20 Casual but Cute Outfit Ideas When You Feel Like Putting in Zero Effort (2024)

20 Casual but Cute Outfit Ideas When You Feel Like Putting in Zero Effort (1)

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Summer is (finally) here, and I, for one, am so excited to finally wear the season's fashion staples, like shorts, dresses, and tank tops. I'm equally ecstatic about basically NEVER layering again! But the hot temperatures can really do a number on your energy levels, and sometimes you just want to wear a very simple look when you do decide to venture outside and hit up the park, rooftop bar, beach—whatever your plans are. That's where we come in, my friends. We rounded up 20 casual outfit ideas that are still cute enough to wear out, but they don't require a lot of pre-planning or effort. How's that sound?

There's an ensemble for every type of person too, from fans of breezy maxi dresses to those who love a classic T-shirt and denim shorts combo. Important note, though: You can also put off a "casual" vibe even if you're wearing an outfit that is conventionally considered "dressy." It's, like, 50 percent outfit and 50 percent attitude to complete a low-key ensemble. Keep scrolling to soak up some effortless outfit inspo, and then peruse our fave biker short outfits, tennis outfits, and date night outfits for even more brilliant summer dressing ideas.

a striped tee and shorts

Universal Standard Joni High Rise Curve Slim Leg Shorts

20 Casual but Cute Outfit Ideas When You Feel Like Putting in Zero Effort (2)

a striped tee and shorts

Universal Standard Joni High Rise Curve Slim Leg Shorts

Who doesn't love a striped shirt? That's a rhetorical question, obviously. Pair with long shorts and some cream slides for the perfect casual-yet-polished outfit recipe.

a sporty look

Nike Sportswear Circa 72 Women's High-Rise Fleece Shorts

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a sporty look

Nike Sportswear Circa 72 Women's High-Rise Fleece Shorts

A blue Nike set with logos on the sleeves and bottoms is easy to throw on with a pair of, you guessed it, Nike sneaks. These terrycloth shorts will be so comfy, too. Just sayin'.

a vacation tee

Madewell x Made Some Souvenirs Tulum Tourist Tee

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a vacation tee

Madewell x Made Some Souvenirs Tulum Tourist Tee

Now 73% Off

Made Some Souvenirs designs cool, touristy T-shirts, each one embroidered with the name of a dreamy location. Pair this "Tulum" tee with white jeans and sandals for a beachy summer vibe.

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a tee and skirt combo

PRETTYGARDEN A-Line Maxi Skirt

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a tee and skirt combo

PRETTYGARDEN A-Line Maxi Skirt

A simple white T-shirt is a summer staple, but when paired with a tiered floral midi skirt, it's oh-so chic. Wear this stunning getup with white sneakers or woven sandals, and you’ve got a summer-ready ‘fit.

a short and sandal look

ASOS Curve Chino Shorts

20 Casual but Cute Outfit Ideas When You Feel Like Putting in Zero Effort (6)

a short and sandal look

ASOS Curve Chino Shorts

Pleats are here to stay! These pleated shorts will feel extra breezy in hot temps. Wear them with a hard-to-miss orange top and platform slides to run errands or walk the dog in style.

a beachy romper

MIKOH Mekia Romper

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20 Casual but Cute Outfit Ideas When You Feel Like Putting in Zero Effort (8)

a beachy romper

MIKOH Mekia Romper

Wear this over a bathing suit or a bra top—it works either way! Accessorize with a cute straw bag, flat sandals, and hoop earrings to pull it all together.

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a printed maxi

Abacaxi Tiered Tie Strap Maxi Dress

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a printed maxi

Abacaxi Tiered Tie Strap Maxi Dress

Now 65% Off

This sweet cotton dress has so many lovely hues in it, and it also ties in the back and has ruffled straps. Extra flirty details! Slip on some coordinating flip-flops, sandals, or sneakers for a casual but colorful look.

a pair of overalls

Levi's Vintage Shortalls

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a pair of overalls

Levi's Vintage Shortalls

You can't go wrong with overalls for a cute but low-key outfit! This Levi's pair is designed for a loose fit, and it looks great with two-strap slides and a bikini or a T-shirt underneath.

a mixed print sitch

Lisa Says Gah Alessandra Top, Italian Summer

20 Casual but Cute Outfit Ideas When You Feel Like Putting in Zero Effort (11)

a mixed print sitch

Lisa Says Gah Alessandra Top, Italian Summer

Now 61% Off

Lisa Says Gah just dropped a delicious new Italian-inspired print that's going fast. Get in on the summer look with this fun cami, and mix it up with a gingham skirt for some pattern play.

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a matching set

Lemlem Neela Belted Fringed Striped Gauze Shorts

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a matching set

Lemlem Neela Belted Fringed Striped Gauze Shorts

Throw on these cotton blend gauze shorts and the matching top with some sandals for an easy outfit you can wear poolside or just out and about.

a halter tank with wide-leg pants

Victor Glemaud Cut Out Halter Top

20 Casual but Cute Outfit Ideas When You Feel Like Putting in Zero Effort (13)

a halter tank with wide-leg pants

Victor Glemaud Cut Out Halter Top

A cutout tank top with wide, breezy pants will get you all the compliments without looking or feeling like you tried too hard.

a stretchy tank dress

Good American Good Touch Cut in Tank Midi

20 Casual but Cute Outfit Ideas When You Feel Like Putting in Zero Effort (14)

a stretchy tank dress

Good American Good Touch Cut in Tank Midi

Tank tops are basically *the* summer staple, so why not opt for one in dress form? This Good American number will turn heads, but you'll feel so comfortable thanks to the stretch material—and by pairing it with your go-to sneakers, obv.

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an all-white ensemble

Alex Mill June Eyelet Pull On Skirt

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an all-white ensemble

Alex Mill June Eyelet Pull On Skirt

Now 70% Off

Eyelet fabrics just scream summer. Keep things cool with a head-to-toe white look featuring a crisp midi skirt and T-shirt. Add contrast with black sandals and perhaps a colorful bag, et voilà! A casual yet cute 'fit.

a knit tank with jeans

Tach Clothing Loreza Knit Top

20 Casual but Cute Outfit Ideas When You Feel Like Putting in Zero Effort (16)

a knit tank with jeans

Tach Clothing Loreza Knit Top

A knit top with a slit for added airflow looks so chic with jeans or cutoffs. Slip on some chunky loafers, Converse, or block-heel sandals to keep things casual.

a (sweat)skirt and tank

Daily Paper Granite Green Eskirt

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a (sweat)skirt and tank

Daily Paper Granite Green Eskirt

Now 59% Off

Yes, we all know and love sweatpants, but how about a sweat...skirt? It's the same soft, cozy material you love but in skirt form. That means way more airflow than pants when temps get swelteringly hot! Wear this mint one with a white tank or graphic tee, sneakers, and a baguette bag to ace the athleisure aesthetic.

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a printed midi skirt

Miaou Moni Skirt

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a printed midi skirt

Miaou Moni Skirt

Like I said, sometimes a "casual" look is all about the vibe you're giving off—heels can be casual if you say so! But, you can always swap out the footwear with this cool printed midi skirt and corset look for cute yet comfy sneakers, too.

a pink co-ord

Stateside Gauze Top

20 Casual but Cute Outfit Ideas When You Feel Like Putting in Zero Effort (19)

a pink co-ord

Stateside Gauze Top

Coordinating sets, like this gorgeous pink skirt and top, might seem dressy. But they are in fact the easiest things to wear and style, since there's no strategizing or mixing-and-matching necessary! Just slide on some flats, add a statement necklace, and you're set.

a do-it-all dress

Outdoor Voices The Exercise Dress

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a do-it-all dress

Outdoor Voices The Exercise Dress

For a functional but pulled-together outfit, opt for an exercise dress from Outdoor Voices. You can dress these babies up or down by simply swapping out your shoes, and you don't have to worry about a strong breeze giving you a wardrobe malfunction because of the built-in shorts.

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a shorts and clogs duo

Warp + Weft Trouser Short

20 Casual but Cute Outfit Ideas When You Feel Like Putting in Zero Effort (21)

a shorts and clogs duo

Warp + Weft Trouser Short

Now 68% Off

A neutral outfit from top to bottom like this beige tank, subtly yellow shorts, and tan clogs will make you look instantly stylish with minimal effort. Because that's always the goal, right?

a crop top and shorts

Lulus Stay Easy Green Knit High-Waisted Sweater Shorts

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a crop top and shorts

Lulus Stay Easy Green Knit High-Waisted Sweater Shorts

Throw on this bold color for an impossible-to-miss look. If it gets a little chilly at night, toss on a chore jacket.

20 Casual but Cute Outfit Ideas When You Feel Like Putting in Zero Effort (23)

Lauren Adhav

Associate Fashion Editor

I'm Cosmopolitan's Associate Fashion Editor and write about any and all trends, major celeb fashion moments, and why wide-leg jeans are basically the best. I originally moved to New York City to audition for RENT, only to find out that the play closed 10 years ago.

20 Casual but Cute Outfit Ideas When You Feel Like Putting in Zero Effort (2024)

FAQs

What should I wear to look nice but casual? ›

I'm Going for Casual Elegance—10 Low-Key Yet Classy Outfits I'm Copying
  1. TWEED JACKET + JEANS + MARY JANES. ...
  2. KNITTED VEST + WIDE-LEG TROUSERS + CHUNKY BOOTS. ...
  3. LEATHER JACKET + TEE + MAXI SKIRT. ...
  4. BLAZER + JEANS + TRAINERS. ...
  5. CARDIGAN + WHITE JEANS + BASKET BAG. ...
  6. JUMPER + MATCHING SKIRT + KNEE BOOTS. ...
  7. BLACK DRESS + BLACK BAG + SANDALS.
Apr 10, 2024

How can I look cute but lazy? ›

Lazy Day Outfits: How to Dress Both Cute and Comfortably
  1. Jeggings with Knit Sweater and Scarf. ...
  2. Chic Activewear and Athleisure Wear. ...
  3. Pajamas and Robe with Slippers. ...
  4. Faux Leather Leggings with Graphic Tee and Jacket. ...
  5. Sweatpants with a Long-Sleeved Shirt and Vest. ...
  6. Sweatpants with Tank Top and Cropped Jacket.
Jan 11, 2023

How do you look cute when you have nothing to wear? ›

Keep scrolling for 15 failsafe ideas for tried-and-tested outfit formulas to pick from when you feel like you have nothing to wear.
  1. A Little Black Dress. ...
  2. A Co-Ord Set. ...
  3. Jeans And A Nice Top. ...
  4. A White Shirt And Wide-Leg Trousers. ...
  5. A Denim Maxi Skirt And A White T-Shirt. ...
  6. A Midi Dress And A Trench.
Oct 4, 2023

What should I wear when I have nothing to wear? ›

If you find yourself standing in your closet, stumped after trying several outfits, go for an outfit that is all one color. You'll be surprised how quickly you get dress. An all black outfit is a popular option. Other monochrome outfits could be white, gray, denim, or navy.

What is smart casual dressing? ›

Smart casual is professional but a little relaxed - a polished take on more casual pieces of clothing as well as casual or fun items paired back with smarter pieces. Items are typically less structured and the formality downgraded from traditional corporate wear.

How to look put together with minimal effort? ›

The Lazy Girl's Guide to Always Looking Put Together
  1. Invest in elevated basics. ...
  2. Add one “dressed up” piece to every outfit. ...
  3. Take advantage of outerwear. ...
  4. Don't underestimate the power of jewelry. ...
  5. Incorporate a “French Tuck” ...
  6. Curate a capsule wardrobe. ...
  7. Find a “character uniform”
Mar 12, 2024

How can I look cute for cheap? ›

How to Look Good on a Budget
  1. Shop at outlets or thrift stores.
  2. Stock up on basics.
  3. Go for solid colors and timeless prints.
  4. Pick out silk, satin, and tweed items.
  5. Mix and match the pieces you have.
  6. Scoop up a few pairs of high-quality shoes.
  7. Add color and style to your look with accessories.

How to look cute when it's hot? ›

How to Look Great in a Heat Wave
  1. Wear loose flow-y clothing. Fashion has our back. ...
  2. Choose natural fabrics that breathe. ...
  3. Streamline beauty products. ...
  4. Foil sweat in black, prints and comfy underwear. ...
  5. Weatherproof your hair. ...
  6. Choose shoes that let feet breathe.
Jul 27, 2023

What clothes to wear to look cute? ›

Cardigans, knit sweaters and vests, boot-cut jeans, and t-shirts with cute patterns like hearts or polka-dots, are cute forms of clothing. Wear clothes that flatter your body shape, you feel comfortable in, and aren't too big or tight. Wear light and positive colors. Wear pastels like purple, pink, or a shade of blue.

How to look skinny in a dress? ›

11 Dress-Slim Tips That Work for All
  1. Buy new underwear. ...
  2. Choose a V-neck. ...
  3. Wear one color head to toe. ...
  4. Use bodysuits and swing tanks as smoothers. ...
  5. Stick to no-waist dresses for belly camouflage. ...
  6. Add some height. ...
  7. Only put volume where you need it most. ...
  8. Pair your plain black pants with a statement top.
Aug 27, 2020

How to always look girly? ›

Wear clothes you love.
  1. Dresses (fit & flare dresses with a belt) are sweet too.
  2. Try to wear hosiery rather than bare legs. Go for the classic sheer look and avoid patterns. ...
  3. Wear flat shoes if you don't like heels. ...
  4. If you can pull off the "just rolled out of bed" look, use it.

What not to wear to look cheap? ›

A fashion expert has revealed the fashion faux-pas that can make any outfit look cheap and how you can elevate your wardrobe. Natalia Denise said to avoid clothing with 'frumpy' elastic waistbands, exposed zippers can 'cheapen' an outfit and that skinny jeans, especially those with distressing, are a 'big no-no'.

What is the hardest wearing clothing? ›

Generally speaking, cotton canvas is the most hard-wearing fabric, followed by nylon and polyester.

What do you wear when alone? ›

If you're at home alone, anything that feels comfortable on you is okay to wear. Whether it's T- shirt, shorts, pajamas, jeans or formal clothing. Whatever you can relax in is a good thing. Some people even wear less than less.

Why do I feel like I have nothing to wear? ›

To help us understand why we might feel like we have nothing to wear, Cheong has included a quiz in her book that breaks it down into five overarching themes: your physical needs aren't being met by mainstream brands; you're undergoing a lifestyle change; you need to practise mindful consumption; you need to invest in ...

What can person wear that is never out of style? ›

A smile.

How do you always have what to wear? ›

Secrets of Stylish People Who Always Have Something to Wear
  1. The way you organize your closet matters.
  2. Sometimes it's all about the shoes.
  3. Tailor a small wardrobe.
  4. Have a separate rack of outfit winners.
  5. Only have clothes that feel good on your body.
  6. Try on new purchases at home again.
  7. Create a list.
May 3, 2019

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