20 Casual but Cute Outfit Ideas When You Feel Like Putting in Zero Effort (2024)

20 Casual but Cute Outfit Ideas When You Feel Like Putting in Zero Effort (1)

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Summer is (finally) here, and I, for one, am so excited to finally wear the season's fashion staples, like shorts, dresses, and tank tops. I'm equally ecstatic about basically NEVER layering again! But the hot temperatures can really do a number on your energy levels, and sometimes you just want to wear a very simple look when you do decide to venture outside and hit up the park, rooftop bar, beach—whatever your plans are. That's where we come in, my friends. We rounded up 20 casual outfit ideas that are still cute enough to wear out, but they don't require a lot of pre-planning or effort. How's that sound?

There's an ensemble for every type of person too, from fans of breezy maxi dresses to those who love a classic T-shirt and denim shorts combo. Important note, though: You can also put off a "casual" vibe even if you're wearing an outfit that is conventionally considered "dressy." It's, like, 50 percent outfit and 50 percent attitude to complete a low-key ensemble. Keep scrolling to soak up some effortless outfit inspo, and then peruse our fave biker short outfits, tennis outfits, and date night outfits for even more brilliant summer dressing ideas.

a striped tee and shorts

Universal Standard Joni High Rise Curve Slim Leg Shorts

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a striped tee and shorts

Universal Standard Joni High Rise Curve Slim Leg Shorts

Who doesn't love a striped shirt? That's a rhetorical question, obviously. Pair with long shorts and some cream slides for the perfect casual-yet-polished outfit recipe.

a sporty look

Nike Sportswear Circa 72 Women's High-Rise Fleece Shorts

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a sporty look

Nike Sportswear Circa 72 Women's High-Rise Fleece Shorts

A blue Nike set with logos on the sleeves and bottoms is easy to throw on with a pair of, you guessed it, Nike sneaks. These terrycloth shorts will be so comfy, too. Just sayin'.

a vacation tee

Madewell x Made Some Souvenirs Tulum Tourist Tee

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a vacation tee

Madewell x Made Some Souvenirs Tulum Tourist Tee

Now 73% Off

Made Some Souvenirs designs cool, touristy T-shirts, each one embroidered with the name of a dreamy location. Pair this "Tulum" tee with white jeans and sandals for a beachy summer vibe.

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a tee and skirt combo

PRETTYGARDEN A-Line Maxi Skirt

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a tee and skirt combo

PRETTYGARDEN A-Line Maxi Skirt

A simple white T-shirt is a summer staple, but when paired with a tiered floral midi skirt, it's oh-so chic. Wear this stunning getup with white sneakers or woven sandals, and you’ve got a summer-ready ‘fit.

a short and sandal look

ASOS Curve Chino Shorts

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a short and sandal look

ASOS Curve Chino Shorts

Pleats are here to stay! These pleated shorts will feel extra breezy in hot temps. Wear them with a hard-to-miss orange top and platform slides to run errands or walk the dog in style.

a beachy romper

MIKOH Mekia Romper

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20 Casual but Cute Outfit Ideas When You Feel Like Putting in Zero Effort (8)

a beachy romper

MIKOH Mekia Romper

Wear this over a bathing suit or a bra top—it works either way! Accessorize with a cute straw bag, flat sandals, and hoop earrings to pull it all together.

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a printed maxi

Abacaxi Tiered Tie Strap Maxi Dress

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a printed maxi

Abacaxi Tiered Tie Strap Maxi Dress

Now 65% Off

This sweet cotton dress has so many lovely hues in it, and it also ties in the back and has ruffled straps. Extra flirty details! Slip on some coordinating flip-flops, sandals, or sneakers for a casual but colorful look.

a pair of overalls

Levi's Vintage Shortalls

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a pair of overalls

Levi's Vintage Shortalls

You can't go wrong with overalls for a cute but low-key outfit! This Levi's pair is designed for a loose fit, and it looks great with two-strap slides and a bikini or a T-shirt underneath.

a mixed print sitch

Lisa Says Gah Alessandra Top, Italian Summer

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a mixed print sitch

Lisa Says Gah Alessandra Top, Italian Summer

Now 61% Off

Lisa Says Gah just dropped a delicious new Italian-inspired print that's going fast. Get in on the summer look with this fun cami, and mix it up with a gingham skirt for some pattern play.

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a matching set

Lemlem Neela Belted Fringed Striped Gauze Shorts

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a matching set

Lemlem Neela Belted Fringed Striped Gauze Shorts

Throw on these cotton blend gauze shorts and the matching top with some sandals for an easy outfit you can wear poolside or just out and about.

a halter tank with wide-leg pants

Victor Glemaud Cut Out Halter Top

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a halter tank with wide-leg pants

Victor Glemaud Cut Out Halter Top

A cutout tank top with wide, breezy pants will get you all the compliments without looking or feeling like you tried too hard.

a stretchy tank dress

Good American Good Touch Cut in Tank Midi

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a stretchy tank dress

Good American Good Touch Cut in Tank Midi

Tank tops are basically *the* summer staple, so why not opt for one in dress form? This Good American number will turn heads, but you'll feel so comfortable thanks to the stretch material—and by pairing it with your go-to sneakers, obv.

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an all-white ensemble

Alex Mill June Eyelet Pull On Skirt

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an all-white ensemble

Alex Mill June Eyelet Pull On Skirt

Now 60% Off

Eyelet fabrics just scream summer. Keep things cool with a head-to-toe white look featuring a crisp midi skirt and T-shirt. Add contrast with black sandals and perhaps a colorful bag, et voilà! A casual yet cute 'fit.

a knit tank with jeans

Tach Clothing Loreza Knit Top

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a knit tank with jeans

Tach Clothing Loreza Knit Top

A knit top with a slit for added airflow looks so chic with jeans or cutoffs. Slip on some chunky loafers, Converse, or block-heel sandals to keep things casual.

a (sweat)skirt and tank

Daily Paper Granite Green Eskirt

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a (sweat)skirt and tank

Daily Paper Granite Green Eskirt

Now 64% Off

Yes, we all know and love sweatpants, but how about a sweat...skirt? It's the same soft, cozy material you love but in skirt form. That means way more airflow than pants when temps get swelteringly hot! Wear this mint one with a white tank or graphic tee, sneakers, and a baguette bag to ace the athleisure aesthetic.

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a printed midi skirt

Miaou Moni Skirt

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a printed midi skirt

Miaou Moni Skirt

Like I said, sometimes a "casual" look is all about the vibe you're giving off—heels can be casual if you say so! But, you can always swap out the footwear with this cool printed midi skirt and corset look for cute yet comfy sneakers, too.

a pink co-ord

Stateside Gauze Top

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a pink co-ord

Stateside Gauze Top

Coordinating sets, like this gorgeous pink skirt and top, might seem dressy. But they are in fact the easiest things to wear and style, since there's no strategizing or mixing-and-matching necessary! Just slide on some flats, add a statement necklace, and you're set.

a do-it-all dress

Outdoor Voices The Exercise Dress

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a do-it-all dress

Outdoor Voices The Exercise Dress

For a functional but pulled-together outfit, opt for an exercise dress from Outdoor Voices. You can dress these babies up or down by simply swapping out your shoes, and you don't have to worry about a strong breeze giving you a wardrobe malfunction because of the built-in shorts.

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a shorts and clogs duo

Warp + Weft Trouser Short

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a shorts and clogs duo

Warp + Weft Trouser Short

Now 68% Off

A neutral outfit from top to bottom like this beige tank, subtly yellow shorts, and tan clogs will make you look instantly stylish with minimal effort. Because that's always the goal, right?

a crop top and shorts

Lulus Stay Easy Green Knit High-Waisted Sweater Shorts

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a crop top and shorts

Lulus Stay Easy Green Knit High-Waisted Sweater Shorts

Throw on this bold color for an impossible-to-miss look. If it gets a little chilly at night, toss on a chore jacket.

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Lauren Adhav

Associate Fashion Editor

I'm Cosmopolitan's Associate Fashion Editor and write about any and all trends, major celeb fashion moments, and why wide-leg jeans are basically the best. I originally moved to New York City to audition for RENT, only to find out that the play closed 10 years ago.

20 Casual but Cute Outfit Ideas When You Feel Like Putting in Zero Effort (2024)
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