13 June Outfits You’ll Want to Wear All Summer

Key Points

• June is the official start of summer, which means it’s time for a wardrobe refresh.

• “We’re seeing a lot of exaggerated shapes and silhouettes this (summer) season: big and small, short and long,” says Emily Cole, EVP, women’s creative director and product strategy of Kenneth Cole

• From white-on-white baby doll dresses to standout accessories, there’s a stylish summer trend you can wear this June

June is the official start of summer. And, if you’ve been dealing with volatile weather for months, it’s the time for your lightest, breeziest clothes: from gingham dresses to sheer skirts and everything in between.

It’s also the time to experiment with your favorite pieces. “We’re seeing a lot of exaggerated shapes and silhouettes this season: big and small, short and long,” says Emily Cole, EVP, women’s creative director and product strategy of Kenneth Cole. “The real sweet spot comes from mixing and matching opposites — an oversized blazer with a tank top underneath, wide leg pants with a sheer sweater on top, chunky platforms with a slinky dress, and finding combinations of comfortable and elevated pieces that are easy to mix and match.”

For some ready-made inspiration that’ll put a stylish spin on your summer wardrobe, read on.

White on White

“One of my favorite summer go-tos is a white linen trouser with a white baby tee and punctuated with stacked gold jewelry,” says Kendall Becker, a fashion consultant. Tonal looks (all one color head to toe) are great for looking luxe. “Lighter shades not only look great, but they also help keep you cooler by reflecting sunlight,” notes stylist and fashion expert Naina Singla, adding that if white feels too boring, you could opt for “soft neutrals or pastels.”

This look has an Artknit Studios tee and The Frankie Shop slacks paired with walking-friendly Santoni loafers, but you can get more adventurous in your shoe choice. “With a sandal, this is perfect for brunch and strolling the streets, and with a heel, it gives an effortlessly chic ethos that works well for a happy hour Aperol spritz with the girls,” adds Becker.

Matchy Matchy

In much the same way, a matching set is a one-and-done outfit: “When it’s hot out and layering isn’t an option, matching sets are a great way to look put-together without the effort,” says Deb Polanco, Sanctuary co-founder and chief creative director. In the case of a vest and shorts, like the Chanel tweed versions above, they’re also great for layering a top underneath if it happens to be breezy that day.

“A matching linen set is lightweight, breathable, and keeps you cool while still looking polished,” says Singla, noting that a pair of light trousers would work if shorts aren’t your thing. “Sleeveless vests are still really on-trend right now,” she adds. Pair them with “a bold, statement chain or statement earrings with a sleek bun. It’s all about breathable fabrics and letting your jewelry do the talking,” says Joy Haugaard, founder and creative director of Lionheart.

Fantasy Colors

“Whether you’re heading to Europe this summer or not, the aesthetic is always the fantasy of summer — think breezy linen sets, watercolor-printed dresses, and the comeback of espadrille sandals,” notes Becker. “We can expect sunset shades like magenta, blood orange, and goldenrod as key colors as well as oceanic blue and jungle green.”

Wearing a full-color look like this backless dress is one option, but you can also go more subtle. “Even just one colorful piece or accessory can make your look feel fresh and more in tune with the season,” notes Singla. A pretty stone is a great way to “summer-ify” your look. “London blue topaz and sky blue topaz capture the deep, rolling hues of the Atlantic. Peach morganite and pink tourmaline are perfect for capturing the glow of New England sunsets,” notes founder of Cove Fine Jewelry Alyson Iarrusso.

Lace-y

Lace was never out of fashion, per se, and it’s a great summer staple. But it’s really having a moment right now. “From The Row to Phoebe Philo, we’re seeing designers really lean into delicate lace details across skirts, dresses, and even layering pieces,” says Singla. “It adds that perfect mix of softness and edge, whether you go full lace or just a subtle trim.”

If you want to go with something less ethereal, pair it with some linen pants or even crystal-adorned denim. “What makes the look great is the contrast — it’s soft and sweet, but the crystal denim adds a fun twist,” says Generation Love cofounder Roni Hirshberg. “Feminine doesn’t have to be so subtle.”

More-Than-Casual Shorts

Jorts are big at present for an everyday look, but “wearing shorts after dark is having a comeback — I’m loving a relaxed pair of denim with knee-high boots or heels for an evening out,” says Becker. These khaki options could stand in for trousers as a work outfit (just swap the graphic tee for something with a collar).

For something a little more crisp, “white Bermuda shorts are a fresh, elevated alternative to trousers, and they feel clean and current while still being incredibly versatile,” says Singla. “Pairing them with a simple tank keeps the silhouette minimal and cool, while ballet flats add a refined and feminine touch.”

Babydoll

“If you’re headed to a daytime party or afternoon out in the city, try out a breezy babydoll dress with a pair of cool moto boots. The juxtaposed pairing will look creative, and you’ll look like you put effort into your outfit when it’s too hot to layer,” says Becker. Alternatively, this look pairs a petal-pink mini with Prada loafer moccasin shoes. But Becker notes that moto boots were big during festival season, which translates well for grounding a softer, sweeter outfit.

Light Layers

The key word here is light. “Think a crochet jacket, a denim shirt, or a lightweight cardigan that you can easily throw over your outfit,” says Polanco. “The real MVP, though, as always, is a great blazer that you can throw over a t-shirt, dress, or anything that you want to try to make a little more polished and also have an extra layer to throw on: the temperatures are still changing, and it’s still chilly in the mornings and evenings or in an air conditioned office,” says Cole. This short tan version is a great alternative to a longer trench you’d wear in spring.

Sunny Dresses

No surprise, but “a sundress is a perfect outfit choice for June,” says Singla. “It’s one and done, breezy, and instantly feels like summer.” Adds Hirshberg, “These are the kind of dresses you want to live in when it’s really hot out. They feel romantic and refined, but they’re also incredibly wearable.” This has a pretty bubble hem at the bottom and bustier top for a more of-the-moment aesthetic, but you can choose whatever feels good to you. Make it work-appropriate by adding a linen blazer, and make it more casual with some sneakers, adds Singla.

Halters and Cutaways

An easy way to help your outfit feel “current” without changing much (or buying a bunch of clothes) is by choosing the right shape on top. “Halters are one of the ‘it’ necklines of summer — whether it be in a top that’s easy to dress up or down, or as the neckline of a wedding guest dress, the halter is your new best friend this season,” says Becker. This jumpsuit is technically a cutaway style, without the tie at the back of the neck, but the idea is the same. Feel free to bare the shoulders!

Stripes

“For June styling, I’m really into stripes this year. They’re always a wardrobe staple, but I’m especially loving them right now with all of the preppy iterations we’re seeing. Think: rugby shirts, bloomer-style boxer shorts, polo knits, and so on,” says Sonia Parvaneh, creative director of NIA. You can apply stripes to your favorite garment: if you like white dresses, try this red and white striped version (by ASOS). And, in much the same way as a floral pattern, you can make the look feel more substantial with a chunky shoe.

Standout Jewelry

You might be thinking that warm weather means lighter jewelry, but the opposite is true. “Opt for chunky gold chains that stand strong on their own, no layers needed,” says Haugaard. “Think: a chunky chain around the neckline, a bold bracelet that catches the light, or stacked earrings that feel playful yet polished.” This gold pendant with a rope tie and chunky shell-inspired earrings are on-trend for the season, but you can opt for more classic options. “Go bold with cocktail rings featuring vibrant, coastal-inspired gemstones — ideal for sunset sails or beachfront dinners,” says Iarrusso.

A Substantial Shoe

The same idea applies to your footwear, particularly if the rest of your outfit is delicate. “We’re seeing a lot of fun, chunky, flat sandals out there, and the best ones are ones that can be worn all day into evening,” says Cole. “Another shoe silhouette that’s having a major comeback is the super chunky platform.” These are tall Miu Miu pumps, but you can opt for something lower, even a flatform.

If a heavy shoe isn’t your vibe, you can make it more substantial with color. “Even if you’re dressed in all neutrals, a simple colorful shoe can make all the difference. Black and white with a red sandal or heel — it’s fun, unexpected, and instantly adds personal style,” says Polanco.

Baubles and Stacks

As an alternative to a single chunky piece, you can layer your jewelry for a similar effect. “Pair solid gold curb chains or a sleek tidal tennis bracelet for a refined yet low-maintenance look,” says Iarrusso. “Layer chunky chains to prevent tangling, or mix delicate chains with a few thicker pieces for a balanced three-layered look.” These pearl bracelets in a variety of colors add heft to the look, complemented the polka-dotted skirt and echoing the chunky black necklace. But feel free to play with any of your pieces: the sky’s the limit in summer!

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