gold hoops.

Dress this cut-out cotton SIR dress up or down for day or night.

Jewellery for your feet? These flat leather sandals from Khaite with gold accents can do both day and night dressing with ease.

& Other Stories maxi slip dress is perfect for any season, but is ready for summer worn alone with strappy sandals and gold jewellery.

Cargo Pants + Tank Top or Waistcoat

Cargo pants are the new spring classic trouser and make an easy pairing with a plain white tank top for easy breezy spring/summer days. Alternatively, elevate the look a little with a tailored waistcoat for a polished edge.

If you’re looking for the perfect black cargo pants, let me introduce you to these COS new arrivals in a spring-ready linen blend,

So into this knitted waistcoat for a relaxed take on a tailored classic. It also comes in black.

Simple 90s style slip-on mules will take this look up a notch.

These H&M wide cargo trousers are a perfect wear-anywhere choice in a great neutral shade.

Pair with a classic white tank top for a simple but effective look.

You could pair your look with heels, or you could lean fully into the 90s/00s minimalist feel and add these chic leather platform toe post sandals from & Other Stories.

Wear The Frankie Shop’s Maesa Cargo Pants with the matching Maesa Vest for a low-key but high-polish look. Just add chunky sandals and jewelry.

Arket’s black silk tank top would make a great alternative to a waistcoat worn with tonal black accessories.

Sophie Buhai’s Hinged Hoops earrings make for a contemporary twist on a classic silhouette. This pair has been crafted by hand, from 18-karat gold-plated sterling silver, in the brand’s LA studio. Buy now and you will love them forever.

These chunky & Other Stories criss-cross sandals are made for walking, and wearing with everything.

Summer Denim + Tank + Tailoring

Elevate your staple spring/summer denim-and-a-tank look with oversized tailoring or crisp shirting for a pulled-together feel.

Switch your classic blazer in for a summer-ready light linen option. Classic black always looks great with denim. & Other Stories relaxed linen blazer is also a great buy.

& Other Stories Forever cut denim shorts are a classic style woven from an organic and recycled cotton denim blend. A crisp cotton or linen shirt is also a classic pairing.

Add a trending ballet flat for a very Alexa Chung vibe. If your budget is a little more modest, Arket’s staple style in black or metallic gold are equally as effective.

Wear with a classic white or black tank top and sandals for anything and everything.

If you prefer a longer short, these classic Frame high-rise denim bermuda shorts will never go out of style or your summer wardrobe rotation.

As we all know a long denim skirt is something of a wardrobe staple this spring/summer. This delightful offering from H&M comes in sizes 4-22 and is going to look so chic all spring/summer. It looks great dressed up with the tonal knitted bandeau top and oversized blazer.

You could alo pair your denim skirt with a contrasting black tank top and the oversized black blazer above. Ninety Percent distribute 90% of their profits between those who make each collection and four charities, so if you’re looking to invest in a great staple tank top this one is a no-brainer. It also looks so chic with the shorts…

Dress your look up a little with these block-heel strappy sandals that are still comfy enough to walk in.

This classic COS denim midi skirt also comes in summer-ready white and both are so good.

Investing in a really good ribbed knit tank is never a bad move and this one has a great shape.

Just add timelessly chic accessories for the perfect finishing touch.

White Dress + Simple Accessories

You can never beat the clean simplicity of a crisp white dress in summer. A little more high maintenance than your classic black dress, but a simple look that always packs a punch in the sunshine.

This simple beauty from The Row can be styled in so many ways. Crafted from featherweight fabric with a slight sheen, it has a relaxed silhouette with dropped shoulders and long sleeves. Belt it and wear with flat sandals, or dress it up with heels and statement jewellery for a stunning evening look.

The Row’s Ginza sandals make a great investment.

This mini silhouette looks so classic in bright white linen.

Silver jewelry is trending and these cool chunky silver hoops look perfect with this crisp white minidress.

This Alighieri Arc of Time ring is handcrafted in the brand’s London studio from sterling silver and the chunky, organic design is timeless and statement-making all at once.

Matteau’s simply perfect designs are a must-have in any minimalist summer wardrobe.

Dragon Diffusion’s hand-woven bags make a great investment for spring/summer dressing.

This H&M Premium Selection silk-blend knitted tank and midi skirt combo is a chic twist on a classic one-and-done dress, that you can mix and match into your current wardrobe. Great for holiday packing.

These minimalist black sandals set the tone perfectly.

The T-Lock Medium tote bag from Totême is the perfect quiet luxury bag to pair with everything this season and next. The gold-toned hardware sets off the beige tones nicely too.

Maxi Skirt + Crop Top + Sandals

Balance out the proportions of this season’s hit maxi skirt with a cropped silhouette on top for a stunning look.

This maxi skirt is a stunner. The matching cropped shirt has just landed too and makes for such an easy and chic look. The sandals are also in stock and very much worth your attention…

A simple cropped white vest top would also make a great addition to this look.

These classic square-frame sunglasses have a 90s feel that really completes the look.

You can’t get more simple and classic than a plain white t-shirt, silky maxi skirt, and sliders. The Row gives it an elevated twist with an on-trend but subtle asymmetric hemline.

This silky maxi skirt would also look great contrasted with a knit tank top, like this square neck number from & Other Stories.

Or add a little volume to the look with this crisp linen button-down cropped shirt. It will be a staple of your spring/summer wardrobe.

The Row’s delicate sandals with simple silken bow-embellished strap make a perfect pairing with the silky maxi skirt. Dreamy.

One of the key skirt trends for 2023, fuller skirts have made a comeback and look so good paired with fitted and cropped silhouettes on top. This organic cotton version from Matteau has such a pretty shape and flattering gathering at the waist. This all-black outfit looks great with the contrasting white Ginza sandals from The Row.

Drawing inspiration from 1990s minimalism, Matteau’s black square neck knitted crop top makes the perfect pairing.

These Arket sandals would also make a great buy.

Loose Co-ord

A loose coord always makes for a low-key luxe look for lounging on hot days. You can never beat the ease of a coordinating set and it also provides endless mix-and-match options making a great addition to holiday packing.

This oversized striped shirt will look equally as good with the matching trousers as it will with shorts and a tank. The trousers will also look great worn with a vest, basket bag, and minimal sandals. Just add chunky gold hoops.

If you want to add a pop of color to a neutral wardrobe, this is the set. Throw the oversized shirt over neutrals for a pop of colour or pair with the lengthening matching striped trousers and a black tank.

These H&M linen trousers are already sold out in black, so be fast on this beige or cream version. Wear with the matching oversized shirt and a simple tank and sandals for an easy breezy summer look. There are also shorts available if you want something more beach ready.

A classic monochromatic animal print always has a playful edge and will mix and match so well with your neutrals. Wear this oversized shirt with the matching shorts or throw it over your neutral outfits for a little interest and a light layer.

The 03 washed linen shirt and shorts set is one of Deiji Studios’ most popular co-ords for a reason. Made from softly stonewashed French linen that’s naturally airy and breathable for hot summer days, you won’t want to take this set off.

For more summer outfit inspiration, take a look at the most expensive-looking summer dresses you can shop on the high street next…