From bright separates to the year-round trouser, wake up your wardrobe with these hot trends.
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Cute summer outfits may be the most mood-boosting of all. Warm, balmy weather and the corresponding looks simply have that effect. From the best flowy dresses to the best vacation swimwear—including the best one-piece bathing suits and the best beach cover-up dresses for a complete ensemble—summer fashion always feels lighthearted and fresh. So, when planning out your purchases and go-to formulas this year, looking to the runways and ever-directional street-style scene will ensure an au courant aesthetic.
Of course, staple pieces like simple tanks, white denim, and linen matching sets are seasonal mainstays. However, certain silhouettes are undergoing a redux of sorts, breathing new life into categories like the best summer skirts. The return of the denim maxi skirt is a prime example, which Liane Wiggins, head of womenswear at MatchesFashion, says "is such a great wardrobe staple and a great silhouette for all shapes and heights."
Also on deck? The bubble hem revival. "Refined, sleek skirts at Khaite, longer versions at Proenza Schouler reimagined with a low-waist, and Simone Rocha's metallic mini bubble skirt were all highlights," Wiggins tells BAZAAR. Keep scrolling for more summer-ready inspiration, and shop the pieces you'll need to recreate the best summer outfits through Labor Day.
Best Summer Outfit Ideas: Slouch Around
Slouchy suiting is already spot-on for summer. A skin-baring bra top and flip-flops make the look more relaxed and breathable.
Best Summer Outfit Ideas: Slouch Around
By Malene Birger Povilos Pleated Wool-Blend Twill Wide-Leg Pants
Best Summer Outfit Ideas: Slouch Around
By Malene Birger Povilos Pleated Wool-Blend Twill Wide-Leg Pants
Team these roomy trousers with the matching blazer.
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Best Summer Outfit Ideas: To The Max
"With noughties style having a resurgence, the denim maxi styled with a simple white tee or tank is a great, modern way to tap into the trend," says Wiggins.
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Best Summer Outfit Ideas: Crop It Like It's Hot
It's all about the cropped blazer this season for a polished take on nostalgia. We love one worn as a top with edgy jeans for a night out.
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Best Summer Outfit Ideas: Nothing But Net
You may typically wear a netted dress waterside, but why not have a city moment by styling one with a cropped shirt layered atop for dinner?
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Best Summer Outfit Ideas: Beat The Heat In A Cabana
Shirt, that is. The tension of a bra with the menswear-inspired top and jorts is too good.
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Best Summer Outfit Ideas: Bubble Up
When giving the season's bubble hem a try, Wiggins says, "Cecilie Bahnsen's hand-smocked voluminous dresses paired with socks and Asics is our favorite way to interpret the trend this summer." For a more breathable shoe option, go with sleek, comfy sandals.
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Best Summer Outfit Ideas: Totes Amazing
Amplify the effect of basics with a supersized tote bag—the result is relaxed with poise.
Laura Lajiness Kaupke
Laura Lajiness Kaupke is a freelance writer and editor covering fashion, accessories, and lifestyle topics, including beauty, home, fitness, and travel. You can see her work across various outlets, including VOGUE, Harper’s BAZAAR, ELLE, Marie Claire, InStyle, Glamour, Esquire, Women’s Health, Brides, The Zoe Report, Popsugar, Refinery 29, Coveteur, Byrdie, Well+Good, The Editorialist, among other titles and brands. Laura has worked in the fashion industry for over 11 years and held senior fashion editor positions at Popsugar and The Zoe Report, with additional experience as a copywriter and fashion publicist.