In my own personal style journey (Yes, it’s a thing!) I’ve floated between wanting every wild item of clothing on the planet and trying to pare down to just the essentials. While I definitely tend to lean toward the maximalist side in how I dress, oftentimes I like to dress up in cute and simple ensembles as well. When it comes to finding my simple side, though, I felt I was lacking in minimalist summer outfit ideas. I mean, how many times could I wear my favorite cropped jeans and a plain black tee? Luckily, the street style gods and Instagram influencers have smiled down upon me, and I found so many minimalist outfit ideas to try and recreate myself this summer—plus ways to shop! Them! All!
Minimalism is definitely a concept I’ve never really been good at understanding, but when it comes to fashion, there’s no denying how sleek a simple, minimalist outfit can look. Whether you were all-white everything or mix neutrals to create a stylish ensemble, you really can’t go wrong with a minimalist outfit. When the weather is hot, though, it can be harder to find options that will keep you cool without looking like you’re wearing the exact same thing every day. (Maybe true minimalists don’t care about this, but I’m weak, I guess.) I wanted a full arsenal of minimalist outfit ideas to try this summer. So, I went out a found it.
Below are 15 different minimalist summer outfit ideas sure to inspire you to keep things simple this season—without sacrificing any style. And, if you’re feeling like spicing things up, most of these ensembles can be easily maximized with some bright and fun summer accessories. Consider this your baseline for all things summer outfits.
1. Neutral Tee + Black Overalls
The Pleb Life.
Black Linen Overalls
Torrid.
Try these cute black linen overalls with a plain white tee or other neutral tee for a chic minimalist look. You can always add statement pieces, too, if you decide to go maximalist one day.
2. White Shirtdress + Neutral Bag
Fashion Jackson.
White Shirtdress
Auxo.
Buy: Tunic Dress $22.99
A white shirtdress is the perfect minimalist look for warm weather. Pair it with booties, a neutral bag and some fun lipstick, and you’ve got the ideal outfit.
3. Cream Blouse + Jeans
Source: Instagram
Chlo Wasted Jeans
Ksubi.
Buy: Chlo Wasted Jeans $190
Everyone needs a cute pair of cropped jeans to wear during any season. When it’s warm, try a pair of cute sandals. When it’s cold, wear your favorite booties. You can’t go wrong.
4. White Crop Top + White Flare Jeans
The Girl From Panama.
Le Bardot Crop Flare Jeans
FRAME.
Buy: Crop Flare Jeans $245
Create your cutest all-white outfit with these crop flare jeans. Of course, with white jeans, you can wear basically any top your heart desires, so these are sure to get a lot of use this summer.
5. White Shirtdress + Black Slide Sandals
Pinterest/Buzzfeed.
Two Band Slides
Freedom Moses.
Buy: Two Band Slides $40
If you’ve snagged a white shirtdress already, now’s the time to also treat yourself to some classic black slide sandals as well. This pair from Freedom Moses is perfectly chunky.
6. Black Tee + Black Shorts + Neutral Mule
MODE.
Luca Twill Shorts
Rag & Bone.
Buy: Luca Twill Shorts $243.75
Every wardrobe needs a good pair of pleated black shorts. You can wear them with a black tee for an all-black ensemble, or pair these shorts with any other top in your arsenal.
7. Gray Tunic + Jeans
Hackwith Design House.
Lightweight Flannel Oversized Shirt
Everlane.
There’s nothing quite like an oversized top. In a neutral color, it can help created the most comfortable minimalist outfit you’ve ever worn.
8. White Tank + Black Pants + Black Hat
The Pleb Life.
Crop Wide Pants
Vince.
Buy: Crop Wide Pants $159
Cropped wide-leg pants in black are as versatile as they are cute. Perfect for beach days and shopping trips alike, you’ll want to wear them every single day.
9. Black Bralette + White Shorts + White Top
Source: Instagram
Microfiber and Lace Bralette
Addition Elle.
A black bralette should be in everyone’s wardrobe—whether or not you consider yourself a minimalist dresser. It pairs well with open button downs and see-through tops for summer.
10. Black Tank + Cream Pants
My Chic Obsession.
Cropped Wide-Leg Pants
Stateside.
Buy: Cropped Wide-Leg Pants $100.80
A cream pant is an often underrated addition to a minimalist capsule wardrobe. A bit lighter than khaki but not quite white, cream pants play an important role in so many cute minimalist outfits.
11. White Top + Cream Pants + Cream Jacket
Source: Instagram
BLANKNYC.
This cream moto jacket is perforated, making it perfect for warmer weather. Or, it can serve as an extra layer for chilly summer nights on the beach.
12. White Button Down + Jeans
Source: Instagram
Wedgie Icon Jeans
Levi’s.
Buy: Wedgie Icon Jeans $98
White button down and jeans is classic minimalist look—but one that never gets old. You can never have too many pairs of cute jeans, either.
13. Unstructured White Top + Black Pants
The Pleb Life.
Tidal Shirt
Madewell.
If there’s one top you definitely need in your closet, it’s a boxy short-sleeve button down in white. It goes with everything, and will last for years.
14. White Midi Shirtdress + Black Mules
The Every Girl.
Women’s Shai Mule
Sam Edelman.
Buy: Shai Mule $67.13
A pair of black mules is perfect for any season—including summer. Especially if you live where it’s warm most of the year, you’ll get so much use out of these cute shoes.
15. Black Jumpsuit + Black Bag + Black Heels
Findlay Co.
Ivy Jumpsuit
Knot Sisters.
Buy: Ivy Jumpsuit $129
A simple black jumpsuit is both a minimalist staple and a statement piece in one. Paired with black heels and a black bag, you’ll chic AF all summer long.
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