There is something so satisfying about an outfit formula that just works.
Not because it is trendy. Not because it is over-styled. But because it feels easy, comfortable, and like something you can actually live your life in.
This look is one of those formulas for me: relaxed shorts, a soft tee, an open button-up, comfortable sandals, and a hat. It is simple, but it still feels intentional. It is casual, but not sloppy. It is the kind of outfit that works for a warm day when you want to feel pulled together without putting pressure on yourself to do too much.
The Outfit Formula
Here is the basic formula:
Relaxed shorts + soft tee + open button-up + comfortable sandals + hat
That is it. The magic is in the proportions, the textures, and the ease.
The paperbag-style shorts add shape without feeling restrictive. A soft tee keeps the base comfortable and unfussy. The open button-up works as a light layer, adding movement and polish while still feeling relaxed. Flat sandals keep the outfit practical, and a hat adds that final “I meant to do this” feeling.
Why Natural Fibres Make a Difference
For summer dressing, natural fibres can make such a difference. Linen, cotton, silk, and other breathable fibres tend to feel softer and more comfortable in the heat because they allow more airflow than many synthetic fabrics.
That matters when you are getting dressed for real life. Walking around town. Running errands. Taking your toddler outside. Heading to a casual lunch. Packing for a warm-weather trip. Sitting in the sun and realizing you definitely should have brought a hat.
Natural fibres also tend to age beautifully when cared for well. They can soften over time, be repaired, and often have a longer life in your wardrobe. That is one of the reasons I love sourcing pre-loved natural fibre pieces for Le Prix. They already have a story, and they still have so much life left to give.
Why This Formula Feels So Good
This outfit works because nothing is fighting your body.
The shorts are relaxed through the waist and leg. The tee gives a soft, easy base. The button-up adds coverage without clinging. The sandals are comfortable enough to actually walk in. The whole look has structure, but not stiffness.
That balance is what I love most about it.
It is not about dressing to hide your body. It is not about dressing to make your body look like someone else’s. It is about choosing pieces that support the day you are having and the body you have right now.
How to Recreate This Look
You can recreate this outfit formula with pieces you already own:
1. Start with relaxed shorts.
Look for linen, cotton, or a natural fibre blend. A paperbag waist, elastic waist, or drawstring style can make the outfit feel more comfortable and flexible.
2. Add a soft tee or tank.
Keep it simple. A white tee, graphic tee, ribbed tank, or fitted cotton top all work beautifully.
3. Layer an open button-up.
This could be linen, cotton, gauze, chambray, or a lightweight shirt. Wear it open like a jacket to create movement and make the outfit feel more styled.
4. Choose comfortable shoes.
Flat sandals, slides, sneakers, or a low-profile clog can all work depending on your day.
5. Finish with a hat.
A straw hat, cotton cap, or wide-brim hat adds sun coverage and makes the whole outfit feel complete.
Why Outfit Formulas Help You Buy Less
One of the most sustainable things you can do for your wardrobe is learn what outfit formulas actually work for your life.
When you know the shapes, fibres, and combinations you reach for again and again, shopping becomes more intentional. You are not just buying a cute piece and hoping it works. You are choosing something that fits into the way you already get dressed.
That is how you build a wardrobe with more ease and less waste.
Instead of asking, “Is this cute?” you can ask, “Does this help me get dressed?”
And sometimes the answer is a very clear yes.
A Gentle Style Reminder
You do not need a brand-new wardrobe to feel good in your clothes.
Sometimes you need one better-fitting pair of shorts. Sometimes you need a breathable layer that makes everything feel more finished. Sometimes you need to stop saving your comfortable pieces for “just around the house” and let them become part of your actual outfits.
Style does not need to be complicated to be beautiful.
It can be soft. Practical. Breathable. Repeatable. Easy.
And yes, it can still feel like you.
Shop the Feeling
At Le Prix, I curate pre-loved and sustainable pieces with comfort, quality, and longevity in mind. If you are building a wardrobe around natural fibres, repeatable outfit formulas, and pieces that feel good in your real life, you are in the right place.
You can shop online or book a free in-person shopping appointment in Waterloo, Canada.
