The days are longer, the school year is over, and it’s finally warm enough outside to have a summer #ootd moment without a silly jacket ruining your look. But maybe you’re in the same predicament as me, where your clothes from last year don’t quite align with the vibe you’re trying to achieve this summer. Suddenly, the tank tops and denim shorts that carried you through June two years ago just aren’t hitting the same anymore. Maybe you’re craving something softer, more romantic, more whimsical. And honestly? I’m right there with you. I need some whimsical outfit ideas in my life right now.
I’m blaming the “Can’t Get You Out of My Head” TikTok dance trend that’s taken over my FYP and simultaneously given me loads of outfit inspo. Whether you’re planning a beach vacay with the girls or simply romanticizing your walk to Trader Joe’s, your wardrobe deserves to match the moment. I’ve been seeing a lot of TikTok girlies gravitating towards the vibrant colors of Desperate Housewives’ Gabrielle Solis’s wardrobe or dressing for the girls’ trip vibes that Zara Larsson’s Midnight Sun (Girls Trip) deluxe album is giving. But if you’re looking for outfits that are more along the lines of a coming-of-age movie that revolves around a summer fling, you’re in the right place. Mix up your favorite drink, find a spot in the sunshine, and read on for 12 outfit ideas that will have you dressing for your happily ever after.
- Butter Yellow Halter Dress & Kitten Heels
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This outfit is like if Andie Anderson from How to Lose A Guy in 10 Days went on summer vacation. The halter neckline on this particular dress makes for an ideal summer look that won’t have you sweating all over the place, too. The Viona Modal Mini Dress (Oh Polly, $91) has a very similar silhouette and I can see it pairing well with the Billini Bryony Kitten Heel (Altar’d State, $85).
- White Tank Top & Colorful Midi Skirt
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There’s something so Carrie Bradshaw-coded about a little tank top and a statement midi skirt. Oh, and don’t forget the kitten heels. To achieve this simple-but-oh-so-romance-coded look, this Basic Babe Top (Edikted, $15) will pair beautifully with the All Smiles Midi Skirt (White Fox Boutique, $60).
- Floral Maxi Dress & Floral Heels
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If you’ve been invited to any outdoor weddings this summer, look no further than this outfit formula. The beauty of a maxi dress — especially one that’s asymmetrical, like this one — is that it doesn’t require too much effort. The Mirelda Floral Maxi Dress (Altar’d State, $148), paired with the Wells Floral Slide Dress Sandals (Betsey Johnson, $129) makes for a whimsical look.
- Layered Dresses & Wedge Heels
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What better time than now to turn yourself into a garden fairy? To emulate this look, try layering a lingerie piece like the Kailani Babydoll (Victoria’s Secret, $35) over a lace dress like the Little Sultry Lace Mini Dress (Hello Molly, $64). It might be a little too warm for boots like in the video, so I’d recommend these Simmi London Ruby Kitten Heel Sandals (ASOS, $63).
- Cropped Bolero & Ruffle Dress
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Ruffles are romantic, I don’t make the rules. The Dafne Knit Bolero (Free People, $68) will layer nicely over the Ruffle Hem Knotted Layered Mesh Cami Top (Cider, $40).
- White Top & Overall Dress
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This outfit is a little more spring-coded, but the whimsy of it makes it just as suitable for a summer romance vibe. For this look, you’ll want the John Galt White Button Top (PacSun, $21) and this Denim Mini Skirtall (GAP, $44).
- One Shoulder Top & Statement Midi Skirt
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For this look, opt for the Draped Asymmetric Top (Zara, $26) and pair it with this Mesh Shirred-Waist Midi Skirt (Banana Republic, $45).
- Floral Dress, Lacy Top, & Capri Leggings
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Adding something lacy under a dress will always be one of my favorite outfit formulas. Plus, this is a take on the dress-over-pants look that I could get behind. Start off with the Joyce Yellow Lily Print Chiffon Mini Dress (Beginning Boutique, $80) and layer the Lacie Cami (Victoria’s Secret, $40) underneath. For the capri leggings, the Gina Tricot Mix and Match Capri Yoga Leggings (ASOS, $49) are a good fit.
- Floral Top & Maxi Skirt
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Dressing like a Winx fairy is the perfect way to discover a new summer romance look. For the top, the Watercolor Embroidery Flutter Bra Top (Victoria’s Secret, $75) is a suitable choice, and will look great paired with the Silver Soul Embroidered Maxi Skirt (Princess Polly, $65).
- Lace Matching Set
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A matching set is one of the most effortless ways to build a summer look. This Superdown Mimi Maxi Skirt Set (Revolve, $98) will certainly get that job done.
- Cami, Maxi Skirt, & Floral Shawl
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Sometimes, all you really need is one statement piece. For this look, opt for the Jersey Camisole Top (H&M, $8), the Cotton Gauze Tiered Easy Maxi Skirt (GAP, $63), and the In Bloom Scarf (Anthropologie, $58). Bonus points if you add a flower hair clip.
- White Tube Top & Floral Maxi Skirt
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To recreate this outfit, all you need is a top like the Wild Fable ButterBliss Tube Top (Target, $10) and a bright, floral maxi skirt like the Genevieve Yellow Floral Pop Print Maxi Skirt (Beginning Boutique, $45).