Ever stand in front of your jam-packed closet, staring at more than enough clothing options, and think: I have nothing to wear? Same. But perhaps the issue isn’t that you’re out of viable outfit choices. You just need a fresh dose of inspiration — say:summer outfit ideas— to help you see your wardrobe in a new way. That’s where Outfit Dump comes in. We supply you with enough ideas to fuel your style until the next drop comes along.
It hasn’t been the *hottest* start to the summer (at least not yet), but we’d be lying if we said we weren’t daydreaming about long, easy days that remind us of school breaks. Maybe we’re on the beach, maybe we’re taking leisurely strolls at the local park, maybe we’re running errands on our lunch — whatever it is, we’re covered in a layer of sweat, and we don’t mind because the sun is shining.
With such daydreams, naturally, come thoughts of summer outfits that make you feel like the main character in a rom-com. Pretty sun dresses, cool yet distinctive denim, lively patterns and colors, the perfectpair of sandals — you name it, we’re thinking of it. But if you’re struggling to actualize the enchanting visions in your head to IRL outfits, we’ve got you covered here, too. After a thorough search of our Instagram feeds, we’ve collected a selection of trend-forward and inspo-worthy outfits that practically scream summer. Scroll on to discover 23 summer outfit ideas to help you get dressed this season.
Summer Outfit Idea: Polka Dots
Polka dots are back, bringing a retro edge to contemporary pieces. Your summer ’fits will be full of nostalgic whimsy, whether you opt for a dress, accessories, or separates adorned in the print.
Summer Outfit Idea: Boat Shoes
Rejoice! The footwear item of the summer is one you’ll always be comfortable in: the boat shoe. Prep up your looks with this “ugly shoe” trend by pairing it with a blazer and shorts, a maxi dress, or even your favorite pair of jeans.
Summer Outfit Idea: Lacey Whites
Why wear a traditional crisp white set this summer when you can wear one with intricate frills and lace details instead?
Summer Outfit Idea: Ruffles
Zhuzh up your summer dress rotation by adding one with a flourish of ruffles. We especially love the Y2K vibes and ruched front of the one pictured here.
If full-out marine motifs aren’t your thing, try your hand at the fisherman aesthetic with some nautical stripes. Of course, being by the water doesn’t hurt either.
Summer Outfit Idea: Jorts
Jorts and longer, utilitarian-style shorts will be everywhere this season, and with good reason. They’re ideal for warmer weather and effortlessly blend fashion and function without feeling too bulky.
Summer Outfit Idea: Waistcoat
Vests and waistcoats are still going strong this summer, which is good news for us all: dress them up, lean more western, or keep your look casual — the sartorial possibilities are endless.
Summer Outfit Idea: Crochet
Crochet has been popular for a few summers now, but, this year, why not try a different approach? Style your crochet separates with airy linens or other well-loved seasonal favorites for an outfit that’s textured, put-together, and warm-weather-ready.
Summer Outfit Idea: Graphic Tee + Flowy Pants
Pair your breeziest pants with your comfiest graphic T-shirt for the most effortless, chicest summer outfit ever. You’re welcome.
Summer Outfit Idea: Maxi Skirt + Sneakers
We love a summer outfit that is equal parts cute and comfortable, especially on hot days. Enter: a maxi skirt and sneakers. We can’t imagine a better combo to be in while strolling about town all day.
Summer Outfit Idea: Linen Set
Linen sets for summer? Groundbreaking, we know. But why resist something this perfect?
Summer Outfit Idea: Raffia Accessories
Raffia and straw accessories are perennial summer favorites. This year, try the charming material in bags, hats, or even jewelry.
Summer Outfit Idea: Gingham
Much like raffia, gingham often sees a resurgence during the warmer months. Opt for the pattern in full pieces or smaller accessories, and try out a range of color options to land on a look that feels the most like you.
Summertime is for having fun, and what better way to do so than with a bubble hem? If you’re already well acquainted with the trend, which found its footing last summer, change things up by upping the volume or even trying out a puffed-up bloomer.
Summer Outfit Idea: Pierced and Studded Pieces
If you’re tired of classic minimalist looks and ultra-feminine pieces that don't fit your aesthetic, designers and brands are bringing a punk element to the season with pierced and studded clothing and accessories. The only thing for you to decide is just how much embellishment you’re going for — an accessory, like a belt, or on elements of your entire outfit.
Summer Outfit Idea: Butter Yellow
Butter yellow is a color trend that isn’t fading — not that we’re complaining about seeing more of the dreamy sunny hue.
Summer Outfit Idea: Icy Blue
If butter yellow is outside of your color palette or a bit too on the nose for your liking, try the cooler, elegant icy blue.
Summer Outfit Idea: Asymmetrical Hems
Add some intrigue to your summer matching sets by choosing a skirt with an interest slit, cut-out, or hemline.
Summer Outfit Idea: 3D Accoutrements
This one is for the bag charm girlies, who don’t mind a “more is more” approach. Extend that philosophy to your full looks by going for pieces with fabulous 3-D embellishments, like the oversized rosettes pictured here.
Summer Outfit Idea: Bows
If floral accoutrements are not your style, why not an over-the-top bow instead?
Summer Outfit Idea: Sweater For Layering
Keep a couple of your favorite sweaters out of storage — not for wearing (though, who knows, they may come in handy on occasion), but to wear tied around your waist or shoulders as a finishing touch to your summer outfit.
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
Primavera Sound and Governor’s Ball brought us all the dramatic looks we were craving, from the performers and celebrity attendees to the crowds of stylish festival goers. Naturally, it sparked the urge to start planning our own summer festival outfits, whether for Bonnaroo (June 12 to 15), Glastonbury (June 25 to 29), the Cowboy Carter tour… or any upcoming desert, city, or beach concerts.
With so many festival fashion trends and aesthetics to choose from — western cowgirl, rainbow raver, retro hippie — there’s one wardrobe anchor that fits every vibe: denim. From ‘70s bell-bottoms to ‘90s vests, denim has always been a go-to for concert style, and now, there are even more playful ways to wear it.
As a denim devotee figuring out my own festival lineup, I decided to make it the centerpiece of several outfits. From one-and-done jumpsuits to matching sets, trending jorts, and unexpected accessories, I put the tried-and-true staple to the test. Here’s how it went — and how you can do the same.
Festival Outfit Idea: Denim Overalls & Jumpsuits
If you don’t want to stress over putting an outfit together — or worry about anything slipping down (or riding up!) mid-dance sesh — a one-piece is the way to go. Bonus: long-sleeved styles offer coverage from the sun and bugs.
I styled a white barrel-leg jumpsuit from Madewell with a western twist: a studdedbelt, Tecovas cowboy booties, and an Away cargo pack. No matter your jumpsuit choice, adding tons of accessories is the key.
For a breezier vibe, I went with light-wash Cider overalls with bows tied down the legs. Paired with a gingham Calpak water bottle holder and Nike Cortez sneakers, the look felt playful and picnic-ready. If a slightly undone look speaks to you — especially for showing off a statement top — unhook a strap and try a mesh layer, graphic tee, or bikini top underneath.
Festival Outfit Idea: Denim Jorts
Yes, jorts are back — and they’re the ultimate swap for traditional cutoffs that ride up or cause chafing. The longer Bermuda length is perfect for long, sweaty festival days.
For one look, I styled a light-wash Pilcro pair (with a fun shoe lace drawstring) with sheer butter-yellow layers and matching Guess sunglasses. The unexpected color still pops, especially when paired with shiny metallic sneakers.
I also played with white H&M jorts, styling them with a rainbow crochet top, patterned crossbody bag, and a printed headscarf for a colorful, seaside-ready vibe. Add a belly chain or bag charm hooked onto the belt loops for a creative twist.
Festival Outfit Idea: Denim-On-Denim Sets
A Canadian tuxedo moment always hits. Double-denim sets — a jacket and jeans, a vest and shorts, or a crop top and skirt — are a foolproof way to make a statement without much effort.
I wore a gradient-dyed shirt and wide-leg jean pairing from Kenneth Cole for a fresher take on the classic combo, buttoning the top just at the neck to reveal a tank underneath. A Uniqlo mini bag and platform slingbacks finished the look — the only sandal styles I trust on uneven festival ground.
I also took a Buffalo skort set for a spin, which looks like a mini skirt in the front but offers full coverage shorts in the back. Paired with a raffia bucket hat and Teva sandals, it gave breezy, beach festival energy. But you could easily steer this look in a rave direction with Kandi bracelets and platform sneakers.
Festival Outfit Idea: Denim Accessories
Want to keep your denim subtle? Try it in the form of accessories. Baseball and cowboy hats, tote bags, sneakers, statement belts, or even a denim phone case can tie your look together without being the whole story.
I went full-on with mine, styling multiple denim accessories at once, but you can always mix them into your outfits sparingly for a skosh of texture that’s totally festival-ready.
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
As a team with several editors and contributors under 5’4”, we believe that good things can come in small packages. Check back for our go-to places and styling advice on petite denim, outerwear, and so much more.
As someone who has been interested in fashion since I was young, I dreamed of donning the elaborate looks that models wore walking down the runway. But being 5’0”, clothes never fit me the same way. Many traditional mini skirts and dresses fall closer to knee-length, tank top straps are too long, blouse proportions are all wrong, and I’ll be hard-pressed to find a pair of jeans that I don’t need to get hemmed. Keeping up with the trend cycle is a challenge, because unless it’s an of-the-moment color (butter yellow, I’m looking at you), many buzzy silhouettes don’t look the same on my frame as they do on many influencers and models. While there are certainly times that I wish I were just a few inches taller, I don’t let that stop me from trying different styles.
Canonically, styling tips for petites often caution against wearing various hemlines, patterns, and styles that overwhelm their frame or make them look “frumpy,” like maxi skirts, bold prints, and drop-waist dresses. And while proportions are indubitably a delicate balance for people under 5’4”, I’ve learned that limiting my wardrobe based on arbitrary “dos” and “don’ts” doesn’t serve me.
I am determined to quash the myth that petite people can’t wear certain trends or garments, and ahead, you can see how I styled three looks incorporating elements that petites are often discouraged from wearing. Each look proves that no matter your height, you can look cool and feel confident in whatever you wear.
Oversized Blazer + Maxi Skirt
Styling oversized items can be tricky, especially for petites, because items like an oversized blazer can sometimes make me feel like I’m a kid wearing my dad’s giant suit jacket at a wedding. The trick is to pair it with contrasting textures and different proportions to make it feel less chunky. I wore my thrifted blazer with a square-neck crop tank, a lace maxi skirt, and knee-high kitten-heel boots.
The length of the skirt pairs well with the blazer because they both have long lines, so they draw the eye down the body, creating the illusion of more height. Additionally, the top’s lower-cut neckline and the skirt’s delicate, semi-sheer fabric add some dimension to balance the boxy blazer silhouette. I opted for tall boots with the skirt to bring in more of the black color, and finished it off with a gold-studded handbag and mixed-metal jewelry.
Horizontal Stripes + Mixed Prints
Petite people are often discouraged from wearing horizontal stripes because they allegedly draw the eye from side to side rather than up and down — potentially making you look shorter. The key to styling stripes is finding a point of commonality, which in this case is the red hue featured in both the polo shirt and the shorts.
While the top has thick horizontal stripes, the bottoms have narrow vertical stripes, allowing the top to stand out, rather than having both prints vying for visual attention and overwhelming my frame. Proportionally, I have longer legs and a shorter torso, so the French-tucked top also creates the illusion of a longer upper body. I opted for silver-tone jewelry and shoes to make this look feel a little more edgy and put-together, and a pair of funky red sunglasses for an extra dose of the vibrant color.
Bermuda Shorts
While historically, I’m not a huge fan of shorts, I love the bermuda style so much that my friends are probably already sick of me wearing these every other day so far this summer. Putting together an outfit around these boyish shorts is fairly similar to styling around a knee-length skirt since they fall around the same place. A garment that falls at this length typically is not advised for someone of my height, but a pair of crew socks and my favorite Nike Air Rift sneakers help elongate my legs and extend the gaze down.
I wanted to experiment with wearing the baggy shorts with some more delicate, feminine pieces, so I styled them with a gingham boatneck top with some bow adornments on the shoulders, and my trusty Stand Oil baby pink bag. For a finishing touch, I added a bow bag charm, taking cues from the bows on the top.
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
As a team with several editors and contributors under 5’4”, we believe that good things can come in small packages. Check back for our go-to places and styling advice on petite denim, outerwear, and so much more.
As a person who stands at 5’2″, I understand firsthand the struggle of finding a solid pair of petite jeans that don’t require more than a simple cuff to get the length just right. I’ve grown comfortable buying regular-length denim and slicing the hem with fabric shears, but I know not everyone is into the frayed hem look. I also understand that not everyone has the budget or time to take their jeans to a tailor who can preserve the original design.
You’ll always meet fashion people who swear by a certain denim style or brand, but even when comparing notes with other short-legged folks, the search for the best petite jeans feels like a never-ending game of trial and error — what feels right for one body type or personal style won’t always translate to another.. (Though we all love fantasizing about a Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants moment.) So, at the recommendation of fellow short fashion colleagues, friends, and shop reviewers, we present a list of our current favorite petite denim styles. This isn’t perfect or entirely comprehensive, but we aim to cover brands that offer a range of washes, fits, stretch levels, and silhouettes all specifically suited to those 5’3″ and under. These jeans are designed to be worn straight off the rack — no tailoring needed.
Before you dive into your denim search, I highly recommend first finding your inseam and saving it in your Notes app. It’ll be invaluable when checking size and fit details. To determine it, grab your favorite pair of (non-drop-crotch) pants and measure from the crotch to the bottom hem. A true petite style is usually no longer than 27 inches, though some brands insist that 30 inches is petite — which, ahem, it’s not. (Most short folks I know have inseams between 23 to 26 inches.) With this number, you can find jeans that’ll actually fit your bottom half, add an inch for a longer length, or subtract an inch for a high-waist look. And don’t forget the classic trick: Search for “cropped” or “ankle” jeans at any retailer that offers those filters (y’know, the ones that hit at the ankle on taller frames but are full-length on petites). Consider this easiest hack for the short stuff.
Shopbop is one of our top petite shopping destinations thanks to its detailed sizing measurements and easy-to-use denim filter. (Under the Clothing category, you can sort the retailer’s massive collection by Cropped Jeans or Ankle Jeans.) Agolde is a top-selling brand on there, and this cropped jean features a precise 25.25-inch inseam that petites love.
“I’m 5’1″, 34B, 123 lbs. (hips/butt), and a true size 27 in all the other denim I own,” writes one reviewer. Another adds: “I think people need to realize that Rise and Inseam will re-adjust your waist sizing[,] so I’m thankful Shopbop lists both of those because they matter for petite girls like me… Also, being 5’1,” the inseam of 25.25 fits me like an actual pant (not cropped). Love the quality of this style and wash, you won’t be disappointed if you get your sizing right. Trust me!”
In addition to being size-inclusive, Good American is also height-conscious, offering an entire line, Good Petite, dedicated to shorter fits in sizes 00 to 32.
The brand’s bestselling Always Fits jeans are a game-changer, especially for those who fluctuate between sizes. Stretching across four different sizes (with sizing options for sizes 00-4, 6-12, 14-18, 2-16, and 28-32), the high-stretch jeans adapt to your body’s monthly, yearly, or even weekly changes so you can feel comfortable without that typical jean tugging or tightness. Now available in a shorter 25.5″ length, they’re an even better fit for petite people, too.
Petite shoppers should get to know Nelle Atelier, a denim brand designed for those under 5’4″. One happy customer raves, “I never leave reviews, but I am so glad I found these jeans!! They are amazing. I have already worn them three days in a row since I’ve gotten them!”
A&F offers jeans in sizes 23 to 37, with extra-short, short, regular, long, and extra-long lengths. (You can read more about the brand’s much-adored denim rebrand in our A&F review.) This best-seller has over 1,000 five-star reviews, including one from a 5’1″ customer who raves, “Love these jeans! Super comfortable in the legs, they have plenty of stretch. Very high-waisted […] but that’s how I like them.”
Looking for wide-leg jeans that won’t swallow your petite frame? Maeve’s bestselling pair ticks all the boxes. Sturdy, thick denim? Yep. A 24” inseam, high-waist, and cropped silhouette? Indeed. A statement pocket that draws the eye up and makes your legs look miles long? You betcha. Don’t just take our word for it — this style boasts a 4.5 out of five-star rating and over 1,700 reviews on Anthropologie.
For a classic-fitting, straight-leg jean, Everlane has the perfect style. And, with leg length options of 26.5, 28.5, and 30.5 inches, there’s a fit for everyone. Being 100% cotton, they also have that heavy denim feel and are rather rigid. (Note: According to the onsite description/reviews, these run large, so consider sizing down for a more figure-hugging fit.)
Bianca Caampued, the 5’0″ founder of Tulsa Creative Engine and co-founder of Small Girls PR, tells us, “Before owning the agency, I was someone raised by and working at fashion magazines” — so she knows Levi’s has always been the gold standard of denim. Fortunately for petites, “the brand adjusts by leg length and not just waist width,” she says, “so I can browse by 26-inch inseams specifically.”
We asked our friends at the aptly named Small Girls PR to share the denim they swear by. Mary Whitlock, VP at the fashion and lifestyle firm, swears by a particular J.Crew style: “I am 4’11” and curvy, so I have a very hard time finding petite jeans, and these are the only ones that have fit me without needing to be tailored.”
Plus, the brand’s filtering system makes shopping easy — under the Size & Fit category, you can select Petite or filter by Length to find Cropped or Ankle styles.
It’s rare for a denim brand to offer two petite lengths (let alone one), but AYR is all about providing options. Customers can choose between a 25- or 27-inch inseam, which may contribute to this jean’s sell-out power and its 4.7 out of five-star rating from 2,178 reviews. Petite shoppers praise them with feedback like, “These are the most comfortable jeans I’ve ever tried on, and I have tried soooo many designer brands… Am 5’2″ and 112 lbs. and I got a size 26 with the shorter inseam which is perfect. I am usually wearing leggings on the weekend but am so happy that I have a pair of jeans that are just as comfortable!”
Free People’s petite jeans are yet another reason to love the retailer. We’re especially into the petite-ified versions of the brand’s bestsellers, like these barrel-leg jeans from We The Free. I can attest that, at 5’2”, the short version of these jeans fit like a dream. (You can see me styling a patchwork version of this design here with ballet flats, no problem; no weird bunching, pooling, or being “drowned” by all that fabric.) Bonus: They come in under $100.
Madewell’s bestselling petite-fit jeans come highly recommended by Refinery29’s senior writer, Karina Hoshikawa, who raves about their 25-inch inseam and lived-in vintage feel. Reviewers agree, praising these jeans for balancing out softness and comfort with sturdiness, and accommodating stretch. “This black jean is perfect. I have a hard time finding jeans that fit over my thighs and butt but this one is perfect,” writes one customer. “I’m only 4’10” and I don’t have to do a thing to these jeans. Some Madewell petite pants still need a little hem but it’s always a bonus when I can put on a new pair and go.”
Your love of Mother Denim is about to grow deeper with the Lil’Mother collection, designed specifically for those 5’4″ and under. This line features petite-tailored adjustments to its beloved denim collection, like higher knee placement and shorter inseams, ensuring a better fit for smaller frames.
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
