10 Cute Summer Outfit Ideas Inspired by the Runways

As much as the runways lean into fashion fantasies, they can also provide some real-life outfit inspiration. Spring 2024 had plenty of looks with a “Hey, I can wear that! “appeal, particularly the cute summer outfits designers sent out in droves. These warm-weather looks are equal parts approachable and aspirational—a mood board full of outfits to wear on a picture-perfect day in June.

In Sabato de Sarno’s Gucci debut, the creative director embellished on the standard jeans-and-a-tank combo, sending out front-pleat denim trousers and a sleeveless top piped with colorful gemstones. Mathieu Blazy for Bottega Veneta offered a solution for the calendar conundrum of having a workout class at 11 a.m. and lunch at 12:30 p.m.: a stretchy singlet styled with a leather tote bag and a statement necklace. Other summer outfit standouts included Saint Laurent’s utility jumpsuit teamed with an arsenal of golden accessories and Dries Van Noten layering a bikini top under relaxed summer suiting.

Familiar yet fresh, these summer stylings aren’t huge leaps out of your usual sartorial comfort zone. They’re summer staples—just a little more dressed up. Keep scrolling to see and shop 10 outfits from the runways that work for various warm-weather occasions, from the office to the beach to al fresco dining.

Hot on the Commute, Cold in the Cubicle

Whether you carry it with you or keep it in your cubicle, a cozy cashmere wrap is a smart addition to your summer work outfit . (Image credit: Getty Images)

As much as central air is one of the greatest inventions of the 20th century, it can make the summer office look a challenge in layering. You may leave the house in a sleeveless blouse, dressed for a blisteringly hot July day, but when you arrive at work, the AC is set to near-Arctic temps. As a workaround, per Gabriela Hearst, you can still keep cool in a sleeveless tailored waistcoat and trousers, but keep a luxurious shawl on hand—in a fabric like cashmere or mohair— just in case.

Banana Republic Siena Italian Wool Vest

Banana Republic Siena Italian Wool Vest

Banana Republic Siena Wide-Leg Italian Wool Pant

Banana Republic Siena Wide-Leg Italian Wool Pant

Diamond Dot Jacquard Wool & Silk Traveler Scarf

Tory Burch Diamond Dot Jacquard Wool & Silk Traveler Scarf

Lyon Leather Sandals

A.Emery Lyon Leather Sandals

Carefree on a Coastal Vacation

Rachel Scott has made relaxed but intentional resort wear her signature. Diotima’s Spring 2024 capsule was the Caribbean designer at her best. (Image credit: Diotima)

Allow Diotima to introduce you to your new easy, breezy vacation outfit: a hand-crafted, beaded tank top, loose-fitting trousers, and a floppy bucket hat. A sculptural cuff bracelet and a Mai Tai in hand make for the perfect finishing touches. Now, all you need is a destination.

Diotima Net Tank Top

Diotima Net Tank Top

Tibi Shell Wide-Leg Pants

Tibi Shell Wide-Leg Pants

Holiday Canvas Bucket Hat

Lack of Color Holiday Canvas Bucket Hat

David Yurman Cable Flex Bracelet in 18k Yellow Gold, 4mm

David Yurman Cable Flex Bracelet in 18k Yellow Gold, 4mm

Aperitivo Hour

It was the skirt heard around the world—quite literally, as Proenza Schouler’s sequined style jingled its way down the runway. (Image credit: Proenza Schouler)

Proenza Schouler’s sheer skirt, covered in crystalized and broken-glass paillettes, is a piece so good that it commands a cocktail. Text the group chat to make happy hour plans, and then style a similar sequined style—like J. Crew’s lavender number—with an everyday white long-sleeve and strappy sandals.

Kelly Long-Sleeve Slim-Fit T-Shirt

Leset Kelly Long-Sleeve Slim-Fit T-Shirt

J. Crew Collection Layered Sequin Slip Skirt

J. Crew Collection Layered Sequin Slip Skirt

Stuart Weitzman Oasis Leather Kitten-Heel Slingback Sandals

Stuart Weitzman Oasis Leather Kitten-Heel Slingback Sandals

Benjie Earrings

Éliou Benjie Earrings

Casual Fridays

Contrasting pops of red brighten up an otherwise monochrome outfit at Bally, (Image credit: Bally)

Bally offered a breezy, relaxed, yet put-together outfit to add to your summer workwear rotation. This white button-down shirt, pencil skirt, and sporty baseball cap combo is one to try on a day when dress codes are lax. A handbag with coordinating or complimentary hues and sweet Mary Jane flats adds enough polish to keep human resources off your back.

Our Legacy Borrowed Oversized Cotton-Blend Poplin Shirt

Our Legacy Borrowed Oversized Cotton-Blend Poplin Shirt

Staud Smith Maxi Pencil Skirt

Staud Smith Maxi Pencil Skirt

Polo Ralph Lauren Chino Cap

Polo Ralph Lauren Chino Cap

Aeyde Black Uma Ballerina Flats

Aeyde Black Uma Ballerina Flats

Party-Ready at Any Time

Thoughtful accessories like slim rectangular sunnies, a thin leather belt, and pointed-toe pumps perfectly complement Gucci’s high-fashion tweak on a tank and jeans. (Image credit: Getty Images)

Even your ubiquitous tank top and jeans uniform deserve some flash and fun. Take point from Gucci and style your favorite pair of relaxed denim with a crystal-studded tank. The touch of sparkle adds exciting pizzazz to a menial, everyday task like a quick pick-up at the pharmacy.

Crystal-Embellished Cotton Tank Top

Des Phemmes Crystal-Embellished Cotton Tank Top

Alex Mill The Carla High-Rise Straight

Alex Mill The Carla High-Rise Straight

Slim Leather Belt

Toteme Slim Leather Belt

Red Bri Mary Jane Pointed Toe Flat

Sam Edelman Bri Mary Jane Pointed Toe Flat

Beach First, Then Business

Dries Van Noten styled swimwear under baggy blazers in a delightful collection that put a tongue-in-cheek twist on preppy codes. (Image credit: Dries Van Noten)

When you’re heading into work but have the beach on the brain, mix a playful spirit with professionalism (though you’ll probably want to button up before you walk into the office). Do as Dries Van Noten does: Layer a swimsuit, like a one-piece subbed in for a bodysuit, underneath a super baggy blazer for a quirky styling that encapsulates the spirit of summer.

Healing Tools Knotted Bandeau Bikini Top

Johanna Ortiz Healing Tools Knotted Bandeau Bikini Top

Tapered Long Sleeve Crop Linen Button-Up Shirt

Theory Tapered Long Sleeve Crop Linen Button-Up Shirt

Everlane The Linen Oversized Blazer

Everlane The Linen Oversized Blazer

Everlane The Linen Way-High® Drape Short

Everlane The Linen Way-High® Drape Short

Farmer’s Market Fun Run

Wearing all white around fresh produce is a risk—but it’s one absolutely worth taking. Take if from The Row. (Image credit: The Row)

Of course, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, a design duo known for their quiet luxury Midas touch, can turn a farmer’s market trip into an occasion that calls for elegance. Instead of a canvas tote bag and earthy-crunchy overalls, The Row designers encourage styling a supersized leather shopper with summery whites. Recreate the look with a crisp bubble-hem midi dress (styled as a tunic), matching trousers, and loafers. Just be careful around the garden-fresh tomatoes and berries—they might stain.

Matteau Voluminous Flared Minidress

Matteau Voluminous Flared Minidress

Pleated Organic Linen Lantern Pants

Eileen Fisher Pleated Organic Linen Lantern Pants

The Row Canal Leather Loafers

The Row Canal Leather Loafers

Gabrielle Woven Leather Tote Bag

Bembien Gabrielle Woven Leather Tote Bag

Last-Minute, Late-Night Dinner

When in doubt, rely on an all-black—ideally a one-and-done jumpsuit—and a smattering of accessories. (Image credit: Getty Images)

With its warm weather and inherent laissez-faire spirit, summer encourages spontaneity. So, the next time a friend invites you to last-minute dinner plans, say yes and look to Saint Laurent’s runway for some inspiration to master that chic, nonchalant aesthetic. You’ll need a black jumpsuit and a few add-on accessories, like a leather belt, mixed-metallic earrings, and a statement bangle.

Max Mara Nice Halterneck Jersey Jumpsuit

Max Mara Nice Halterneck Jersey Jumpsuit

Saint Laurent Cassandre Thin Belt With Square Buckle in Grained Leather

Saint Laurent Cassandre Thin Belt With Square Buckle in Grained Leather

Demarson Veronica Earrings

Demarson Veronica Earrings

Abstract Cuff Bracelet

Ettika Abstract Cuff Bracelet

Thursday Date Night

In a pinch, the color red always exudes romance, which makes it a fool-proof option for date nights. (Image credit: Getty Images)

When the scheduling gods grant both you and your significant other a night off, even if it’s a two-hour window on a weeknight, it’s worth stepping out for a date night. Valentino’s Spring 2024 runway offers easy-to-recreate outfit inspiration: a ruby red maxi dress, a matching handbag, laidback slip-on slides, and a golden pendant necklace.

Leset James Maxi Dress

Leset James Maxi Dress

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Brinker + Eliza Here’s Your Sign 24k Gold-Plated Necklace

Valentino Garavani Vlogo Moon Mini Hobo Bag in Nappa Leather With Chain

Valentino Garavani Vlogo Moon Mini Hobo Bag

Isabel Marant Red Lennyo Buckle Sandals

Isabel Marant Red Lennyo Buckle Sandals

Post-Pilates Lunch

Here is a prime example of how the right accessories can elevate a simple onesie. (Image credit: Getty Images)

Call it the Blazy at Bottega effect—with a few strategic accessories, a workout onesie becomes suitable for lunch at the buzzy downtown cafe. Styling-wise, you’ll need a large leather tote bag, a crafty-chic choker necklace, and shiny patent leather mules.

Soft Sun

Alo Soft Sun’s Out Romper

Bottega Veneta Medium Arco Tote

Bottega Veneta Medium Arco Tote

Lizzie Fortunato Rosado Necklace

Lizzie Fortunato Rosado Necklace

Renn Kitten Heel Mule

Coach Renn Kitten Heel Mule