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Easy Summer Outfits That Are Just Four Pieces or Less

Throw 'em on and go.

By Katie Attardo

Apr 24, 2020

Clothing, White, Street fashion, Photograph, Fashion, Footwear, Snapshot, Shoulder, Dress, Pink,

Getty Images

Summer is one of the most anticipated seasons, but somehow has a bad rep when it comes to getting dressed. People love layering in cozy sweaters come fall and adorning themselves in scarves and a coat in winter, but when we have to dress for warmer temperatures, the same tender sentiments just aren’t there. The secret to deciding what to wear for this season is the same rule my tenth-grade writing teacher used to preach: keep it simple, stupid! And while Ms. Trent's advice was crucial for my report card, it's also applicable for getting ready in the summer mornings. Build yourself a tight wardrobe with a few good pieces and rotate them out during the June, July and August months. Below, we curated seven outfit options that are perfect for looking chic, getting out the door, and enjoying the day. Because that’s what summer is all about—soaking in the carefree energy.

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Day 1

Clothing, Sleeve, T-shirt, Jeans, Denim, Outerwear, Footwear, Top, Shirt, Beige,

A Cali girl’s dream. Finding a good-fitting Bermuda short often proves a challenge, but these hang high on the waist and hit right above the knee, giving them a flattering fit. For this look, layer a sweater over a crew neck tee shirt. This pick from Naadam is at an unbeatable price

1) Raey t-shirt, $90 2) Naadam sweater, $75 3) Slvrlake shorts, $265 4) Staud sandals, $265

Day 2

White, Clothing, Product, Footwear, Sleeve, Trousers, T-shirt, Shoe, Dress, Suit,

A white eyelet babydoll is quintessential summertime piece. While this mini-dress can be worn solo, pair with biker shorts and leave unbuttoned from the waist down to give it an extra twist. Pointed-toe flats will give it a polished touch and are an elegant yet practical summertime shoe choice.

1) Rebecca Taylor dress, $325 2) Bernadette bag, $695 3) ATM Anthony Thomas Melillo shorts, $175 4) Salvatore Ferragamo flats, $675

Day 3

Clothing, Sleeve, Brown, Dress, Pattern, Nightwear, Pattern, Beige, Neck, Robe,

A woman on the prowl. This mesh leopard dress is made of breathable fabric and perfect for summer temperatures that tip the scale. Pair with a matching clip for an effortless hair-do that takes no more than 30 seconds. And just like that, you're good to go.

1) Ganni dress, $345 2) Valet Studio hair clip set, $80 3) Simon Miller sandals, $390

Day 4

White, Clothing, Dress, Sleeve, Costume,

Draping at its finest. This asymmetric blouse from JW Anderson layers nicely over a mid-length, breezy skirt. The strappy sandal helps taper the look; top it off with an orange lip.

1) JW Anderson top, $618 2) Dior lipstick, $38 3) See by Chloe skirt, $161 4) By Far sandals, $293

Day 5

Eyewear, White, Clothing, Sunglasses, Suit, Glasses, aviator sunglass, Uniform, Formal wear, Illustration,

Here is your dress alternative—a good jumpsuit. Add a strappy sandal and a chic pin in your hair and you're dressed and ready to go in two minutes flat.

1) Nanushka jumpsuit, $321 2) Deborah Pagani hair pin, $90 3) Raen sunglasses, $150 4) Proenza Schouler sandals, $620

Day 6

White, Clothing, Trousers, Uniform, Dress, Neck,

The shade synonymous with summer is white. This all-white look feels both Grecian and breezy. Pair lightweight pants with a matching top to create a canvas for your accessories to shine. It's important that your belt and jewelry and any other accessories you add are good quality, since the look itself is so minimal.

1) ATM Anthony Thomas Melillo top, $98 2) Jennifer Zeuner bracelet, $165 3) Theory trousers, $325 4) Maison Vaincourt belt, $275

Day 7

Clothing, Day dress, Yellow, White, Dress, Sleeve, Costume, Cover-up, Pattern,

Pair this ultra-girly floral dress with small hoops and matching heels for a look that exudes joy.

1) Faithfull the Brand dress, $113 2) Tai hoops, $40 3) Maryam Nassir Zadeh heels, $527

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Katie Attardo Katie Attardo is the Accessories Editor at Marie Claire, covering all things fashion and jewelry-related.

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