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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
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
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'.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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'.
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.
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 ...
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