9 Easy Summer Outfits That Are Probably Hanging in Your Wardrobe Already
Assembling chic outfits for the month ahead just got easier.
Even though we've been blessed with several weeks of glorious temperatures here in the UK, there's no denying the unpredictability of British weather. We're embracing summer with open arms—particularly where our wardrobes are concerned—while being conscious that things could take a (hopefully not too dramatic) turn at any moment. So, what exactly are we supposed to wear in July when it's scorching sunshine one minute and then grey skies the next?
After trawling through the Instagram accounts of our favourite influencers, we managed to come up with eight looks that are ideal for any sort of weather July might throw at us. From the ultimate cool cover-up for chilly evenings to the It dress that'll serve you well in the park and at the bar, there are plenty of ideas you'll want to copy immediately. Consider the following your July style lookbook.
1. Cardigan + Crop Top + Jeans
Style Notes: In the UK, you need to be prepared for the weather to turn at any moment, which is why we love the practicality of Claire Most's outfit here. There's a cardigan option for a sudden drop in temperature but a crop top underneath for when the sun decides to shine.
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Never before has the tank top been so pivotal to your outfits.
2. Maxi Dress + Flat Sandals
Style Notes: An oversized maxi dress is as much a summer staple as sunglasses or swimwear. The item is so easy to throw on as an all-in-one outfit. Increase the summer vibes with flat sandals and a beach bag, just like Anna Sarlvit has done here.
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3. Bright Trousers + Floral Top
Style Notes: July isn't all about skirts and dresses. Make like Lucy Williams and style a pair of trousers in a bright hue with a retro floral-print blouse. Finish with strappy sandals and your favourite basket bag.
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Floral prints are a summertime classic for a reason.
Wide-leg trousers are a staple this season.
Another basket bag I currently have on my wish list.
4. Shorts Co-Ord + Birkenstocks
Style Notes: If there's ever a time for shorts, it's July. Matching sets featuring this high-summer staple have made quite the impression on Instagram's most stylish—it's now hard to scroll through without spotting at least one co-ord like Francesca's.
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But if you prefer neutrals, you can also pick the co-ord up in black and beige.
5. Fringed Jacket + Trainers
Style Notes: Every Brit knows you always need to be in arm's length of a jacket regardless of the time of year, and we've just found the coolest option out there. Monikh Dale's fringed jacket will give every ensemble edge, especially when worn over a linen dress and finished with chunky trainers.
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Retro-style kicks keep cropping up in the best outfits this summer.
6. Jumpsuit + Matching Shoes
Style Notes: Jumpsuits take all the effort out of getting dressed, which is paramount when you want to maximise your time in the sunshine. Make your look even more seamless by matching your shoes to the colour of your jumpsuit, much like Charlotte Kuhrt did here.
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In my opinion, no outfit is complete without a pair of gold hoops.
7. Denim + Denim
Style Notes: It might be time to trade in your jeans, but that doesn't mean you need to completely forgo denim. Instead, take cues from Sylvie Mus and pair a denim midi skirt with a relaxed-fit shirt.
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The fade on this denim midi skirt makes it look as if it could be vintage.
If you buy one heel this summer, make it Dear Frances’ Pepper mules.
8. Gingham + Basket Bag
Style Notes: No July wardrobe would be complete without some gingham. Make it even more quintessential by pairing it with a basket bag, just like Slip Into Style's Ellie Delphine did.
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Cut-outs are another massive dress trend for 2022.
I own these sandals, and have worn them endlessly over the past three summers.
9. Wide-Leg Trousers + One-Shoulder Top + Crochet Tote
Style Notes: Wide-leg trousers are a staple this season, and it makes sense to pair them with another key item from the summer 2023 runways—a bra top. Just add crochet tote to complete the look.
Shop the look:
The perfect wide-leg trouser does exist.
I love Castañer’s wedge espadrilles, so I can’t wait to try its new flats.
This post was originally published at an earlier time and has since been updated.
Next Up, Experts Agree: These Autumn/Winter 2023 Fashion Trends Really Count
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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