As a minimalist dresser, I love having outfit formulas to fall back on when I’m getting dressed. In the spring, one of my most-worn was capris with kitten heels or ballet flats. Now that it’s summer, I’m relying on the same approach. If anything, living in New York City makes me appreciate a uniform even more. The extremes of summer and winter aren’t exactly conducive to reinventing the wheel when it comes to getting ready. When it’s too hot to think or too cold to care, having a go-to combinations takes the guesswork out of deciding what to wear while still feeling put-together.
For inspiration, I always like seeing how other people style pieces—it helps me discover new ways to wear things I already own. And I tend to especially love the understated approach of people in Paris and London. Below, shop five summer outfit formulas I’ve seen so far this summer.
Sleep Dress + Jelly Flats + Colorful Bag
Two of summer 2026’s biggest trends in one outfit: a sleep dress and jelly flats. I also own this exact nylon bag from the Parisian brand Kabas in a different colorway, so it’d be easy to re-create.
Drapey Full-length Dress + Kitten-Heel Sandals
When in doubt, a long dress with kitten-heel sandals always feels right in the summertime.
Strapless Dress + Woven Flats
Stephanie Broek is wearing a full St. Agni look here: a strapless dress paired with flats.
T-Shirt + Jean Shorts + Kitten Heels + Bote and Tote
An L.L.Bean Boat and Tote will always be a classic. Worn with jean shorts and a white T-shirt, the outfit is so simple, but the kitten-heels make it feel more elevated.
Tank Top + Knee-Length Skirt + Flip-Flops
Knee-length skirts are another fail-safe option I’ve already been wearing on repeat this summer.
