6 Chic Outfits You Can Rely On When You're Running Late

If there's one thing I don't have it's plentiful time to get ready. As someone who always seems to be running late, I never have enough time to figure out an outfit. Following outfit templates has become my way of life, and I can't recommend it enough. 

There are people who think up outfits weeks in advance and plan them out to the last accessory, but honestly, I just can't relate. I depend on easy style that is quick to put together, and summer is the best season for uncomplicated outfits. Forget clever layering, summer relies on the bare necessities. And with a few great outfit formulas to hand, you'll have plenty of last minute outfits for those leaving-when-you're-meant-to-arrive days. 

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The best thing about these easy-to-copy outfits is that the pieces can be worn in plenty of different ways, but I've broken them down to simple equations to make styling that much easier. Stand-out pieces can be paired with wardrobe staples to make an effortlessly cool outfit that is just that—effortless. A co-ord can be worn as one, or separated for plenty of styling combinations. A great dress should be relied on at any time of year, but summer just needs shoes and a bag and you're on your way. Trust me, with a few outfit formulas to hand, you'll never be lost for what to wear. And as always, I'm here to share my favourites with you.

Keep scrolling for the outfit templates I'm relying on for easy styling this summer. 

1. WHITE SHIRT + PRINTED MIDI SKIRT + COLOURFUL SANDALS

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Style Notes: A great midi skirt can be styled for every season, but for easy summer styling I'm pairing mine with a white shirt and colour pop sandals for a vibrant summer look. 

SHOP THE LOOK:

2. MONOCHROME DRESS + STRAPPY HEELS

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Style Notes: Whoever said black wasn't a summer colour has just been proved wrong. The strappy heels give this a summer feel and this chic look will take you from day to night without a costume change. 

SHOP THE LOOK

3. CO-ORD SHIRT + GRAPHIC TROUSERS 

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(Image credit: @the_oluwaseun)

Style Notes: The best thing about a linen set is you have lots of styling options as separates too—we love this green boxy shirt paired with printed trousers or shorts.

SHOP THE LOOK

4. BRIGHT SHIRT + CO ORD SHORTS 

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(Image credit: @the_oluwaseun)

Style Notes: You'd never know that these shorts are actually part of a co-ord because they pair so easily other pieces. Mix with bold bright top, or create a minimalist look with the co-ord shirt and white heeled sandals. 

SHOP THE LOOK

5. WHITE JEANS + LIGHT SHIRT + TRAINERS

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Style Notes: We've already shown you how to wear this floral skirt, with a white shirt—now let's do the reverse. This white wrap blouse looks amazing with white jeans and a T-shirt.

SHOP THE LOOK

6. SUMMER DRESS + BASKET BAG + THONG SANDALS

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Style Notes: If you're a reader of Who What Wear you know all about our love of dresses, making this a huge yes from me. The summer accessories make it perfect for right now, and I'll be styling this dress with boots and a leather bag come autumn. 

SHOP THE LOOK

Up next: We Just Found So Many Expensive-Looking Staples In The High-Street Sales.

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Florrie Alexander
Acting Affiliates Editor

Florrie embarked on her fashion journey while studying French and History at university. Whilst studying in Aix-en-Provence, she began to write her dissertation on the history of fashion and the influence of Haute Couture, and landed her first role at Harper’s Bazaar. Following this, she interned for various publications including Elle, Grazia and Marie Claire before joining the fashion team at Conde Nast Traveller. There, she contributed to international photoshoots, styled pages and covers, and produced engaging digital content.

During a freelance period, Florrie honed her skills in editorial work in various digital and print publications including Vogue Italy and Departures magazine, as well as styling e-commerce photoshoots and personal shopping. Florrie actively pursues an in-depth understanding of fashion and jewellery, and after styling a jewellery cover shoot at Conde Nast Traveller chose to complete the De Beers Diamond Foundation course. Florrie first joined Who What Wear UK as a freelancer before becoming the Commerce Writer, blending both editorial and commercial content. Now, as the Acting Affiliates Editor, she monitors current trends, new-in styles, wardrobe heroes and how best to style them. In her downtime, Florrie can be found in her hometown of London, usually with a coffee in hand.