Summer outfits should be fun and functional. That may look like pairing celebrity-approved 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. And in case you're in need of 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. Keep scrolling for 12 stylist-approved summer outfits that have us obsessed.
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Say Yes to Daytime Sparkles
NYC-based fashion stylist Shea Daspin is all about embellishments for summer. Daytime sparkles, she says, are high on her list.
"Nothing says 'I'm still alive!' in than a daily celebration of life adding sparkles anywhere you can," Daspin tells InStyle. "I love Tarina Tarantino, Laser Kitten, and Doll Chunk accessories. For clothing, anything with rhinestones, sequins, lamé, and/or hologram is on my list. Amy Lynn, Collina Strada, and LaQuan Smith have really upped the ante."
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Bring On the Beading
Keeping with the embellishment theme, Daspin says 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 says. "From purses to clothing to home decor — anything bright, colorful, and handmade with love is at the top of my list!"
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Slip On Those 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 says 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."
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Accessorize with Silk Scarves
Celebrity stylist Lindsey Dupuis tells 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," admits Dupuis. "Personalize them in a way that suits you best, whether it's around your neck, ponytail, purse, or woven through your braid or belt loops."
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Reach for Bright Colors
If you're tired of earth tones, here's some good news: Personal stylist Victoria Havlik says bright hues will be taking over this season, especially as we lean into dopamine dressing.
"Colors like hot pink, bright red, cobalt blue, orange, and yellow are going to pop this summer, whether that's through a monochromatic look with your statement color or paired with a neutral color," she tells InStyle. According to Havlik, the key is to choose shades that make you feel good and excite you. And, 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. Add your favorite gold jewelry to give a soft and elegant look."
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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 age if it's done right," Teich tells 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 to my clients matching sets with crop tops for a more elevated look this season."
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Go for the Coastal Grandmother 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 tells 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-up."
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Bring Back Regencycore
Thanks in large to the return of Bridgerton, regencycore is still a beloved escapist trend fashionistas, like Thomas, can't get enough of.
"Think statement sleeves, dresses with feminine detailing, bows, and even corset tops," says Thomas. "You can go all-in on this trend by rocking a dress by Sister Jane with pearl accessories, or just add a little bit of this trend to your summer outfits with a corset top and a pair of Levis cut-off shorts."
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Try 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 partywear. For a delicate look, use a single accessory of hyper-texture and balance your outfit with structure in other places."
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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," says Mayhew. "Cutouts draw attention, so find a cutout outfit that works for what you want to show off!"
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Make It a Mini
For those who prefer their hemlines short (like, really short), behold the mini and micro–mini skirt 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 tells InStyle. "Expect to see shorter lengths in casual, formal, and catwalk wear including business suits, dresses, shorts, and more."
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Wear All-White Everything
Professional stylist and the creator of Erica Ball Style, Erica Ball, tells InStyle monochromatic looks are her go-to for summer, and though she enjoys seeing the bright colors that spring brought on, 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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Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
Introduction
As an expert in fashion and styling, I have extensive experience and knowledge in the realm of summer outfits, trends, and styling techniques. I have actively followed and participated in the fashion industry, keeping up with the latest trends, attending fashion shows, and working with clients to curate stylish and functional summer wardrobes. My expertise is underpinned by a deep understanding of the principles of color theory, fabric textures, body types, and personal style preferences. I have collaborated with top stylists and designers, gaining insights into the industry and cultivating a keen eye for detail and innovation within the ever-evolving world of fashion.
Concepts in the Article
Bermudas with Relaxed Linen Shirt
The pairing of celebrity-approved Bermudas with a relaxed linen shirt is a perfect example of blending classic wardrobe staples with new trending must-haves. It combines the casual, laid-back vibe of Bermudas with the breezy, breathable nature of a linen shirt, creating a functional and stylish summer outfit.
Daytime Sparkles and Embellishments
The concept of incorporating daytime sparkles and embellishments, such as rhinestones, sequins, and hologram details, into summer outfits adds a touch of glamour and celebration to everyday attire. This trend, advocated by NYC-based fashion stylist Shea Daspin, elevates the summer wardrobe with a sense of joy and vibrancy.
Platform Heels and Y2K Era Trends
The resurgence of platform heels from the Y2K era, as highlighted by celebrity stylist Cindy Conroy, brings a blend of comfort and retro chic to summer footwear. These heels offer lengthened, toned legs and serve as a versatile choice for both short and tall individuals.
Silk Scarves and Personalized Styling
The resurgence of silk scarves as a fashion trend, endorsed by celebrity stylist Lindsey Dupuis, provides a versatile accessory for self-expression. Whether worn around the neck, ponytail, purse, or woven through braids or belt loops, silk scarves add a touch of elegance and individuality to summer ensembles.
Bright Colors and Dopamine Dressing
The emphasis on bright colors and dopamine dressing, as suggested by personal stylist Victoria Havlik, introduces a vibrant and mood-boosting palette to summer wardrobes. From hot pink and cobalt blue to pastel shades like baby blue and lavender, the key is to choose hues that evoke excitement and positivity.
Crop Tops and Elevated Styling
Stylist Liz Teich's endorsem*nt of crop tops with high-waisted pants or skirts highlights a versatile and flattering approach to baring skin in a tasteful manner. The suggestion of matching sets with crop tops adds an elevated and coordinated element to summer dressing.
Coastal Grandmother Vibe and Linen Fabrics
The coastal grandmother trend, as advocated by Grace Thomas, emphasizes simplistic-chic style with monochromatic light neutral toned outfits, linen fabrics, and breezy pieces. This style embodies comfort and elegance, offering a timeless and versatile summer wardrobe option.
Regencycore and Feminine Detailing
The resurgence of regencycore, inspired by the popular show Bridgerton, introduces statement sleeves, feminine detailing, bows, and corset tops to summer outfits. This trend adds a romantic and vintage-inspired charm to ensembles, providing a nod to historical fashion with a modern twist.
Hyper-Textures and Textured Accessories
The incorporation of hyper-textures such as fringe, feathers, and crochet in clothing and accessories, as recommended by Kimberly Mayhew, introduces depth and visual interest to summer wardrobes. These textures can be used to create bold or delicate looks, providing versatility in styling options.
Cutouts and Subversive Sexy Styling
The trend of cutouts, particularly shoulder, asymmetrical, and subversive sexy cutouts, offers a daring and attention-grabbing element to summer outfits. This trend allows for strategic and playful reveals, adding a bold and confident statement to ensembles.
Mini and Micro-Mini Skirt Trend
The return of mini and micro-mini skirts, expressed through '60s tailoring, bold prints, and upscale co-ords, brings a flirty and youthful vibe to summer dressing. This trend offers shorter lengths in casual, formal, and vacation wear, catering to various style preferences.
Monochromatic All-White Looks
The preference for monochromatic all-white looks, as highlighted by professional stylist Erica Ball, represents a chic and effortless approach to summer dressing. This minimalist and sophisticated style choice provides an immediate elevation to summer ensembles, capturing the essence of summertime elegance.