By Isla Monroe
Let’s be real—summer style can feel like a full-time job. Between melting makeup, unpredictable weather (Brooklyn went from 90°F to sweater weather in one day last week), and the never-ending to-do list that comes with mom life, looking “effortlessly chic” sounds like something only influencers with unlimited wardrobes and private chefs can do.
But I’m here to call BS on that.
Effortless style isn’t about perfection—it’s about smart combos, pieces that work, and knowing how to fake it ‘til you make it (aka dry shampoo and statement earrings). I’ve styled looks on a $30 budget and mixed Target with vintage Chanel, and let me tell you: you don’t need a closet full of new arrivals to look fresh. Sometimes you just need a new way to wear what you’ve already got.
So here it is—21 outfits that are easy, cute, and feel like you’ve got your life together (even if you don’t). Some are full-on looks, some are just little styling tricks that take an outfit from “I threw this on” to “I planned this…kind of.”
Let’s get dressed.
1. White Button-Down + Denim Shorts + Gold Hoops
This is the outfit equivalent of iced coffee: reliable, refreshing, and makes you feel alive again. I size up in the shirt for that effortless “cool girl” vibe, tuck one side in, and wear my go-to Levi’s cutoffs. Gold hoops instantly say “I tried.” Even when I didn’t.
Hot tip: Raid the men’s section for oversized button-downs. Or your ex’s closet. (No shame.)
2. T-Shirt Dress + Chunky Sneakers
My daughter calls this my “busy but cute” outfit. It’s basically a socially acceptable nightgown with shoes. Add a crossbody bag and maybe a claw clip and you’re ready for errands, school pickups, or pretending you jog.
3. Linen Pants + Tank Top + Strappy Flats
Linen pants are my summer love language. They make me feel like I live in a sunlit Paris apartment instead of a fourth-floor walk-up with a broken A/C. Pair with a cropped tank, minimal sandals, and sunnies. It’s giving clean girl goes to the farmer’s market.
4. Ribbed Matching Set + Birkenstock Bostons
Matching sets are the cheat code to looking put together. Whether it’s ribbed knit, terry cloth, or cotton, they scream “intentional outfit” when it’s really just…two pieces of the same color. I throw on my Birks, a tote, and call it a day.
5. Oversized Tee + Biker Shorts + Dad Sneakers
I fought the biker short trend for years, but now? I live in them. They’re comfy, they hold everything in, and with an oversized graphic tee (hello, vintage band tee obsession), it’s street-style meets grocery-run realness.
6. Slip Dress + White Tee Underneath + Slides
’90s vibes, but make it practical. A slip dress on its own feels a little too trying sometimes, but layered over a tee? Effortless. I do this look when I want to feel fancy but still be able to bend over and pick up a backpack off the floor.
7. Button-Up Shirt Dress + Woven Belt + Espadrilles
Shirt dresses are a mom’s best friend. Cinch the waist with a belt (to make it look less “hospital gown”), add espadrilles or wedges, and boom—you’re brunch-ready without breaking a sweat.
8. Cropped Blazer + Tank + High-Waisted Shorts
Blazers aren’t just for offices (especially because I left that life behind in 2020). A cropped blazer over a fitted tank and tailored shorts makes you look expensive even if you bought everything at H&M. Great for date night, job interviews, or pretending you have your life together.
9. Midi Skirt + Graphic Tee + Converse
This one’s my “cool art teacher on summer break” vibe. Pick a flowy printed midi skirt, knot your favorite tee at the waist, and throw on sneakers. It’s casual, fun, and won’t overheat you while chasing a 7-year-old through a splash pad.
10. Tank Dress + Oversized Denim Jacket + Baseball Cap
I call this my “I haven’t washed my hair but I still care” outfit. The dress is feminine, the jacket is cool, the cap hides the chaos. Add big sunnies and you look like you’re off to Pilates—whether or not you actually work out is no one’s business.
11. Wide-Leg Jeans + Crop Top + Slides
Hot girl summer but make it breathable. I go for light-wash denim and a breezy crop top or bralette. Works best when your jeans are broken in and slightly slouchy—not painted on. Comfort is chic, bestie.
12. Off-the-Shoulder Top + Linen Skirt + Mules
There’s just something romantic about bare shoulders. Especially when paired with a linen midi and some neutral-tone mules. It’s giving “European summer on a Target budget,” and I’m here for it.
13. Overalls + Fitted Tee + Platform Sandals
Yes, overalls. Don’t sleep on them. They’re playful, practical, and hide coffee stains like a dream. Wear with a fitted striped tee and platform sandals for that cool-uncle-who-travels vibe.
14. Tube Top + Parachute Pants + Chunky Sandals
For the girls who never stopped loving Y2K—this one’s for us. A tube top balances the volume of parachute or cargo pants, and the chunky sandals keep it edgy. I wear this to concerts, park hangs, or just to remind myself I still got it.
15. Wrap Dress + Raffia Accessories
Wrap dresses are flattering on literally everyone. I thrifted mine, but you can find cute ones on sale all the time. Pair with a woven bag and raffia sandals and you’ll look like you just stepped out of a vacation catalog.
16. Romper + Kimono + Flat Sandals
Rompers are my lazy day MVP. One piece = full outfit. Throw on a lightweight kimono or open cardigan and flat sandals, and it’s practically a spa day look. Okay, maybe not spa… more like “Target run with flair.”
17. Sheer Blouse + Bralette + High-Waist Trousers
A little daring, a lot chic. I wear a sheer long-sleeve blouse over a lacy bralette and tuck it into wide-leg trousers. It’s a “look” for sure, but sometimes a girl needs a moment—even if she’s just grabbing iced matcha.
18. Athletic Skirt + Cropped Hoodie + Sneakers
Tennis skirts are back and honestly? I’m not mad. I pair mine with a cropped zip-up hoodie and sneakers. Bonus: built-in shorts, so you can actually move in it. Great for mom-on-the-go or fake sporty aesthetic.
19. Maxi Dress + Denim Vest + Platform Sandals
Maxi dresses are great, but sometimes they need a little something. Enter: the denim vest. It breaks up the silhouette and adds a little cool-factor. Platform sandals (or even cowboy boots if you’re brave) finish the look.
20. Neutral Jumpsuit + Statement Earrings
Jumpsuits are the “I don’t know what to wear” solution for every season, but in summer? Go for light neutrals like cream or khaki. Dress it up with bold earrings and maybe a red lip. Suddenly, you’re the most stylish person at the PTA meeting.
21. Flowy Shorts + Crochet Tank + Barely-There Sandals
The “I’m just here to drink iced rosé and gossip” fit. It’s light, airy, and lowkey sexy without being too much. A crochet tank adds texture, the flowy shorts keep it comfy, and the barely-there sandals make your legs look extra long.
Bonus Tips From Your Hot Mess Stylish Mom Friend (That’s Me)
- Don’t overthink it. The key to looking chic? Confidence. And maybe a steamer.
- Mix high and low. I’ve worn $15 sandals with $300 sunglasses. No one noticed.
- Repeat outfits. Style the same look with a different bag or lip color. Voila—new outfit.
- Layer strategically. Light jackets, vests, and button-downs can transform a basic outfit into a lewk.
- Use accessories like seasoning. Hats, earrings, scarves—they add flavor.
- Comfort > everything. If you’re not comfy, it shows. Look for breathable fabrics, flowy fits, and soft waistbands. You’re not suffering for fashion in this house.
Final Thoughts: Chic Isn’t About Labels—It’s About You
If no one’s told you lately: you’re allowed to repeat outfits. You’re allowed to dress up for no reason. You’re allowed to be a mom and serve looks. Fashion isn’t about rules—it’s about feeling good in your own skin (or slip dress, or jumpsuit, or biker shorts).
You don’t need a new wardrobe. You need fresh eyes, a little inspo, and maybe someone like me reminding you that you’ve already got style—it’s just waiting to be worn.
Now go raid your closet, girl.
Or your laundry basket. I won’t tell.
