12 Casual Spring & Summer Outfit Formulas That Vogue Editors Love

What’s more difficult than curating an eloquent and versatile rotation of eveningwear? Well, building a wardrobe of go-to items that look as good as they feel for those casual, in-between days. This goes beyond formulaic capsule wardrobe dressing, and instead, relies on individuality and preferences. What works as your casual outfit combination may be someone else’s dressed-up outfit—but the importance of owning pieces you love (and feel fabulous in), is the foundation for a personalized, everyday closet. Outside of fancy fêtes, dinner parties, and celebrations is real life; laid-back weekends spent walking the dogs, coffee meet-ups on a Sunday afternoon, post-work relaxation with a friend or loved one, and backyard hangouts come summertime. These are the moments we wish for fuss-free, easy ensembles to carry us through the weeks, and years.

Vogue’s Go-To Casual Summer Outfit Essentials:

• The Minimalist Dress: Cos A-line linen-blend maxi dress, $165
• The Flip Flop: Ancient Greek Sandals Saionara Jelly PVC flip flops, $185
• The Essential White T-Shirt: Sold Out NYC The Perfect Tee, $90
• The Weekend Tote: Madewell The Handwoven leather tote, $198
• The Poplin Skirt: Matteau organic cotton-poplin midi skirt, $340
• The Carryall Bag: Coach Brooklyn shoulder bag, $295
• The Strappy Sandal: A.Emery Remly textured-leather sandals, $152
• The Daily Denim: Re/Done 90s high-rise loose jeans, $275
• The Printed Sun Dress: Dôen Amorette dress, $398
• The Mesh Flat: The Row sock shoe, $690

We asked Vogue editors about their coveted (and uncomplicated) essentials. For some, it’s an oversized, minimalist dress teamed with flip-flops. For others, the poplin skirt is the foundation for all things warm-weather-easy. Some spend weekends in baggy denim and crisp white T-shirts à la off-duty model style, while others lean on basket bags and raffia hats for added interest and details. Of course, flats of all kinds are in the mix, from A. Emery’s textured sandals to The Row’s mesh flats. Then, there are the Dôen lovers—those co-workers who prefer a bit of romance in a ruffle or eyelet sleeve. Discover Vogue editors’ beloved casual outfit formulas and shop all their go-tos to refresh yours.

Flowy Dress + Kitten Heel

All summer long I like to pretend I’m at a French market buying escarole, even when I’m actually heading from the C train into One World Trade Center. My “high summer” wardrobe—or warm weather any time of year—is a flowy dress, kitten heel sandal, and a city version of a market tote, plus a cardigan for arctic AC. — Chloe Malle, editor of Vogue.com

Matching Sets

I love the polish and ease of these matching sets. I think of this as deconstructed—perfect for summer travel, whether it be for business or pleasure. —Willow Lindley, fashion market & collaborations director

Relaxed Jeans & Trousers + Lived-in Top

A good black trouser grounds most of my everyday looks, whether I’m getting dressed up or going casual. For the latter, a little white T-shirt peeking out from under a thin crew neck sweater is the perfect topper, and when it gets a bit warmer, I’ll lose the knit or tie it around my waist or shoulders. Any flat shoe goes, be it my favorite A.Emery flip-flops, The Row mesh flats, leather loafers, or these pony hair slip-ons from Ancient Greek Sandals. The same formula works with a not-so-rigid straight leg jean that hits the right at the ankle. Accessorize and repeat! —Maddy Fass, senior shopping market editor

White Poplin Skirt + Gray Cardigan

My Vogue colleagues can attest: a white poplin skirt is my most worn spring staple. A true blank canvas, I love its chameleon-like quality when styled out—depending on my mood and the accessories that surround it, it can look romantic, laidback, or even playful. My default is to pair it with a fitted grey cardigan, mesh flats, and some kind of interesting pendant. If it’s cold out, I’ll throw on a cropped trench and swap the barely-there footwear for loafers! —Talia Abbas, senior shopping editor

Voluminous Skirt + Fancy Flats

I maintain a similar uniform year-round—centered around a voluminous skirt. Bubble or A-line, black or white, I find these to be incredibly roomy, and yes, more comfortable than pants. For summer, I pair them with a structured—often textured—top like this knit option by & Other Stories. I plan on toggling between my Tabi flats and flip flops, accessorized further with a handy shoulder bag to carry me through a full warm-weather day. —Kiana Murden, senior beauty shopping writer

Minimalist Dress + Flip Flop

I literally have a fear of being sweaty once summer hits—there’s nothing worse than arriving to the office first thing in the morning and feeling drenched for the entire day. The way I’ve found to avoid this is by wearing breezy pieces for the morning commute that are easy to walk in and lightweight enough for various temperatures (like that one toasty train, the freezing office, or the humid walk after). A minimalist midi or shirtdress, plus a walkable, padded flip-flop has been my mainstay for years. —Cortne Bonilla, senior shopping writer

Long-Sleeve Tops + Denim

I am all about layering in the spring months when the weather can be unpredictable. My daily uniform is a pair of ballet flats, vintage jeans, a T-shirt, and a sweater wrapped around my waist—this one from Cos is perfectly lightweight. —Mai Morsch, fashion editor

Funky T-Shirt + Utility Pants + Platform Sandal

This is what I hope is a grown-up take on clothes that, yes, I wore when I was in high school. I really wanted a pair of pared-back cargo pants and after searching and searching landed on these Gap men’s pants. I love them and sized up for maximum slouchy fit. The Eckhaus Latta tee is so soft and has the best drape, and the shoes, well, these maybe I’m just manifesting, but I’ve been obsessed with these Dries Van Noten sandals for a minute because they remind me of a pair I had back in the day—and isn’t that lacquered red color just so chic?! —Laia Garcia-Furtado, senior fashion news writer, Vogue Runway

Striped Shirt + Denim Shorts

Okay, hear me out, but I’m a huge proponent of boots in the summer, and these funky Miista’s are perfect for stomping around the city. I like to keep things simple and airy on really hot days, which is why I’m a huge fan of AYR button-ups and Agolde’s Parker jean shorts. Accessories are the perfect place to add a feminine touch and I’ve been lusting after this Elsa Peretti open bottle pendant from Tiffany & Co. A bonus? You can put a flower in the vase for a sweet, summery touch.—Hannah Jackson, fashion writer

Ruffled Blouse + Loose-Fit Jean

I’m a tried and true jeans girl no matter the season, and the key to wearing denim during the spring and summer is to look for a wide-leg, cotton blend. I’ve been a fan of Gap again since they collaborated with Dôen last spring when they came out with the best jeans ever (I’m so sad I didn’t buy a few more pairs when I had the chance), that is so lightweight and doesn’t stick to your skin when the humidity begins to rise in NYC in May. I love wearing a wide-legged jean with the Henri top from Dôen, a beautiful ruffled blouse with a breezy and loose fit that makes you look incredibly put together and like you tried even if it took you five minutes to throw on your outfit in the morning. —Irene Kim, production & editorial associate

Cotton Dress + Easy Sandal

There’s nothing better than the easy, breezy feeling of slipping into a cotton dress and sandals before heading out the door. The summers in New York City bring extreme heat, and loose-fitting cotton is my solution for staying cool. This combination can take me from the office to running errands and out to drinks with friends. It’s a look for every day of the week, all season long! —Alexandra Ditch, associate commerce producer

Knitted Top + Denim Skirt

As it warms up, you’ll usually always catch me in some variation of my go-to combo: skirt, ballet flats, lightweight knit top, and shoulder bag. —Concetta Ciarlo, beauty shopping writer