Get Ready for the Next Heatwave with These 5 Basic Summer Outfits in 2026

With another heatwave on the way, I’ve been re-assessing my wardrobe to make sure that I’m prepared this time around. While I want to look chic, my main priority is comfort and staying cool, so I’m opting for basic outfits over anything trend-led. I love elegant and more considered looks, but in the heat we’ve been having, practicality is at the forefront of my mind, and a tassel skirt might look good on the rail, but be less exciting on a sticky commute.

That being said, basics don’t have to be boring. I’m talking about classic wardrobe staple pieces like linen and cotton fabrics and pared-back styles that ensure getting dressed is as fuss free as possible. The goal is outfits that I want to be able to throw on, yet still look polished and put-together as I head out the door.

As my wardrobe is already quite minimalist, I scoured through some of my favourite influencers accounts to get some fresh styling inspiration on how to use the pieces I already own to create brand new looks. A classic striped tee with bermuda shorts or a maxi dress paired with bright flip flops perhaps—these core wardrobe staples can be worn in an array of ways to create new ‘fits every time.

1. Striped Top + Bermuda Shorts

Basic summer outfits

Style Notes: A striped top is a basic that most of us already own in our wardrobe, but if you’re still devoted to plain white tees, this small update manages to bring this entire look up to date for 2026. Styling it with white Bermuda shorts makes it feel more considered than distressed denim, but still casual enough to wear for every day.

Shop the Look:

Pure Cotton Relaxed Striped Boxy T-Shirt

M&S

Pure Cotton Relaxed Striped Boxy T-Shirt

Belted Darted Bermuda Shorts - White - Xs

ZARA

Belted Darted Bermuda Shorts

Santa Croce Big Woven Leather Tote Bag

DRAGON DIFFUSION

Santa Croce Big Woven Leather Tote Bag

Squared Frame Sunglasses - Women | Mango United Kingdom

MANGO

Squared Frame Sunglasses

2. Black Maxi Dress + Bright Flip Flops

Basic summer outfits

Style Notes: As a minimalist, this outfit ticks every box for me. The bright flip flops bring an injection of colour into your outfit, and there’s no going wrong with a black maxi dress. Evening plans abroad, or simply meeting friends in the city, this combination is a failsafe option to throw on and head out while still looking stylish.

Shop the Look:

Asceno, Jersey midi dress

Havaianas Slim Flip Flops in Red

Havaianas

Slim Flip Flops in Red

The Stockholm Shoulder | Black Fine Grain | Demellier

DeMellier

The Stockholm Shoulder

Miu Regard Sunglasses

Miu Miu

Miu Regard Sunglasses

3. Black Cami Top + Linen Trousers

Basic summer outfits

Style Notes: I can’t help but rely on co-ord sets all summer long; they’re an easy, effortless style that still feel smart enough to wear to the office too (especially if you happen to work in fashion). Even if it’s not a perfectly ‘matching’ set, for a simple outfit, pair a black vest with black linen trousers and you’ve constructed your own out of the pieces that flatter you the most.