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

How to Style an Oversized Shirt: Grece wears a green oversized shirt with tailored jeans and mules

Photo:

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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Green shirts are everywhere this season. 

The cat eye never fails to look polished. 

Trust me—H&M jeans always fit so well. 

Just the right height to walk around in. 

OUTFIT 2: MINISKIRT + SLINGBACKS

How to Style an Oversized Shirt: Sylvie wears an oversized shirt with a beige mini skirt and heels

Photo:

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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Mini skirts are everywhere this year. 

OUTFIT 3: SHORTS + SLIDERS

How to Style an Oversized Shirt: Marianne wears a pink shirt tucked into black shorts

Photo:

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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The contrast stitching makes it look even more premium. 

They look very similar to a certain designer pair. 

OUTFIT 4: ASYMMETRIC TOP + KHAKIS

How to Style an Oversized Shirt: Emili wears a white shirt with khaki cargo trousers and an orange bra top

Photo:

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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This will also look so good over swimwear. 

How to Style an Oversized Shirt: Monikh wears a blue linen shirt with a white skirt

Photo:

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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M&S does some of the best linen shirts on the high street. 

These will go with absolutely everything.

OUTFIT 6: RIPPED JEANS + FANCY BAG

How to Style an Oversized Shirt: Aniyah wears a white shirt with a yellow bra top, ripped jeans, and a pink handbag

Photo:

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. 

Shop the look:

A white shirt is a wardrobe essential.