Cool Girl Summer Outfit Formula to Copy from Your Closet

Are you a cool girl? Hahaha! I am SO not a cool girl. But when I see stylish women – especially younger women – wearing the same combination over and over and looking effortlessly chic in it, I take note! Actually this is just the kind of outfit I favor at this time of year. It’s a fashionable mix of classic pieces worn in a trending way, highlighting neutrals that feel casual but also a little elevated. Let’s see if you can copy this cool girl outfit formula from your own closet.

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The cool factor in this spring to summer outfit is definitely found in the effortless blend of textures, neutrals and silhouettes. It combines rugged cotton with flowy linen, drapey pants with a fitted tee and chunky sandals with feminine jewelry.

I decided to check out these drawstring cinched linen trousers when I kept hearing from others how great they are. Indeed, they are a perfect blend of amazing comfort with trending casual style. They fit true to size; I’m wearing a medium.

I’m 5’8″ and the linen drawstring pants end right at my ankle. They have an 11″ rise and a 28″ inseam. However, they also come in petite and tall sizes. The linen pants come in over a dozen other colors or prints, too. But pickings are slimmer in the petite and tall varieties.

For this cool girl summer outfit formula I’ve worn chunky but comfortable and chic sandals with the linen drawstring pants. These are my first shoes from this brand and I am SO impressed. The sandals are podiatrist designed with perfected, cushiony support in the heels, arch and forefoot, so they’re perfect for a day filled with walking or standing.

I’m wearing the leather sandals in camel, but they also come in black leather and a beige linen. They have three fully adjustable straps and are super soft on your feet. They come in sizes 6 to 13, and I think they would definitely accommodate wide feet and probably narrow feet as well, since they are fully adjustable. Many of this brand’s shoes also come with a Sole Saver pack so you can easily customize your fit. I got them in this performance knit sneaker. Shipping is complimentary with a purchase over $100. Really, if comfortable shoes are essential for you, I highly recommend checking out this Australian brand. They have a beautiful assortment of footwear.

Of course the next essential components in this cool girl summer outfit formula are the graphic t-shirt and the trending durable twill flight jacket. I love the muted coastal khaki color of this jacket that gives it that lovingly worn look. Unfortunately this jacket is selling out fast, but the good news is that it is 50% off (as I write this). But you’ll find other jackets that are a similar flight or bomber jacket style. The key here is to top a slightly fitted tee (or polo) with a sporty, trending jacket. You could get a similar look with this barn jacket or this gingham flight jacket I wore in New York. Oh, and here’s a great option at an even lower price.

Another key to this cool girl summer outfit formula is to carry a tote with some texture. And in the summer I naturally reach for my woven straw tote. Mine is more than several years old so when I was in the store the other day I checked to see if the current bag is actually the same as mine. Indeed, the new one is slightly smaller, a little more structured (but not much) and just as chic.

I finished my outfit with simple but impactful jewelry. I think the thin gold hoop earrings especially keep this outfit cool and current.