Minimal Clothes, Maximum Style
Summer styling tips that go beyond “just wear less.”
I love dressing for summer. I live in floaty dresses and sandals, but let’s be honest: styling options can feel a bit limited when the goal is to wear as little as socially acceptable.
Still, it’s not impossible! One of the perks of my job is spending far too many hours scrolling through online shops. And while I may call it “work,” what I really get is an endless stream of styling inspiration from the way brands put together their pieces.
Lately, I’ve been obsessed with how Massimo Dutti style their collections. I’ve always loved the brand, even though the clothes can veer a little too simple. That’s where styling makes all the difference. When you pay attention to the little details, the ideas are endless.
So here are a few ways to style your summer wardrobe right now, to make sure your outfits feel effortless, not boring.
Need help figuring out your summer looks? Let’s chat!
Head-to-Toe Black, But Make It Interesting
I know black isn’t the colour most people associate with summer, but trust me, it looks incredibly chic when styled the right way.
The key? Texture.
In the look below, the standout piece is that fringed top. It adds all the texture and luxury a full-black outfit needs to feel elevated, not heavy. Add in a head scarf and a chunky silver bracelet, and suddenly the outfit has depth and personality.
The rest is kept simple: wide-leg trousers and minimalist flip-flops let the textured elements take centre stage. It’s monochrome, but far from boring.
Black & White: A High-Contrast Summer Combo
While scrolling through styling inspiration recently, I noticed a lot of black and white outfits popping up. I’ve never been a huge fan of this combo; it always felt a bit too stark, but when done right, the contrast adds such a striking edge to a look.
Here are a few ways to make it work:
Add some grit to girly: Pair a super-feminine white skirt with a black top or black sandals to ground the sweetness. Think “elegant rebel.”
Use accessories as contrast: If you're in an all-white look, introduce black through your shoes, belt, or bag for that clean, editorial feel.
Dial it back with white: If you’re wearing a dramatic black top, like something with volume, draping, or shine, balance it with crisp white trousers for a polished finish.
All About the Belt
Sometimes, the secret to transforming a boring outfit comes down to one simple element: a belt.
I’ve said this before (and will say it again): belts are not just functional. They can completely shift the energy of an outfit you’ve worn a hundred times.
Think of a delicate chain belt cinched over a breezy summer dress. Or a bold, oversized belt thrown over your classic jeans-and-shirt combo. You can even layer belts, yes, plural, for a more editorial feel (it sounds chaotic, but trust me, it works).
I recently tried this with one of my favourite summer dresses, and the vibe completely changed. Suddenly, the dress looked styled, not just worn. It’s such an easy upgrade, and somehow still underrated. I also love a statement belt, especially when worn with very simple pieces.
Arm Candy: Bracelets Are Back
Bracelets have been quietly staging a comeback, and now they’re officially having a moment.
Whether it’s delicate gold bangles stacked up to the elbow or chunky silver cuffs that scream “look at me,” wristwear is no longer the forgotten accessory. And the best part? They work perfectly with summer’s lighter silhouettes, adding just enough interest without the weight of a necklace or the fuss of earrings.
Layer them, mix metals, add a bit of colour, bracelets are the easiest way to say I care about details without actually having to try very hard.
But don’t leave it all to the bracelets: your sleeves can be part of the story too.
Roll up the sleeves of a simple cotton tee and slip a bold bracelet just above the elbow. It’s unexpected and a little rebellious, but it adds instant edge. Or push up the sleeves of your favourite linen shirt and create some arm candy with a mix of textures and metals, think chunky bangles paired with delicate chains.
And if you’re feeling bold? Wrap a scarf around your wrist. Yes, really. It’s very skater boy energy, but trust me, it works.
Wrap Something Around Your Waist
A knit jumper, a scarf, whatever you’ve got lying around. I love doing this when I’m wearing something super feminine or a bit extra and I want to tone it down just a little.
It’s not just practical (hello, hands-free layering), it’s also a smart styling trick. Wrapping a scarf around your waist adds visual interest and breaks up the silhouette, especially useful when you are working with bold prints or voluminous dresses.
The scarf-instead-of-a-belt move has been around for a while, but Alexa Chung recently gave it the mainstream stamp of approval. It’s a brilliant way to inject a bit of colour or print into an otherwise simple look, and it reads very fashion person who didn’t try too hard. Which, obviously, is the whole point.
Dress Up Your Shorts
If you live in your shorts all summer (same), try taking them to the next level by pairing them with your most outrageous tops and accessories.
It’s the perfect excuse to give that dramatic, one-off top a second life, whether it was meant for a night out, a wedding guest situation, or some mythical "special event" that never happened. Add statement earrings, a slick bun, or even a bold shoe, and suddenly your casual shorts look intentional, not accidental.
Because if you’re going to wear shorts everywhere, the least you can do is accessorise like you mean it.
PS: I’ve updated my summer sales edit with all my favourite finds from & Other Stories. You can check it out here, and I’ll keep adding new pieces as I spot things that are actually worth your time (and mine). Happy scrolling!
And now I’m inspired and motivated to wear one of my few silk scarves around the waist this week 😌🫶🏼