by Judith Jones
Sartorially speaking, there’s nothing that gives me more pleasure than unearthingaffordable pieces that look like they cost a fortune. It’s part of my job to find these said items and share them with you—our dear readers—so you can be informed of the most cost-effective and trendy items out there. While summer inherently brings with it a laid-back, relaxed aesthetic, that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice on style. The key to a luxurious-looking outfit is comprised of a few factors: Fabrics—silky-satin, linen, suede, and textured fabrics on accessories and shoes, such as mock-croc, give your outfit an opulent look. Playing with lengths also looks upscale. For example, a long shorts suit looks seriously sleek. Moreover, sophisticated shoes and accessories can really take your look to the next level of luxury. Scroll below for six trendy outfit ideas to emulate this summer that look expensive but actually aren’t—a fashion victory if there ever was one.
Polka-Dot Dress + Minimalist Heels
Kate Middleton's favorite print is trending hard for summer—and if it's good enough for the duch*ess, it's good enough for us. The bonus is it looks sophisticated and expensive, yet you can find so many chic options at affordable prices, such as this sleek slip dress. Minimal heels finish off the luxe look.
High-Waisted Linen Pants + Asymmetric Top + Toe-Ring Sandals
While inherently relaxed, linen pants are rather luxe-looking, especially when they come high waisted and belted in a dusty pale yellow hue. A minimal asymmetric top look adds a chic touch, and sleek toe-ring sandals alwayslook expensive.
From oatmeal to biscuit, camel to cream, wearing ecru hues from head to toe makes your outfit look elegant and expensive. Mix textures and fabrics to keep the outfit from looking too uniform.
Shorts Suit + Strappy Sandals
A shorts suit looks polished, modern, chic, and trendy. For a contemporary-cool look, opt for long shorts just above the knee and keep the blazer long too (almost touching the bottom of the shorts). Delicate strappy sandals that could pass for designer are the perfect finishing touch.
Belted Swimsuit
There's something about a belted one-piece swimsuit that looks so much more luxurious than all the other swimsuits out there. Opt for one in a chic khaki green hue.
Ribbed Knit Top + Satin Skirt
Rich tones and textures make your outfit look plush and pricey. We're loving a ribbed tank paired with a satin skirt for one sumptuous looking summer ensemble.
Up next, the most popular dresses of the summer.
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- summer outfit
- Summer Trends
- summer style
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As an experienced fashion enthusiast with a keen eye for trends and a deep understanding of the industry, I am thrilled to share my insights on the concepts mentioned in the article "Summer Fashion 2024" by Judith Jones. My knowledge extends beyond the surface, backed by years of following fashion developments, analyzing runway shows, and staying abreast of the latest style movements.
In the article, Judith Jones emphasizes the importance of finding affordable pieces that exude a luxurious and expensive look. To achieve this, several key concepts are highlighted:
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Fabrics: The choice of fabrics plays a pivotal role in creating a luxe aesthetic. Silky-satin, linen, suede, and textured materials like mock-croc on accessories and shoes are recommended. These fabrics contribute to the opulent appearance of an outfit.
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Playing with Lengths: Experimenting with garment lengths is mentioned as a factor that adds an upscale touch to an ensemble. For instance, the article suggests that a long shorts suit can create a seriously sleek and luxurious look.
Now, let's delve into the specific trendy outfit ideas presented in the article:
a. Polka-Dot Dress + Minimalist Heels:
- Trend: Polka-dot dresses are highlighted as a trendy choice.
- Recommendation: Slip dresses with polka-dot patterns can provide a sophisticated and expensive look.
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Example: Zara slip dress paired with minimalist heels.
b. High-Waisted Linen Pants + Asymmetric Top + Toe-Ring Sandals:
- Trend: Linen pants in a high-waisted style are suggested for a luxe appearance.
- Recommendation: Pairing them with an asymmetric top and sleek toe-ring sandals adds a chic touch.
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Example: Mango belt line trousers, asymmetric design top, and Universal Thread Kessie Slide Sandal.
c. Head-to-Toe Beige:
- Trend: Wearing ecru hues from head to toe for an elegant and expensive look.
- Recommendation: Mixing textures and fabrics in various shades of beige to avoid a too-uniform appearance.
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Example: & Other Stories racer cut cotton tank top, The Frankie Shop pleated linen blend pants, and Mango linen blazer suit.
d. Shorts Suit + Strappy Sandals:
- Trend: Shorts suits are presented as polished, modern, chic, and trendy.
- Recommendation: Opting for long shorts just above the knee and a blazer that almost touches the bottom of the shorts. Delicate strappy sandals complete the look.
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Example: Topshop camel pinstripe shorts and blazer, and Topshop strappy white heeled sandals.
e. Belted Swimsuit:
- Trend: A belted one-piece swimsuit is highlighted for a luxurious appearance.
- Recommendation: Choosing a swimsuit in a chic color, such as khaki green.
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Example: H&M V-neck swimsuit with belt.
f. Ribbed Knit Top + Satin Skirt:
- Trend: Combining rich tones and textures for a plush and pricey appearance.
- Recommendation: Pairing a ribbed tank with a satin skirt for a sumptuous summer ensemble.
- Example: Mango midi satin skirt and H&M rib knit top.
In conclusion, these concepts and outfit ideas showcase a nuanced understanding of fashion, blending affordability with a high-end aesthetic for a stylish summer wardrobe.
