5 Easy Chic Summer Outfit Formulas - Nada Manley

According to the calendar, we are only officially one week or so into summer, but here in Florida, it has felt like months. Months of hot. Months of humidity. Months of wearing the same things on repeat. And many more months to go.

It’s easy to get bored of wearing the same things in the same ways, and that often leads to buying things we don’t need and that won’t really solve our problem. We don’t need more clothes. We need more inspiration. And here it is. 5 chic and easy outfit ideas you can pull together in 5 minutes, mostly with items you already own.

Outfit Formula 1: Short & Chic

Floral Blouse + Linen Shorts + Espadrilles

A neutral pair of tailored shorts is a summer staple, to be sure, but it can also be a little ho-hum. We tend to wear shorts casually, with tees or tanks, when they are actually much more versatile. I dressed up a pair of shorts with a pretty floral top for this look (you can use any slightly dressy top, even one of your office blouses) and metallic espadrilles for a look that is pretty and polished.

Outfit Formula #2: Flowy & Fun

Flowy Dress + Flat Neutral Sandals + Straw Bag

This is possibly my favorite formula, as I live in casual dresses all summer long. One of the ways that I keep dresses interesting is by accessorizing, and my go-to formula usually involves a cute sandal and a straw bag, as shown here. A statement earring might also enter the mix, but the basic formula stays the same. Do try this at home with your favorite frock. 🙂

Outfit Formula 3: Cool & Neutral

White Jeans + White Button-Down + Neutral Jacket + Brown Shoes + Brown Belt

Not everyone’s a color person. I know I know. But sometimes the summer heat makes us long for the soothing tones of neutrals, and nothing says summer quite like white. This outfit is crisp and cool, but depending on the styles and weights of the item, can work in a moderate climate or a scorching hot one. (For example, swap out the button-down and jeans for a tank and shorts). The brown accessories add warmth and style, and a light jacket (tencel or denim or linen or cotton, in any style, would do here) elevates the look.

Outfit Formula 4: Beachy Chic

Wide Leg Linen Pants + Fitted Tank + Tie Waist Shirt + Straw Hat

Wide-leg linen or gauzy pants are a summertime staple, and a great alternative when you want the coverage of pants while still staying cool. Plus, they are so chic. Balance out their flowiness with a fitted tank or tee, and throw on a button-down (knotted at the waist) if you want more coverage. Crisp neutral accessories complete the look, including the ankle strap sandal, the shoe of the season.

Outfit Formula 5: Midi Style

Midi Skirt + Tank Top + Flat Sandals + Cropped Jacket

A floral midi skirt is such a pretty and breezy pic for summer. Balance out its length and possible volume with a fitted top, like this simple tank, and then top with a light cropped jacket (long is going to be a lot harder to style), if you need additional coverage or warmth. Pretty metallic sandals complete the look.