I Never Expected This Basic Summer Outfit to Start Trending, But I'm Glad It Is

I don’t know if it's a byproduct of being in my 30s, but now more than ever, I find myself gravitating towards simple outfits. While statement-making looks—particularly those found on the red carpet—are always fun to look at, when it comes to getting myself dressed, I'm into ensembles that require as minimal effort as possible whilst still looking cool, of course.

This might sound like a lot to ask for, but I've already found the solution. You need only scroll past a handful of images on your Instagram feed to see that oversized shirts are summer's breakout buy. Fashion types have seemingly bought them in bulk to throw on with everything from straight-leg jeans to drawstring shorts to elegant midi skirts.

I've pulled together six chic but discerningly simple looks I think you’re going to like, all of which revolve around an oversized shirt, be it a bright hue or a breezy fabrication. So if you'd like more time on your hands in the morning or are looking for a new off-duty look to carry you through your weekend plans, keep scrolling to discover precisely how to style an oversized shirt and shop any pieces you might need to re-create the outfits for yourself.

OUTFIT 1: STRAIGHT-LEG JEANS + MULES

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(Image credit: GRECE GHANEM)

Style Notes: Resist the temptation to tuck your oversized shirt into your jeans. Instead, leave it loose, and leave the bottom buttons unfastened to create a billowing silhouette. 

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OUTFIT 2: MINISKIRT + SLINGBACKS

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(Image credit: SYLVIE MUS)

Style Notes: Much like the first outfit, I love how Sylvie leaves the bottom buttons on her oversized shirt undone to create an interesting layered look with her miniskirt. 

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OUTFIT 3: SHORTS + SLIDERS

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(Image credit: SMYTH SISTERS)

Style Notes: Marianne regularly uses a bright linen shirt to instantly lift her monochromatic ensembles. I plan on replicating this look down to a T. 

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OUTFIT 4: ASYMMETRIC TOP + KHAKIS

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(Image credit: EMILI SINDLEV)

Style Notes: When left undone, oversized shirting has a tendency to slip off your shoulders. Use this to your advantage by wearing an on-trend asymmetric top underneath. 

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OUTFIT 5: MINIMALISTIC MAXI SKIRT

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(Image credit: MONIKH DALE)

Style Notes: You know the saying, "less is more"? Never has that been so evident. A linen shirt worn loose over a simple maxi skirt is beyond chic. 

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OUTFIT 6: RIPPED JEANS + FANCY BAG

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(Image credit: ANIYAH MORINIA )

Style Notes: Once controversial, bra tops are having a moment right now. I've noticed tonnes of influencers styling theirs with an oversized shirt over top. Aniyah's interpretation is easily my favourite. 

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Next Up: This Simple Two-Part Outfit Is Summer's Answer to Jeans and a Nice Top

Maxine Eggenberger
Deputy Editor

Maxine Eggenberger is Who What Wear UK’s deputy editor and has over thirteen years of experience in fashion journalism. She been creating engaging and elevated style content specifically for Who What Wear UK since 2018, covering runway reports, emerging trends, long-form features, self-styled shopping stories and columns, including her edit of the best new-in buys. She ensures the highest editorial standards are met across the site, leads the editorial team in their SEO strategy and keyword planning, works closely with the beauty team on content initiatives, represents the brand at industry events, and regularly contributes to social media, including her own Who What Wear UK TikTok franchise, French Style Fridays. Previously, Maxine appeared on ITV's This Morning in her own fashion segment and has interviewed countless celebrities—everyone from Victoria Beckham to Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o.

Prior to Who What Wear UK, Maxine’s career began when, after completing her first-ever internship at Look magazine, she was offered a position on the brand's fashion desk. She accepted, leaving university a year early in the process. Her passion and natural talent for writing and styling meant she swiftly rose through the ranks to become the title's fashion news and commercial content editor, with a stint as InStyle.co.uk’s fashion and beauty writer along the way. She later served as Look’s acting Editor in Chief, overseeing both print and digital, before embarking on a successful freelance career, working with Grazia, The Pool, and Marie Claire amongst others.

Maxine is based remotely from her countryside home near Edinburgh where she spends her downtime renovating her house, walking her dogs, hosting friends and trying to master the art of making Old Fashioned cocktails.