13 outfit formulas to take you from the beach to backyard BBQs
I am writing this article in the dead of winter. Nothing will make me happier (or warmer) than taking a closer look at my favorite cute and casual summer outfits. Let’s pour ourselves an imaginary Aperol spritz and feel the warm June breeze on our cheeks.
You need stylish clothes
In the summer, you want to dress casually; you want to be ready to go on an adventure, to toss off your clothes and go swimming or put out a blanket for a spontaneous picnic. You want to keep it real.
But you also want to look incredibly chic whilst doing all of this.
Most of us do a bit of traveling during the summer. We need to be able to pack smart and still look our best. These outfits will help you know what to pack.
13 occasions and what to wear
In this article, I take into account 13 common summer activities, I combine those activities with the 13 most popular cute and casual summer trends.
My main aim is to supply us with plenty of inspiration, you can use any of the outfits for almost any occasion.
On top of that, I explore the concept of summer dressing with the help of these 13 outfit formulas that define cute and casual summer outfits.
Mix and match
You can also use these 13 concepts of summer dressing to create outfits more suitable for your taste. Cute and casual summer clothes are all about these 13 elements; they are what make summer dressing such a fun and stylish treat.
1. Jumpsuit + Picnic
As soon as the sun starts to warm, people in Nordic countries flock outside with blankets and takeaway sushi.
We pop the prosecco (or warm beer) and enjoy a spontaneous picnic.
Sometimes there is a game of Kubb. So, it’s important to keep your outfit casual, while still looking cute. Nothing achieves this better than a jumpsuit. The shorter version is usually called a playsuit or romper. Both are equally stylish.
2. Linen + Farmers market
When you want to look chic and casual in the summertime, linen is a go-to choice for fashionistas all over the world. Freshly ironed or wrinkled from adventure, linen always looks like summer.
So, when you pick up cheese, bread, fresh fruit (and maybe a bottle of wine) from a local farmers market, I would add anything linen to the outfit. Or go linen from top to toe. You will look carefree like a June morning.
3. Denim shorts + A road trip
I love road trips in the summertime. The long winding road, fresh air and unexpected treasures. I don’t care too much about the destination, but my friend loves to visit antique markets.
The important thing is to dress comfortably, but still look cute when you arrive at your destination.
Your old trusty cut-offs will work perfectly. (Nowadays, there is also denim with elastic waistband; I’m just saying.) I like combining them with a graphic T-shirt or a blouse, depending on my mood.
4. Maxi dress + Backyard BBQ
Nothing says summer is on the way, quite the same as pulling out your arsenal of maxi dresses from storage. The right maxi dress will have you channeling the look of a Greek goddess, and that’s always a good idea, but especially effective come summertime.
Since the dress covers you up, it’s perfect for BBQs. You look breezy and summery while being able to move around comfortably. When the night gets chilly, you just add a sweater or leather jacket.
5. Crocheted + Music festival
Showcase your creative and crafty side by choosing this fashion trend for your next music festival. Take a cue from Bella Hadid’s daring look and you will be the dancing queen.
For those of us who are shyer, this trend is easy to adapt to your comfort level.
Crocheted is also a great look for those outdoor concerts. (I always wonder what to wear to those.) It doesn’t matter if it’s jazz or hip-hop; this is a classic cute and casual summer outfit style for a reason.
The best part is that crocheted clothes are a bit warm, so they’re actually more suitable for summer evenings. If you are a die-hard festival goer, you can handle the heat 😉
Anything crocheted will make a statement while still being casual enough to dance all night.
6. White + City Exploring
You might not automatically think about dressing in white when it comes to exploring a new city.
Think again, because there is a reason why a white outfit is such a summer classic. Admittedly, you might get a bit dirty, but you will look cute and casual.
Just take a look at these outfits and tell me you are not convinced?
If you don’t want to go all white, it is still a good idea to add a white element to your outfit to give it a sense of freshness and innocence.
For more tips on what makes an outfit the best one you ever created, check out my article What makes a great outfit?
7. Lace + Al fresco dining
There is something spectacularly summerly about enjoying a long, lazy dinner at your favorite restaurant.
Get dressed in your cutest lace pieces. Order mussels and white wine. Listen to the buzz of the restaurants, and watch the daylight slowly fade away.
No need to go full-on lace queen (unless you want to;)); just take the inspiration and add a subtle hint. Lace can be romantic in white and sexy in black. Pick your poison.
8. Monochromatic + Sport
Sign up for tennis lessons, take your niece for minigolf, or invite all your friends to eat popcorn and watch your team play.
Whatever the occasion, when it comes to sport, monochromatic dressing is the way to go.
This classic summer outfit also works great if you are watching an outdoor sporting event. Wimbledon anyone?
Bring a cap, plenty of sunscreen and sporty accessories.
9. Stripes and flowers + A trip to the ocean
Take two things that are quintessential summer style: any kind of flower print and any type of stripes and combine them into one epic outfit.
To make the look cohesive, match the two prints by color. (If the print clashes, that can work as well; it all depends on your personal style.)
Both prints are casual and cute, and they look like a summer romance when paired up.
Your destination is, of course, the nearest beach town. Eat ice cream, watch the sailboats and inhale the salty air.
If you are going on a longer trip and wondering how to create a summer capsule wardrobe, check out my article Summer capsule wardrobe for women over 40, summer 2023. The advice works regardless of your age 😉
10. Black + A date
Nothing is chicer than black in the summertime.
It is seductive, confident-oozing, and looks great with a tan. For your next date, channel your inner heroine and try an all-black outfit.
Combine with red lips, gold jewelry and a mysterious smile.
I don’t mean that you should dress in black all summer long, for all your dates. But once in a while, this outfit formula is just the ticket to an unforgettable evening.
11. Midi skirt and crop top + Party
Dance the night away like you are on holiday. Salsa or Bachata? Or Techno? Whatever your taste in music, this outfit formula will have you looking summerly, and the skirt will help to highlight all your best dance moves.
If a cropped top is not your cup of tea, just use a tight top and a fuller skirt and you will get the same effect. This cute and casual summer outfit is all about proportions.
When it gets cold, just add an oversized denim jacket.
12. Signature dress + Visiting a museum
We all have one, that particular dress that defines a whole summer. And let’s be honest, every summer we look for a new one. The right dress is essential for feeling like summer has finally arrived.
My two suggestions smells of fresh lemon and salty air.
Surprisingly. I recommend this outfit for checking out a museum.
Surprisingly. I recommend this outfit for checking out a museum. People tend to dress a bit boring for museums, but bringing your a-game will make for cute pictures and a great time. Nothing quite like looking at art while wearing art.
Bring a cardigan to protect yourself from the air-conditioning.
13. Cutouts + Lounging by the pool
Last but not least, time to finally hit the pool. Bring a couple of magazines and the latest bestseller.
Cutouts are a big trend for next summer. No better place to embrace this trend than in your swimsuit, since you anyway will be showing a lot of skin.
I love a good statement swimsuit or bikini. It’s summer and time to make a splash.
A final Note
I love throwing on cute and casual summer outfits. They make you feel happy, comfortable, and ready for adventure. Just like summer itself.
Moa Ailert is the founder and editor-in-chief of Her Brilliant Friend.
She has a bachelor’s degree in philosophy and plenty of insight into human psychology from traveling and living in different places around the world.
Moa is currently based in Portugal where she has a guesthouse; Villa dos Irmaos.
She has various websites, among others Ericeira Insider, but Her brilliant friend is her true passion project.
