Spring is starting to turn into summer here in Virginia. One day it’s 60 degrees and the next day it’s 85! And I’m ready with a giant album of cute summer outfit ideas to inspire you. I’ve got outfits with shorts, skirts, dresses, linen pants, and jeans. They’re perfect for everything from hanging out on vacation to going to your neighborhood pool. I even have some that you can wear to work or for a night out.
In this post, I have 30cute casual summer outfits for you! Ready to dive in?
Cute shorts outfits
Let’s start by looking at cute summer outfits with shorts and my number one favorite piece of the summer, a gauze shorts set.
A gauze shorts set
A gauze shorts set is something you want in your vacation suitcase for warm weather. As I mentioned in my summer trends post, Top Summer 2023 Trends + Casual Summer Outfits Over 40, matching sets are everywhere this summer. And so is gauze, which is soft and comfortable and oh-so-delicious to wear.
Shorts | Shirt | Sandals | Bag
The beauty of a set is that it’s such an easy way to get dressed. You only need to make one decision about what to wear. The long sleeves are a good thing to have if you’ll be in air conditioning. You can wear the set over a bathing suit or out to lunch at the beach. And also wear the pieces separately.
White denim shorts and a linen button down
A white-on-white monochromatic look is great for the summer heat. A column of color is super chic. An all-white look is crisp and summery.
Shorts | Similar Shirt | Sandals | Bag
Matching your shoe tone and belt tone ties the two colors together and creates an intentional look that’s grounding.
White denim shorts and a tee
White denim shorts are a bit more elevated than cutoff jean shorts. So if you want to be even more casual, choose jean shorts.
Shorts | Shirt | Flip Flops | Bag
Not to state the obvious, but white shorts go with just about everything. They’re easy that way. Pair them with an olive tee and brown flip-flops and a bag like I’m wearing here.
Linen shorts and a white button down
This is a super simple outfit but it looks put-together thanks to the tailoring of these pleated linen shorts and a white button-down shirt.
Shorts | Shirt | Sandals
Raffia slides with a metal buckle are a perfect easy finishing touch.
Black shorts, a black tank top, and a white button-up shirt
Perhaps you’ve seen Gen Z combining biker shorts and a bra top or crop top with an oversized white button-up. This is my version of that look but with black workout shorts and a black tank top.
Similar Shorts | Shirt | Similar Tank Top | Flip Flops | Hat
Wear this to the beach instead of a bathing suit if you want to be super comfortable.
Black shorts and a striped button down
The striped button-down dresses these shorts up.
Take a button-up shirt, shorts, and a pair of slide sandals and you look preppy and so put together.
Shorts | Shirt | Bag
This is one of those looks that could be a summer uniform and a go-to look.
Gauze shorts and a white tank top
Okay, here’s another simple look. Pair your white tank top with your gauze shorts and brown slides. A white tank top is a summer staple that’s essential in warmer weather.
Shorts | Tank Top | Sandals | Bag
This outfit is the perfect choice for hanging out under the cabana at the pool if you have no plans to swim. These gauze shorts are perfect lounging shorts.
Linen shorts, a Dolman sleeve blouse, and a cream sweater vest
Here’s another shorts look that’s a little bit coastal grandmother thanks to all the tones of white, and a little bit extra, thanks to the layered look of a sweater vest over a Dolman short-sleeve blouse.
Shorts | Dolman Shirt | Similar Sweater Vest | Sandals
Black shorts and a white blazer
This is the outfit that says workday on the top and weekend on the bottom. A white blazer in the summer is a great way to cover your arms when you want a look that’s more elevated than a denim jacket.
Shorts | Tank Top | Blazer | Sandals | Bag
Wear this out to lunch when you want an outfit that’s a bit more elevated than shorts and a tee.
Black shorts and a white tank top
Here’s an effortless shorts and tank top look. This Lululemon sling bag is the perfect thing for hands-free traveling. You always have your wallet, phone, and keys right in front of you.
Shorts | Tank Top | Sneakers | Bag
Stan Smith white sneakers are super cushy and perfect for a little sightseeing.
Gauze shorts and a graphic tee
Combine your gauze shorts from your gauze set with a graphic tee for an easy trip to the pool or farmers market.
Shorts | Shirt | Sandals | Bag
Throw on some slides and grab your straw bag and you’re ready.
Linen shorts and a white blazer
Your white blazer is also perfect with linen shorts. Here we’ve got a super good-looking khaki and white duo.
Shorts | Tank Top | Blazer | Sandals
Color blocking with gauze shorts
Here’s another look with those navy gauze shorts and a pink flutter sleeve t-shirt for a fun color-blocked look.
Shorts | Shirt | Sandals | Bag
White denim shorts, a tank top, and a button-up boyfriend shirt
Make a column of white with white denim shorts and a tank top and then add a boyfriend button-down over top for an easy look.
Shorts | Tank Top | Shirt | Flip Flops | Bag
Cute skirt outfits
Now let’s look at some casual summer outfit ideas with skirts!
Striped top and a black gauze skirt
When I think of summer work outfits, I think of dresses and skirts first and foremost. This gauze skirt from J.Crew Factory is the skirt you want to wear all summer to work. With an A-line shape, it’s a great comfortable alternative to a pencil skirt or mini skirt.
Skirt | Shirt | Sandals | Bag
The great thing about stripes is that they instantly make a perfect outfit.
Brown flat sandals and a brown bag add a third accent color to make the whole look come together.
This is such a cute and casual work outfit if your work dress code allows sandals.
Gray tank top and midi skirt
You know I love a monochromatic outfit. An all-gray look with a gray tank top and midi skirt is a fun departure from your usual shorts or skirt and a tank top for a nice dinner.
Skirt | Sandals
For a more casual look, choose leather flip-flops rather than slide sandals.
Gauze skirt and a Dolman sleeve blouse
This gauze skirt is my new favorite piece that is perfect for work. Wear it with the very popular Dolman sleeve button-down shirt and brown accessories and you have a cute and sophisticated look.
Skirt | Shirt | Sandals | Bag
Tank top and maxi skirt
If a long maxi skirt feels like the opposite of casual, pair it with a ribbed tank top and a pair of slides or leather flip-flops and you have a great look for a night out.
Similar Skirt | Tank Top | Sandals
Gauze skirt and a graphic tee
Dress your black skirt down with a graphic tee and some platform flip-flops and a sling bag. Such a cute laid-back look that you can wear to a summer bbq.
Skirt | Shirt | Flip Flops | Bag
This J.Crew Factory skirt also comes in light blue, which would be so cute with this t-shirt.
Cute dress outfits
Let’s see some dress outfits now!
Black shirt dress
The accessories make this outfit. This is a simple black shirt dress but the hat, belt, flip-flops, and Coach purse give it a certain something.
Dress | Flip Flops | Bag | Hat
Multicolor floral tiered dress
This is the perfect floral pattern dress for work and is a great option if you’re ready to add some bright colors to your wardrobe. The material is soft and the sleeves come to the elbow, which is a great length if you prefer to cover your arms at the office.
Dress | Sandals | Bag
Navy poplin dress
This short dress is adorable. It feels special with its ruffle collar and puff sleeves. But it’s still casual because of the short skirt. When I pulled it off the rack, the bottom looked so wide. That’s good since I wear size 12 jeans. And I was pleasantly surprised that it was perfect with the puff sleeves that balance out the bottom half so well.
Dress (sold out) | Sandals
This dress is so popular that it sold out very quickly. Fingers crossed, it will come back in stock.
Striped t-shirt dress
This is the most magical dress for concealing a tummy. The stripes draw your eye up and down. And the waist tie works all kinds of magic. Add a fun hat and platform flip-flops and you have a casual look for lunching out.
Dress | Flip Flops | Bag | Hat
Green flutter-sleeve dress
I have a hard time finding dresses that fit since I wear a size small up top and size 12 jeans on the bottom. That makes a dress with a tie waist and an A-line skirt perfect for me.
Dress | Sandals
These flutter sleeves aren’t overdone and give some coverage to the arms.
This green color is a bit more vibrant in real life. It’s fresh and fun for summer.
Red tiered dress
One of the best things about a T-shirt dress is that it’s easy to throw it on and go in the summer months. There’s nothing better than a one-piece outfit. And this fiery red color is a statement maker. It’s so fun for Independence Day or any day really.
Dress | Sandals
Red will be coming in strong for the fall season and we get to enjoy it now.
Black tiered dress
This eyelet-tiered black dress with a flowy skirt really stands its ground with platform ankle wrap sandals. If you haven’t tried flat platform sandals or “flatforms” yet, they’re a comfortable option with flowy and wide-leg pieces.
Dress | Sandals | Bag
Cute jeans and linen pants outfits
Linen shirt and white jeans
This linen shirt is technically papaya colored and it’s a stunning pop of color when paired with white. Gold accessories with raffia slides and a belt make an eye-catching and put-together look.
Similar Jeans | Shirt | Sandals
If your office dress code allows jeans, you may be able to wear this outfit to work.
Green striped tank and white jeans
These green stripes are so cute and fun. Throw your tank top on with white jeans and slide sandals for a fresh look.
Jeans | Shirt | Sandals
This top would also look great with blue denim.
Linen pants, a tank top, and a denim jacket
This could be a travel day outfit, as long as you don’t plan to eat chocolate in the car or on the airplane. Because nothing soils an all-white look like crumbs of chocolate. Wearing linen pants is like wearing pajama bottoms. So this is worth packing a stain stick for.
Linen Pants | Tank Top | Denim Jacket | Sneakers | Bag
Throw a denim jacket on so you have warmth in the AC and also so you don’t have to pack a more bulky item.
Black and white linen tee with white jeans
Here’s another way to wear this black and white linen tee. White jeans work with everything. You could also swap them out for white linen pants or white denim shorts.
Similar Jeans | Shirt | Flip Flops
Other summer posts you may enjoy:
Top Summer 2023 Trends + Casual Summer Outfits Over 40
25 Best Summer Dresses + How to Style Them in 2023
2023 Sandal Trends: The 36 Top Stylish Sandals for Over 40
15 Effortless Outfits to Get French Girl Summer Style
How to Build a Coastal Summer Capsule Wardrobe in 2023
20 Simple Casual + Classy Chic Shorts Summer Outfits
25 Best Ways to Wear Linen Pants for Spring + Summer
15 Best Black Shorts Outfit Ideas to Copy This Summer
