We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: Putting together a cute summer outfit is all about wearing the smallest amount of clothing one can (within the parameters of state law). The easiest way to do that is to throw on a dress and some sandals and call it a day — but where’s the fun in that? How do you communicate with your clothes when all you’re wearing is a sundress and some slides? (Well, stellar accessories, but you get our point.)
Devising a layered look that lacks, well, layers is no easy feat. So, we called in the experts. Scroll through the slideshow above for 15 cute summer outfits as modeled by the Instagram fashion flock. Spoiler alert(s): Have your knee-length shorts and peasant tops at the ready; ban the word “denim” from your vocabulary.
[ Next: 30 Genius Outfit Ideas for Every Day of June ]
Cute Summer Outfits
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Cute Summer Outfits #1
The athleisure trend is holding strong and never before have we had such vast and incredible polo options. With their arm-slimming half sleeves, breezy collars and inexplicably sexy fit, polos are the ultimate summer shirt. Pair yours with a pleated skirt for prime Serena Williams vibes. (Also, we've officially reached peak mini bag.)
Image: @tajahgalliano
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Cute Summer Outfits #2
It's cool to wear really, really long shorts — as long as they're not denim (the material of death). When in desert-like conditions, channel Dr. Henry "Indiana" Jones, Jr. in trouser-style khaki shorts, a plain white tee and an artfully looped chocolate leather belt. Satchel mandatory, fedora and whip optional.
Image: @maria_bernad
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Cute Summer Outfits #3
When you put on a dress, you're giving it permission to dictate your entire look — or are you? Find a bright, spaghetti-strap, front-button maxi, undo all fastenings south of your navel, slip on a pair of printed (bike) shorts and voilà — you're a multi-note vision.
Image: @manrepeller
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Cute Summer Outfits #4
Summer is all about lack of structure. Go with the literal air flow in silky, bold-hued shorts and a graphic cotton tee. To avoid looking too chill (is there such a thing?), grab some ornate sunnies before you embark on your
bananaice cream run.Image: @lizzyvdligt
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Cute Summer Outfits #5
Build your cute summer outfits from the shoes up. Invest in a pair of eye-grabby sandals, add on some shorts that could double as underwear, balance things out with a breezy, kimono-style blouse.
Image: @leandramcohen
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Cute Summer Outfits #6
Claire Leana Millar (blogger at Lately I've Been) calls this cute summer look "farmer in the city." To us, it's more "stylish nurse meets Italian riverboat captain," but why split hairs? Cinch a structured V-neck midi dress (in white because sun-deflecting) with a hands-free bag (because shoulder sweat lines are the worst), polish things off with a cool straw hat and matching point-toe loafers.
Image: @latelyivebeenme
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Cute Summer Outfits #7
It's basic math. Slip dress plus tennis sneakers equals cute summer outfit. To avoid looking too basic, keep that maxi bright and bitonal.
Image: @double3xposure
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Cute Summer Outfits #8
If you must wear denim shorts, make 'em bloomers. Elevate your look with a leather belt; finish things off with a statement bag, Tim Burton-era Charlie and the Chocolate Factory sunnies and a silk scarf turned tube top.
Image: @doina
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Cute Summer Outfits #9
When all bra bets are off, turn to a halterneck for support. Style the throwback top with a 2000s-era skirt and late 90s shades.
Image: @alyssainthecity
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Cute Summer Outfits #10
Now #trending: paper-bag waists, peasant tops and espadrilles. Wear all three simultaneously, ideally on some sun-drenched Mediterranean isle.
Image: @pandorasykes
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Cute Summer Outfits #11
Fact: Swimsuits look a whole lot like bodysuits. Fact: We spend most of the summer water adjacent/wishing we were water adjacent. Ergo, why not dress for the job you want to have? Choose a cute, printed one-piece, team it with cuffed shorts and delicate jewelry (for added polish).
Image: @annazgray
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Cute Summer Outfits #12
The cutest summer outfits feature some sort of fruit motif. Pair a would-be Hawaiian shirt (tie it at the waist for a feminine touch) with a side-slit skirt that'd do Angelina Jolie proud. Get in on the micro bag microtrend; ground the look with embellished sandals.
Image: @slipintostyle
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Cute Summer Outfits #13
What can we say, sometimes the easiest thing to do is to throw on a dress and some sandals. If you must fall back on ol' faithful, opt for a tiered maxi with some pizzazz. (And accessorize with a really out-there bag.)
Image: @rebeccalaurey
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Cute Summer Outfits #14
A girly gingham set is never a bad idea (although we're also fans of aggressively mixed prints). Toss on some gold jewelry to make any co-ord outfit seem slicker than your average.
Image: @naomishimada
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Cute Summer Outfits #15
Did you get taller? Nah, your shorts just got shorter. Microscopic, in fact. Slide on a pair of knitted, ruffle-hemmed minis and a shoulder-baring top. Whisk your hair into a bun for maximum ventilation, accessorize with a teeny bag (to match your teeny bottoms) and sweet slip-ons. (Similar here.)
Image: @nadiaaboulhosn
