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Looking like a chic cool girl is my only goal this summer. I refuse to let the heat or my budget deter me from that goal. Simple outfits don’t always have to mean boring, and they sure don’t have to mean sloppy either. It’s time to think about what to wear post-April showers weather. I haven’t been on a big splurge in far too long, but that’s the territory that comes with being an adult, I fear; but that doesn’t mean putting together cool outfits is impossible on a budget. Contrarily, it allows you to get creative with your looks.
I’ve been looking for inspiration for my own daily summer looks in the coming weeks, and found an array of stylish ensembles from fashion people all over enjoying the summer’s offerings of sunrays and days of frolicking. And keeping each look under-$250 is totally achievable, because I shopped them out so you wouldn’t have to. Keep scrolling to find summer outfit inspiration and shop each affordable look.
Capri Leggings Outfit
Capri leggings are officially a mainstream trend after a time of once being quite polarizing. It was a “dated” trend, but now it’s one that I can’t imagine being missing from a summer outfit rotation. It Girls are styling their pair with pointed-toe mules and lightweight jackets on cooler days. I’ve thought of at least 10 places I want to go in this outfit already.
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Old Navy
Full-Zip Harrington Jacket
Reformation
Jill Cropped Knit Pants
Summer Neutrals Outfit
Sometimes, a neutral outfit in the summer is the best route to take. I’m a fashion person who loves a bunch of color, but the simplicity of a cream, lightweight funnel neck and matching skirt is a chic combination, in my book. Just slip on a pair of black leather flats and a tank underneath to complete your outfit.
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Lola Denim
Halston High Rise Maxi Skirt
Journee Collection
Journee Kavn Flats
All-White Outfit
The less-is-more approach is one I will always support in regard to getting dressed. Maximalism is incredibly fun in the summer, but an all-white outfit comprised of a plain white tank and simple white pants is actually such a great look for the summer. You can accessorize less or more depending on what you prefer; for example, this look below includes a fringe scarf to add a texture contrast to a monochrome outfit.
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Favorite Daughter
The Rib Tank
J.Crew
Luna Pant in Cotton Poplin
Track Pants Outfit
Track pants haven’t always been a go-to piece in the fashion zeitgeist, but lately, It girls have been all over them. They’ve been styling them in very casual but cool ways, like this look, including a ringer tee with color contrasts at the seams to match the color of the track pants. Little details like that make your choice to wear athleisure seem more intentional.
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Aritzia
Defender Track Pant
Lace-Trim Shorts Outfit
Lace-trim items are not going anywhere this summer. The trend has persisted in the form of shorts for the warm season, and fashion people seem to be very pleased with this. Stylish dressers have opted to wear a pair with lightweight knits like button-down cardigans and a pair of pointed-toe heels. This look, in particular, has been living in my mind rent-free, and I can’t wait to recreate it.
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Gap
CashSoft Crop Cardigan
Open Edit
Lace Trim Satin Shorts
Tony Bianco
Collette Black Valencia Heels
White Denim Outfit
White denim is one of the new It items of the season. Swapping a blue pair out for a white one does wonders for a summer outfit. Take this look, for instance; the butter yellow top contrasts perfectly with the white denim. Fashion people have been consistently wearing this trend throughout the spring and are continuing into the summer, and for good reason: it’s simply chic.
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Massimo Dutti
Flowing 100% Linen Shirt
Denim Forum
Salma Super Lo-Rise Straight Jeans
ZARA
Leather Heeled Sandals
Red and White Outift
Red and white are the perfect complementary color combination for summer. You can style the colors like this look with your halter top red and your baggy pants white, or vice versa. That’s the beauty of the trusty color combination; there are options. This laid-back outfit also looks great with a pair of simple black flip-flops, but if you’re going somewhere that requires a more suitable shoe, just swap the flip-flops for a pair of flats.
(Image credit: @claire_most)
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Gap
Closeknit Halter Crop Top
Joe’s
The Bowie Cotton Blend Drawstring Pants
White Dress Outift
A simple, white dress in the summertime is just so chic and effortlessly elegant. There’s no overthinking, just a one-and-done look for the entire day. I’m not much of a dress person, but the record heat in NYC this year will surely turn me into one. This look showcases that a simple look doesn’t have to mean plain. Add some accessories, whether it be jewelry or a bag, and slip on a pair of flats to complete your look.
(Image credit: @_imanirandolph)
Shop the Look
ZARA
Corset-Style Poplin Midi Dress
Franco Sarto
Tinsley Mary Jane Flats
Funky Denim Oufit
I saved the best look to recreate for last. Lately, fashion lovers have been wearing a denim trend I hadn’t given a second thought to before: a pair of striped denim. The trend has been all over Instagram and TikTok lately, so it’s no surprise that it’s catching on in the mainstream. I predict it’ll be everywhere by the end of June. Since the striped denim is already quite eye-catching, just style your pair with a simple white tank like this look below, styled with a pair of simple black slip-on flip-flops.
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Nordstrom
Everyday Cotton Rib Tank
ZARA
Z1975 Striped Barrel Jeans
Everlane
The Day Crossover Sandals
Urban Outfitters
Oversized Fringed Crochet Headscarf
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