This Is How the Coolest Minimalists Dress for Summer
Some of the most stylish women we know are the ones who cast aside the trends and instead fill their wardrobes with timeless basics. That said, being a minimalist isn't easy, particularly in the summer months. Spring and autumn are the ideal months for those with pared-back aesthetics since that's when brands tend to invest heavily in essentials like blazers, knits, jeans and simple dresses. In summer, when fashion becomes more frivolous with statement prints and exaggerated silhouettes, it can be hard to maintain your penchant for austere outfits.
To help you keep your minimalistic look year-round, we turned to some of our favourite influencers to find the best simple warm-weather ensembles. From Brittany Bathgate's navy midi dress to Sylvie Mus's denim cycling shorts, keep scrolling to see and shop eight minimalist summer outfits.
BRITTANY BATHGATE
Style Notes: Minimalism isn't all about trousers and shirting; midi dresses with clean silhouettes in block colours are the ideal addition to your summertime wardrobe. Just add espadrilles and metal earrings.
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CHRYSTELLE ERIKSBERGER
Style Notes: Pleated skirts are a minimalist must-have. Make like Eriksberger, and give it a summery overhaul with a yellow iteration and a plain white T-shirt and strappy sandals.
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CHLOÉ PIERRE
Style Notes: Backless dresses are trending big time this summer and look their best with chunky necklaces, just as Pierre proves.
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SYLVIE MUS
Style Notes: If you're still on the fence when it comes to the cycling-shorts trend, perhaps Mus's double-denim take will convince you. Keep your shirt oversized and your accessories sleek.
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MONIKH DALE
Style Notes: The only thing comfier than a shirt dress is the flip-flops you'll be wearing with it. Add a shoulder-strap bag to emulate Dale's '90s homage.
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UMEROMAAN
Style Notes: On days when it's too hot for jeans, take cues from Ume by wearing cotton chinos with a breezy shirt. A woven bag is all you need to complete the look.
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LIZZY HADFIELD
Style Notes: Blush pink is becoming an integral part of the minimalist colour palette. Just be sure to give it a downtime spin with a pair of tennis shoes and a crossbody bag, just like Hadfield.
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BELLA COHEN
Knitted co-ords are all the rage right now, owing to their comfortable fabrication whilst looking so incredibly chic.
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Next Up: 29 Simple Summer Pieces That Will Make Getting Dressed Easier
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.
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