10 June 2025

5 Outfit Formulas You Can Depend On This Summer

Outfit formulas: Frank & Eileen dress, similar | Straw bag, similar | Flats, similar

5 Outfit Formulas You Can Depend On This Summer

If you struggle to put everyday outfits together, this post is for you! I think it’s safe to say that many of us want easy, everyday outfit combos. We’d like to confidently throw on a great outfit every morning … without having to think too much about it. However, actually accomplishing this can be tricky, especially if you like to shop and get easily sidetracked 😉 Who hasn’t experienced finding a cool new “something” and not really knowing how to wear it — but you buy it anyway?

Today’s post gives you 5 easy summer outfit formulas you can depend on. We’re talking simple concepts, like an all-white base layer, linen pants, a go-with-everything shoe, and of course, the all-important accessories that bring it all together. Once you own these essentials, the outfit possibilities are endless! Below are some new pieces, and style boards that show five outfit formulas I recommend from decades of experience in the dressing room. I found it all at Nordstrom, enjoy!

Recent popular summer posts

My Honest Reviews: Which Items Came Out On Top

Nordstrom Monthly Drop: 6 Summer Pieces Just Landed

 

First – gather the Best Summer Basics

Polo tee, denim shorts, denim skirt, white poplin skirt, faded jeans, summer dresses, lightweight cashmere

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14

Loving casual summer dresses like this pretty blue one and this green linen one – style tip: add a sweater over your shoulders

Cool accessories pull it all together like a versatile white bag, pretty sculptural earrings and the sandal of the season

White is key this time of year and these jeans fit are so flattering

 

01. Consider an All-White Base Layer

White tank | White jeans | Denim jacket | Sandals | Bracelets | Tote

If you want the easiest one of the summer outfit formulas, start with all-white base layer. Then, any third piece will complete your look! For example, combine a white tee/tank and either a white jean, skirt, short, or trouser. Then layer a cardigan over your shoulders, a loose button-up shirt (open like a jacket), a knit jacket, or a lightweight cardigan. If the climate is too warm for a third piece, consider an interesting accessory like a belt, statement necklace, or a cool bag. The accessories will complete your outfit.

White jeans: Frame Le Slim Palazzo is a top seller and for an ankle length look at this and this – all three best-sellers

White skirts/shorts: Skirts are trending this year – look at this midi style and this cotton one. For shorts, I recommend the AGOLDE Parker

White tanks/tees: Love this Nordstrom tank and this Mother tee – both personal favorites. For a dressier option look at this and this by Vince

 

02. Find a Loose Linen Pant You Love

Rag & Bone crochet cardigan | Linen pants | Havaianas | Necklace | Marc Jacobs tote

For warm summer days, a loose linen pant is comfortable and super stylish. I’ve even worn mine on the airplane to a warm destination instead of leggings or joggers. Try a simple tank and a loose shirt, open like a jacket, or a fun top like this. This is one of those items you’ll wear all summer long!

Linen pants: These are my favorites – both Emily and I own them (she’s on her second pair)!

 

03. Dresses are Best for Warm Weather Days

Denim jacket | Dress | Necklace | Gold sandal | Versace tote | Shimmer oil

Once the weather warms up, jeans get set aside, and dresses become a go-to. Whether you’re hanging out at home, going out for lunch, or running around town doing errands, there’s a dress for every occasion! See above for outfit inspo outfit using dresses — they’re a one-and-done.

Favorite brands – Frame: Look at this knit one in black and navy and this denim one. Both perfect for everyday

Rails: love this new crochet one, and this blue print sundress and this white cotton one

Farm Rio: Love this new green linen one, this green stripe (everyone is loving), and this shorter one

 

04. Casual short outfits

Button-up | Jean shorts | Tank | Flip flops | Tote | Earrings

Longer length shorts are trending this year, and whether you go for a casual denim one, or a looser one like this, or even a trouser style, you’ll be on trend and super chic!

Denim styles: Hands down this AGOLDE Parker one is my highest recommendation

Loose shorts: Look at this Varley pair (don’t forget a coordinating top)

Trouser style shorts: Look at this and this

 

05. Have a go-to travel outfit

Frank & Eileen peacoat | Tank | Rag & Bone Miramar jeans | Tote | Sneakers

If you’re traveling this summer, then having a go-to comfy travel outfit is key, plus it doubles as an everyday casual outfit! I LOVE this Rag & Bone sweatpant jean – and so does everyone else! It looks like jeans but it’s actually made of soft terry fleece that’s super lightweight. Don’t wait on these, they keep selling out thanks to all the viral Tik Tok videos! See below for more options:

Rag & Bone Miramar sweatpant favorites: Love this new skirt, these cropped pants and these longer length ones

 

Bonus: Round Up Your Accessories

The key to accessories is to have a few that all work together. Think raffia bags, woven totes, cool sunglasses, small scarves, statement jewelery, you get the idea 😉 Here are some stylish options.

 

Thank you for reading, and thank you to Nordstrom for sponsoring this post xx

This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through the links, we may make a commission.

PREVIOUS POST

NEXT POST