The Best Ideas for Cute and Casual Summer Outfits (2024)

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Spring is officially here, and I’m already looking forward to everything that summer has in store. From enjoying coffee on a porch to wineries to late-night bonfires, there are so many fun summer activities that can only truly be enjoyed during the warm weather months. And of course, these are all great opportunities to put together casual, cute summer outfits!

If you’re already looking forward to cute summer outfits like me, then you’re in luck. Below are 12 casual outfits updated for 2024. Cheers to another year of summer fun and chic looks!

1. linen trousers + racerback tank top + button-down shirt

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Linen trousers are a perfect summer staple piece, especially if you prefer to wear longer pants over shorts. Linen is a breathable and comfortable material for the summer heat, making it the perfect choice for summer activities.

This linen European summer-inspired look is perfect for an elevated take on summer fashion. Pair high-waisted linen trousers with a high-neck white tank, underneath an open button-down linen shirt. Add a leather brown belt for shape and contrast to your look. Accessorize with leather sandals and gold earrings, and you’re ready to go.

2. white long-sleeved tee + straight-leg jeans + veja sneakers

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Cute and casual looks for summer don’t have to be complicated! This outfit is just about as simple as they come, but with the right styling and accessories, it can look put together and chic.

Start with a well-fitting white long t-shirt – and if your climate is too warm for long sleeves, you could easily swap this out for a short-sleeved version. Next, add a pair of straight-leg jeans. Finding the pair that fits you well with no holes or rips will ensure you can wear these throughout the year and as a part of a wide variety of outfits!

Finish by accessorizing with a baseball cap (an added bonus is the sun protection this provides), Veja sneakers, crew socks, and classic gold hoops.

3. vest top + wide-legged jeans + heels

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Speaking of linen, this linen vest top is one of my favorite ways to switch out a classic tank top for something different. Not only is it lightweight, but it’s the perfect way to add a chic element to a casual summer look.

On the bottom, reach for your favorite pair of wide-legged blue jeans. Neutral accessories complete this easy but timeless look. A pair of leather sandals with a block heel adds height and lengthens your leg. Finish the style with chunky gold hoops, and a woven tote bag with black trim.

4. vest top + trouser shorts + fisherman sandals

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If you’re looking to step up your shorts game for your summer wardrobe, dress shorts are the perfect way to do that. Not only are they comfortable, but details like the pleating on this pair give them an elevated appearance. Plus, they are comfortable due to the loose fit, and breathable material.

On top, try a striped vest top with gold buttons. Sweater vests like this are a versatile piece you can style year-round. This look is still casual enough for everyday looks, but offers a classic appearance if that’s your personal style. As for shoes, try a pair of fisherman sandals. These are a trending item, but are also timeless enough that you won’t feel as if they’re outdated already when next summer rolls around. Plus, they are breathable due to not being fully enclosed, which means they’re a great way to keep your feet cool in hot weather.

Finish the look with minimal jewelry to keep things casual, like this pair of stacked necklaces. A chic pair of sunglasses completes the outfit.

5. button-down shirt + tank top + pleated shorts

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This look reminds me of a classic East Coast summer. Whether you’re walking the beach or maybe your local farmer’s market, this is the perfect balance of put-together and effortless.

Start with a pair of dress shorts, like this white pair with a subtle pleat. Next, add a white tank on top, like this racerback version. The higher neckline offers plenty of coverage, while the sleeveless top will keep you cool. Accessorize with square gold earrings and a pair of strappy sandals. Tortoiseshell sunglasses finish the look.

6. striped tee + denim shorts + sandals + woven tote bag

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If you love finding casual, cute summer outfits inspired by the French, this look will be right up your alley. This is the perfect outfit for almost any casual outing, and is based around the classic striped t-shirt.

Black and white stripes are almost a neutral in terms of how easy they are to pair with other items in your wardrobe – which makes this shirt the perfect addition to your capsule wardrobe.

Looking for free fashion guides to help build your capsule wardrobe? MCO has a resource for you that you can access with just your email.

This look next calls for a pair of denim shorts. Whether you prefer short shorts or a longer length, almost any pair will complement your top. In my experience, I find a high-rise, mid-length pair of shorts to be the most flattering – but it is totally up to your personal style. Finish the look with a pair of rectangular sunglasses, leather sandals, and a woven tote bag with leather details.

7. shirtdress + sunglasses + woven tote bag + sandals

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Looking for versatility in your casual, cute summer outfits? Try a shirtdress – it’s the perfect balance of business and casual wrapped up into one summer dress to take you from the office to a patio happy hour. Summer work outfits can be tricky, but this style offers enough coverage while also still being a cute piece to incorporate into casual summer outfits.

Depending on your personal style, this would be a great piece to choose in bright colors. Or, if you want something that has a balance of neutral and bright, this striped yellow dress from Everlane is a great choice.

Accessorize with a woven leather tote to fit all of your workplace necessities, as well as a pair of classic sunglasses for dining or enjoying a drink outdoors. Woven sandals would be a great solution for footwear, although if your office dress code only allows for closed-toe shoes, they could be easily swapped out for a pair of mules, or even loafers.

8. striped button-down + denim shorts + leather sandals

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This next look is perfect if you like monochromatic outfits. Denim shorts complement the striped blue button-down, while small details like the lining of the pockets and hem on the shorts make the classic denim staple more interesting.

When in doubt, striped button-downs are always one of my favorite pieces to pull and style for casual summer outfits. They’re breathable for warm weather yet offer a great amount of coverage, and are effortless yet cool.

Finish the look with a pair of leather flat sandals, which are another piece I find myself reaching for again and again every summer. Choosing a pair that’s comfortable is key, and if you do your research and choose a quality pair, they’ll be more than worth the effort of investing a little bit more. A leather tote in a bucket bag style and tortoiseshell sunglasses complete the look.

9. white midi skirt + black tank top + ballet flats

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If you follow trends, then you’ve probably noticed that long white skirts are everywhere this season for spring and summer. Although this is certainly not a new piece in warm-weather fashion, I do love the versatility of this feminine piece. Plus, when an item is trending, it’s a great time to shop because there are so many different variations being offered by so many different brands!

This poplin version has a flattering midi length, with just enough volume without being too overwhelming. I love this piece for how light and airy it is, while still offering modesty if you prefer to leave your legs mostly covered.

Pair it with a black tank top or t-shirt for a cool and casual date night look. You can elevate it with black ballet flats, or your favorite pair of sandals. If you like to experiment a bit more with the “wrong shoe theory” (purposefully choosing an unexpected shoe for your look), then you could try a chunky pair of sneakers. A woven crossbody and minimalist gold jewelry complete the look.

10. striped long-sleeved tee + white t-shirt + denim midi skirt

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Long denim skirts were everywhere this fall, and if you’re wondering how to style yours for spring and summer – you’re in luck. First, start with a plain white t-shirt. If your skirt has a slightly higher waist, you could tuck in the t-shirt or choose one that’s slightly cropped.

Next, tie a striped sweater or long-sleeved t-shirt over your shoulder for a statement piece. It offers an additional layer for when the temperature drops once the sun sets, but also acts as a chic way to accessorize with something other than jewelry.

Speaking of accessories, these are key to making this look really work. A gold bracelet watch offers an elevated touch, while a woven basket tote is a slightly more casual (yet classic) piece. Leather sandals and cat-eye sunglasses finish things off.

11. linen button-down + white jeans + white sneakers + baseball cap

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Baseball caps are one of my favorite ways to make any look more casual. For instance, without the hat, this look could be perfect for a summer work outfit. White jeans and a linen button-down are certainly appropriate for the office, but the addition of one accessory transforms the pairing into a completely different look.

Balance your accessories with a mixed-metal watch and a pair of classic white sneakers. A pair like this, with no logos or detailing, is one of my go-to sneakers for cute, casual summer outfits.

12. biker shorts + oversized sweatshirt + chunky sneakers

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For many, biker shorts can be an intimidating item to style. They were for me at first, at least! But with the right pieces, they can be a great casual piece to reach for on relaxed summer days.

The key for me has been to style these shorts with an oversized top, like a graphic tee or sweatshirt. This offers a little more coverage on top of the tight shorts. Finding the right length of shorts is also important – I would suggest wearing an oversized piece when you try them on so that you can determine how much of the shorts you like to show underneath your top.

Lean into casual accessories like a baseball cap in bright colors and a pair of chunky sneakers. Gold or silver jewelry could complete the look, although you can’t go wrong with a slim pair of gold hoops.

Whatever your personal style, I hope that you found a few looks you love for summer on this list! Summer style doesn’t have to be boring – there are still chic ways to layer and pair unexpected pieces to create timeless yet cool looks for the summer months. Casual, cute summer outfits can be just as exciting as any other season with a little bit of creativity.

Love the looks above inspired by the French sense of style? Up Next: Fashion Tips for the Ultimate French Girl Parisian Style

The Best Ideas for Cute and Casual Summer Outfits (2024)
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