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Summer is (finally) here, and I, for one, am so excited to finally wear the season's fashion staples, like shorts, dresses, and tank tops. I'm equally ecstatic about basically NEVER layering again! But the hot temperatures can really do a number on your energy levels, and sometimes you just want to wear a very simple look when you do decide to venture outside and hit up the park, rooftop bar, beach—whatever your plans are. That's where we come in, my friends. We rounded up 20 casual outfit ideas that are still cute enough to wear out, but they don't require a lot of pre-planning or effort. How's that sound?
There's an ensemble for every type of person too, from fans of breezy maxi dresses to those who love a classic T-shirt and denim shorts combo. Important note, though: You can also put off a "casual" vibe even if you're wearing an outfit that is conventionally considered "dressy." It's, like, 50 percent outfit and 50 percent attitude to complete a low-key ensemble. Keep scrolling to soak up some effortless outfit inspo, and then peruse our fave biker short outfits, tennis outfits, and date night outfits for even more brilliant summer dressing ideas.
a striped tee and shorts
Universal Standard Joni High Rise Curve Slim Leg Shorts
a striped tee and shorts
Universal Standard Joni High Rise Curve Slim Leg Shorts
Who doesn't love a striped shirt? That's a rhetorical question, obviously. Pair with long shorts and some cream slides for the perfect casual-yet-polished outfit recipe.
a sporty look
Nike Sportswear Circa 72 Women's High-Rise Fleece Shorts
a sporty look
Nike Sportswear Circa 72 Women's High-Rise Fleece Shorts
A blue Nike set with logos on the sleeves and bottoms is easy to throw on with a pair of, you guessed it, Nike sneaks. These terrycloth shorts will be so comfy, too. Just sayin'.
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a tee and skirt combo
PRETTYGARDEN A-Line Maxi Skirt
a tee and skirt combo
PRETTYGARDEN A-Line Maxi Skirt
A simple white T-shirt is a summer staple, but when paired with a tiered floral midi skirt, it's oh-so chic. Wear this stunning getup with white sneakers or woven sandals, and you’ve got a summer-ready ‘fit.
Pleats are here to stay! These pleated shorts will feel extra breezy in hot temps. Wear them with a hard-to-miss orange top and platform slides to run errands or walk the dog in style.
Wear this over a bathing suit or a bra top—it works either way! Accessorize with a cute straw bag, flat sandals, and hoop earrings to pull it all together.
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a stretchy tank dress
Good American Good Touch Cut in Tank Midi
a stretchy tank dress
Good American Good Touch Cut in Tank Midi
Tank tops are basically *the* summer staple, so why not opt for one in dress form? This Good American number will turn heads, but you'll feel so comfortable thanks to the stretch material—and by pairing it with your go-to sneakers, obv.
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Yes, we all know and love sweatpants, but how about a sweat...skirt? It's the same soft, cozy material you love but in skirt form. That means way more airflow than pants when temps get swelteringly hot! Wear this mint one with a white tank or graphic tee, sneakers, and a baguette bag to ace the athleisure aesthetic.
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Like I said, sometimes a "casual" look is all about the vibe you're giving off—heels can be casual if you say so! But, you can always swap out the footwear with this cool printed midi skirt and corset look for cute yet comfy sneakers, too.
Coordinating sets, like this gorgeous pink skirt and top, might seem dressy. But they are in fact the easiest things to wear and style, since there's no strategizing or mixing-and-matching necessary! Just slide on some flats, add a statement necklace, and you're set.
a do-it-all dress
Outdoor Voices The Exercise Dress
a do-it-all dress
Outdoor Voices The Exercise Dress
For a functional but pulled-together outfit, opt for an exercise dress from Outdoor Voices. You can dress these babies up or down by simply swapping out your shoes, and you don't have to worry about a strong breeze giving you a wardrobe malfunction because of the built-in shorts.
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Lauren Adhav
Associate Fashion Editor
I'm Cosmopolitan's Associate Fashion Editor and write about any and all trends, major celeb fashion moments, and why wide-leg jeans are basically the best. I originally moved to New York City to audition for RENT, only to find out that the play closed 10 years ago.