Flex your fashion prowess with these fail-safe summer looks …
All products featured on thegloss.ie are selected by our editors. If you buy something through affiliate links on our site we may earn a commission.
Pretty dresses and masculine shoes
An ultra-feminine dress paired with masculine or ‘ugly’ shoes is a striking pairing – one that the fashion crowd has been playing up to for years. It’s something about the contrast between pretty and tough, hard and soft, that makes for a less obvious look, turning a straight up ‘pretty’ outfit into something infinitely cooler.
High-waisted jeans and a nostalgic blouse
If in doubt, lean into the tried and tested French girl formula of high-waisted jeans and a vintage-look blouse that sports pretty detailing such as embroidery, broderie or a puff sleeve. It screams effortless summer romance, plus it’s good for those cooler days where shorts and skirts aren’t an option. Equally, a high-waisted denim skirt that grazes your knees paired with a vintage blouse or cap-sleeve T-shirt speaks to riviera glamour. Complete the look with a pair of wedged espadrilles.
White T-shirt, jeans and ballet flats
When it comes to summer dressing, fashion insiders know that simplicity often is best, especially when the right wardrobe staples are concerned. A good quality T-shirt (choose an off-white rather than a stark white), a pair of straight-leg jeans executed in ultra-soft denim and black ballet flats (opt for a square toe to keep your look contemporary) combined make for a confident summer look.
Bermuda shorts and kitten heels
One of the more contentious summer trends is bermuda shorts, however it shouldn’t be as this tomboyish style can be ultra-flattering, especially if you’d rather not flash a lot of leg. Pair with kitten heels and a great blazer for a sharp summer look.
White on white
White jeans are something fashion people rely on year round – there’s something about them that speaks to an insouciant, Gallic-inspired way of dressing. For summertime, the coolest way to style them is with white on top. Think: a white button-down cotton-poplin shirt, a white slogan T-shirt or a long-sleeved, lightweight knit.
90s slip dresses and minimal heels
We’ve noticed that fashion people have a formula for summer occasions: a 90s-inspired, slinky slip dress plus minimal shoes with a fine strap. As well as being sleek, it’s a pared-back look that can be rolled out again and again. The finishing touch? Work your hair into a sleek bun and add a statement pair of earrings.
A graphic T-shirt and linen trousers
The ultimate travel outfit, a graphic T-shirt paired with cotton or linen trousers has become de rigueur for the style crowd over the last few summers, mainly because it’s both chic and comfortable. We love how easily it can be layered up, too: add a crewneck jumper, a button up cardigan or a leather jacket into the equation when the temperature drops.
Waistcoats and tailored trousers
Waistcoasts are relatively new to the scene, but they’ve firmly been embraced by the fashion pack as a summer dressing essential. Perhaps it’s because they cinch at the waist, creating a flattering silhouette, or perhaps it’s because an easy way into summer tailoring: either way, we’re tempted. Pair with tailored trousers for a streamlined look.
Breton stripes and short hemlines
There’s nothing more classic or ‘fashion’ than a striped top, particularly one with a boat neckline and long sleeves. Even more stylish is contrasting a long sleeve with a short hemline (as dressing rules go, this is one we always follow), so pair a Breton top with tailored shorts or an on-trend miniskirt for a look that’s eternally fresh.
A white skirt and a black top
Voluminous white skirts are huge right now and it’s a trend we’re endorsing because it’s heavy on versatility. They look great paired with classic shirting, make an excellent accompaniment to knitwear and also suit the aformentioned waistcoat trend. However, we think they really come into their own when paired with something black – trends aside, this classic colour combination has staying power.
