My Summer Outfit Formulas

No-think, just-go classics

Summer’s too short to spend it staring into the depths of your closet trying to piece together a cute outfit. The goal is to throw-and-go, whether it’s to the beach, to brunch or to dinner al fresco with friends.

These are my tried-and-true outfit formulas that take the guesswork out of getting dressed. They’re easy, effortless, and get you to the fun part faster.

Errands, but make it cute

This is my “doing a million things but still want to look put together” uniform. Perfect for morning errands, stroller walks with Shep, or heading straight to a casual family dinner.

Lately, I’ve been living in these easy Leset cotton pants, they’re the MVPs of my summer wardrobe. Here, I’ve paired them with a short sleeve sweater from Apiece Apart. My current favorite The Row bag is the ideal carryall, and I keep reaching for these Jenni Kayne sandals that go with everything!

Alternate formula, same vibe: these pants + a collared polo from La Ligne. It’s also great layered over a tank or a tee. Add this Doen raffia bag, roomy and summery, and my trusty Jenni Kayne sandals to finish it off.

Coastal classic

I’m obsessed with this striped Donni button-down and classic boxer shorts combo—seriously a summer staple. If it gets chilly, I’ll throw on a navy crewneck (the perfect layer). And how cute are these red Matisse sandals? Under $150 and the so comfortable.

Breezy basics

For a beach walk with a friend or a quick coffee run, I keep it simple with this Jenni Kayne striped cotton sweater paired with Suzie Kondi bloomers. My favorite Alex Mill raffia tote holds all my essentials, and Shep’s, and a pair of Birks rounds out this cute and casual vibe perfectly.

Girls day

This Doen blouse is such a cute new summer addition, paired with this Déhanche brown belt and these AMO jean shorts. I have the dragon diffusion larger size in brown, and I was so obsessed I had to get the smaller version in red. Tying it all together with these neutral A. Emery sandals. This is a favorite of mine!

The one-and-done dress

Sometimes you just need to throw on a dress and call it a day.

I am loving this Natalie Martin printed dress, so classic and easy to throw on. Paired it with this crossbody leather hobo bag to give it some shape and my brown A. Emery sandals again.

And of course, this Doen number is one of those pieces I keep reaching for (you may have seen it in a few of my past posts, because it’s that good). Easy and instantly pulled together. It pairs perfectly with my Chanel ballet flats—and here’s a super similar pair for a more palatable price! Layered my everyday necklaces: the Dorsey paracord necklace and the Adina Reyter initial necklace for a little bling.

Pop of color, please

I adore this sunny yellow sweater (yellow’s currently sold out, but the white version is still fab!) paired with this navy skirt, raffia bag and brown sandals for the perfect effortless look.

Summer night out

For a fun dinner with friends or a summery event, I love mixing structure with print. This linen blazer top and these La Double J printed pants are polished, and so playful. Add a pop with these little red kitten heels (I’ve been living in these) and a simple clutch, and you’re set!

Surprise, another yellow sweater! I can’t get enough of a pop of yellow this summer. It looks so good with white jeans, red kitten heels, and a brown belt.

My summer accessory formula

I am so excited to be partnering with Sequin Jewelry and plan on mixing and matching my necklaces and charms from them all summer long! I’m especially into the initial charm and these two sweet fish charms—one in malachite, one in gold (they clip on and off any necklace, which makes styling super fun and easy). I’ve been swapping between the gold chain, a turquoise beaded necklace, and a lapis choker depending on my mood, and they all layer so well. Made in the U.S. with genuine semi-precious stones, Sequin’s pieces feel special but still so wearable. They're basically my summer neck-stack uniform at this point. Use code MALLORY20 for 20% off sitewide!

That’s a wrap on my go-to summer outfit formulas, tried, tested and guaranteed to get you out the door looking cute with no stress. I hope this gave you some inspo for those hot, sunny days when thinking about an outfit feels like too much. Let me know your favorite combo or what you’re reaching for on repeat this summer!

See you at the beach!