14 summer outfit ideas for the dedicated minimalist
Are you thinking about summer? When the weather gets warm and adventure is on the agenda, you want to look elegant without too much effort. Let’s take a look at my 14 favorite minimalist summer outfits.
With a bit of luck, you can recreate them with clothes you already have in your wardrobe. Otherwise, this article is the perfect starting point for a minimalist fashion shopping list. (Yes, there is such a thing.)
Having a minimalist closet is about having clothes you love. Most of them should be in neutral colors and classic cuts so that you can mix and match every single piece of clothing.
Building a capsule wardrobe
Take a look at these outfits and decide which ones resonate the most with you. The clothes from those pictures will make an excellent capsule wardrobe.
If you are interested in creating a capsule wardrobe, read my article Build your 2023 summer capsule wardrobe in 6 easy steps.
Outfit nr 1: White tank top + Blue shirt + Black slip shirt
This outfit is on point for summer 2023. Add a structured straw bag and black sandals to complete the look. I would also add a gold necklace, just like the girl in the picture.
This outfit is perfect for exploring a new city. If you are hot, you can take off the shirt. The shirt is also good for sun protection.
Outfit nr 2: Black T-shirt + Blue denim shorts
There is nothing complicated going on in this outfit. You probably already own the pieces.
What makes the outfit come together is the matching black sandals and black bag. This outfit is perfect for a grocery run. Buy bread, fresh fruit ad a bottle of wine.
If you want even more outfit ideas, check out The best cute and casual summer outfits.
Outfit nr 3: White pointelle knit sweater + White skirt
White is the number one minimalist color in the summertime. It looks fresh and crispy.
This outfit shows the subtle power and sexiness of an all-white outfit.
The nice texter on her jumper, together with the flair of the skirt, makes this outfit more interesting, take note and imitate.
I also like her gold-framed sunglasses. They make her look more expensive looking. This outfit is perfect for a boat tour, just like shown in the picture.
Outfit nr 4: Black T-shirt + Printed skirt
Here we take a small detour from 100 percent minimalism and add a printed skirt. This outfit formula is one of my favorites, so maybe that’s why I had to add it.
The printed skirt looks feminine and the black top is very practical when you, like me, tend to spill things.
The skirt doesn’t need to be short. Just choose a skirt in your favored length and print.
Outfit nr 5: Black slip dress + metallic sandals
Here we have the Poster child for minimalist summer outfits; a simple black slip dress. To make it an outfit you add either silver or gold “barely there” shoes.
I also added an equally minimalistic cardigan, in case you get cold.
This outfit is suitable for going out for dinner and hitting the dancefloor, just like Kate did in the 90s.
Outfit nr 6: Denim jumpsuit + White T-shirt
This minimalist summer outfit is perfect for a picnic or any other casual summer get-together.
You cannot go wrong with adding a pair of classic Converse, they balance the white T-shirt perfectly.
If you have to run errands, this is how you look cute and season-appropriate while doing it. No need to add a plastic bag 😉
Outfit nr 7: White shirt + Black shorts
Next time you have to walk your dog, take a cue from Kaia Gerber. Combine your white shirt with black shorts and tie the look together with classic Adidas sneakers.
You could use a linen shirt to achieve more of a summer feeling. You don’t have to wear short shorts, and black shorts will work.
Outfit nr 8: A matching set in a neutral color
When you are wondering how to create a perfect minimalist summer outfit, don’t underestimate the power of a matching set. Both the shorts and top will be easy to incorporate with other clothes.
Worn together, like in the picture, they make a hell of a cute outfit. I recommend adding espadrilles and a net bag, just like this girl did.
Outfit nr 9: White T-shirt + Tan shorts
I think this is a picture of Christy Turlington from the 90s. That just proves how classic this outfit formula is.
Wear this outfit when you are biking around, just like she does.
The black belt makes for a nice contrast; try this styling trick yourself.
Outfit nr 10: Black square neck top + White drapey pants
I just love this outfit. The flowyness of the pants contrasts perfectly with the square line from the black top.
This outfit formula is the essence of minimalist summer outfits. This outfit works particularly well for business meetings and other more formal occasions. Just add a blazer if you need more coverage.
Her accessories are also spot-on and help elevate the look.
Outfit nr 11: Striped shirt + White long denim skirt
If you want to look elegant, this is the outfit for you. I particularly like how her brown accessories make the look even more luxurious.
This outfit is perfect for having brunch followed by leisurely browsing in different stores. Don’t forget big sunglasses and gold hope earing.
Outfit nr 12: Neutral maxi skirt + Tank top
No summer is complete without bringing out the maxi skirt. I think she did a great job creating a casual look thanks to the sneakers and the simple tank top.
This look will work in lots of different situations. It’s equally nice for a coffee date as for going to a concert.
Outfit nr 13: Black top + Black skirt
There is something so understated and chic about an all-black summer outfit. So when you want some minimalist summer outfit ideas, don’t forget to combine your black pieces with each other. Dressing monochromatically is minimalist style at its finest.
Wear this outfit to a date. Take your cues from the girl in the picture and do red lips and channel-style accessories for French girl sex appeal.
If you want more French fashion, read my article The ultimate French summer capsule wardrobe.
Outfit nr 14: Striped top + White shorts
No summer is complete without a Breton top. The reason why this piece of clothing works so well in a minimalistic look is because the stripes match both your white and your black clothes.
Wear this outfit when you are having a beach day, just like the girl in the picture.
A Final note
Go ahead, jump into your closet and start pulling out the clothes you need to imitate these looks. Minimalist summer outfits are all about working with what you’ve already got.
Now that you have the recipes for some simple and stylish outfits, you just need to decide where your next summer adventure will take you.
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.
