Minimalists, this is your safe haven: neutral wardrobe essentials for summer. Make a hefty amount of room between your nap dresses and white sneakers to greet the other warm-weather staples: breezy button-downs, flowy blouses, and sandals in summer neutrals. Think creamy white, light taupe, and sky blue to create effortless, airy outfits with.
To help you visualize the benefits of a cute neutral outfit, we’ve picked three looks for three different scenarios: an errand-filled weekday, a weekend brunch date, and a day at the beach, below. As you mix and match the items ahead, you might be surprised to find yourself right at the doorstep of the coastal grandma aesthetic.
A Quick, Slick Errand Getup
Ever since matching sweatsuits became a thing, a clean set emerged as a go-to for lounging about or running errands — especially if it’s in neutral tones. Don’t get me wrong: I love a spray of vibrant hues or the occasional print, but that requires effort to pick out and organize a whole set of accessories. No one has time for that when rushing out the door, and that’s where a light-taupe getup comes in. It’s not white. It’s not brown. It’s the perfect medium tint. H&M keeps it trouble-free with its coordinated soft jersey tank tops and leggings created from an organic cotton blend. It even offers a wide-brim hat and trench coat to add a bit of pizzaz to your “I rolled out of bed like this” ensemble.
An Airy Monochromatic Brunch Look
Casual cute summer outfits don’t always have to be cutoff shorts, a T-shirt, and a baseball cap. They can be all-white ensembles, such as the above, that make you look instantly put-together. The flowy fabric of the wrap-bow top is roomy yet has a shape with the crossed V-neck detail and side-bow fastening. The wide-leg jeans won’t uncomfortably stick to your legs like a more fitted pair, and they have a frayed hem for a relaxed-fit silhouette. Top it off with 100% leather sandals that have an itty-bitty kitten heel for a bit of height and oomph.
A Relaxing-By-The-Beach ‘Fit
For a day in the sun, you might reach for your trusty sunscreen and statement sunglasses. However, you’ll want to slip into this breezy pale blue striped button-up and white pants before you go. It’s not only comfy to move about in, but the items are made out of J.Crew’s breathable gauzy cotton-blend fabric. Also, the best part is you can fashion the classic-fit button-down as a coverup for your bikini top. (That pop of blue will accentuate the sparkle in the water.)
The neutral-shaded accessories are ideal for laid-back beach days, as the sandals are waterproof and easy to slip in and out of. The Raffia Sack Bag is roomy enough to hold your essentials — like a good book, water bottle, and Airpods. Both could be recycled into countless airy outfits.
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