12 Summer Outfit Ideas

Summer outfits should be fun and functional. That may look like pairing celeb-favorite Bermudas with a relaxed linen shirt or throwing on a breezy nap dress and calling it a day. Mixing classic wardrobe staples with new trending must-haves is summertime dressing made easy — without compromising on style. In case you need some fashion advice or inspiration for the warmer months, we reached out to top stylists who shared their favorite clothing, footwear, and accessories to wear this season.

Say "Yes" to Daytime Sparkles

New York City-based fashion stylist Shea Daspin is all about embellishments for summer. Daytime sparkles, she said, are high on her list. "Nothing says 'I'm still alive!' than a daily celebration of life adding sparkles anywhere you can," Daspin told InStyle. "I love Tarina Tarantino, Laser Kitten, and Doll Chunk accessories. For clothing, anything with rhinestones, sequins, lamé, and/or holograms is on my list. Amy Lynn, Collina Strada, and LaQuan Smith have really upped the ante."

Bring on the Beading

Keeping with the embellishment theme, Daspin said that anything DIY-esque is alright with her, especially if the garment involves beading. "I especially love anything Susan Alexandra or Shop Sweet Bead," Daspin added. "From purses to clothing to home decor — anything bright, colorful, and handmade with love is at the top of my list!"

Slip on Platform Heels

Trends from the Y2K era have had quite the resurgence over the past few years, but according to celebrity stylist Cindy Conroy, this summer will be all about those platform heels. "[Platforms] are equal parts comfort and a friend to both short and tall girls, giving you lengthened, toned legs instantly," Conroy said of the coveted throwback shoe. "[Summer] is all about the platform, and I'm so here for it! And I need it because I'm a short girl."

Accessorize with Silk Scarves

Celebrity stylist Lindsey Dupuis told InStyle she's been (im)patiently waiting for the silk scarf trend to circle back around ever since her catholic school days when she'd wrap this accessory around her ponytail. "The look gave me a glimmer of self-expression when there were few exceptions to the dress code," admitted Dupuis. "Personalize them in a way that suits you best, whether around your neck, ponytail, purse, or woven through your braid or belt loops."

Opt for Pastels

If brights aren't your style, you can always opt for something pastel instead. "Pastels like baby blue, lavender, pink, and sage green are great colors to tie into your summer wardrobe," said Havlik. "Add your favorite gold jewelry to give a soft and elegant look."

Show Some Skin in a Crop Top

Out of the many skin-baring trends worth trying, stylist Liz Teich (affectionately known as "The New York Stylist") is most excited about crop tops. "I think [crop tops] can work on any body type and [at any] age if it's done right," Teich told InStyle. "With a high-waisted pant or skirt, it can actually give more shape, and the sliver of skin is just the perfect amount without having to reveal too much. If you're daring, a low-waisted skirt/pants are going to be everywhere as well. I've been recommending matching sets with crop tops to my clients for a more elevated look this season."

Go for the Coastal Grandma Vibe

The coastal grandma trend has comfy-cute on lock, and the founder of the personal wardrobe styling company Builtgracefully, Grace Thomas, is all about it for summer. "Think Diane Keaton in Something's Gotta Give," Thomas told us. "This style is simplistic-chic and looks great on everyone, made up of monochromatic light neutral toned outfits, linen fabrics, and breezy pieces. A perfect outfit to embody this style would be ivory linen trousers, a white tank top or T-shirt, and an oversized white button-down."

Try Regencycore

Thanks in large to the return of Bridgerton, regencycore is still a beloved escapist trend that fashionistas like Thomas can't get enough of. "Think statement sleeves, dresses with feminine detailing, bows, and even corset tops," said Thomas. "You can go all-in on this trend by rocking a dress with pearl accessories, or just add a little bit of this trend to your summer outfits with a corset top and a pair of Levi's cut-off shorts."

Play with Hyper-Textures

Want an easy way to enhance your wardrobe this summer? According to Kimberly Mayhew, CEO of House of Colour, clothing and accessories with texture — think fringe, feathers, and crochet — will do the trick. "If you love a bold look, embrace the trend in your party wear," Mayhew suggested. "For a delicate look, use a single accessory of hyper-texture and balance your outfit with structure in other places."

Keep Cool in Cutouts

Daring cutouts have been trending for a while now, but it doesn't look like they're going anywhere yet. "Back cutouts were a trend last season, but as we move into summer, we will see more shoulder, subversive sexy, and asymmetrical cutouts throughout the wardrobe," said Mayhew. "Cutouts draw attention, so find a cutout outfit that works for what you want to show off!"

Make It a Mini

For those who prefer their hemlines short (like, really short), behold the mini and micro–miniskirt trend, which has come back around just in time for summer. "This season sees the return of the micro-mini expressed through '60s tailoring, upscale co-ords, and bold print vacation wear." Mayhew told InStyle. "Expect to see shorter lengths in casual, formal, and catwalk wear, including business suits, dresses, shorts, and more."

Wear All-White Everything

Erica Ball, professional stylist and the creator of Erica Ball Style, told InStyle monochromatic looks are her go-to for summer. Though she enjoys seeing the bright colors that spring brings, she prefers head-to-toe-white for summer. "It's a chic, effortless way to immediately elevate a look, especially in the summertime."

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