5 Refined Summer Trends to Wear If You Have Minimal Style

Los Angeles–based stylist and content creator Jennifer Andrews-Caterhas self-described minimal style. But trust that minimal in no way means boring. While simple pieces are front-runners in her wardrobe, these items remain fashion-forward thanks to their refined and modern cuts and silhouettes.

Some of her key staples include relaxed trousers, suiting, and stylish flats. For summer 2025, there are three more trends she’ll be adding to her rotation that skew toward the statement-making side but still fit in with her minimalist wardrobe.

Keep scrolling for a deeper dive into Andrews-Cater’s top trends along with visual inspiration and a range of shopping recommendations if you want to add one (or all) of the fashionable and elegant items to your wardrobe. Don’t forget to follow her on Instagram and subscribe to her Substack for even more style inspiration.

5 Refined Summer Trends to Wear If You Have Minimal Style

1. Lace Details

Jen Andrews Cater wearing an open white button-down over a lace-trimmed white tank and black trousers.

“Feminine lace details have been slowly making their way into my summer wardrobe. The Row is to blame for this current fixation. They really know how to take a trend and style it so well, making it feel so relevant yet still timeless and trendy. It’s a gift. I recently got a lace camisole, and it has definitely scratched The Row itch.” — Andrews-Cater

Shop Lace Clothing:

Reformation

Soleil Satin Top

LESET

Barb lace-trimmed satin slip skirt

ASOS DESIGN

Relaxed Stretch Satin Shorts

2. Toe-Loop Sandals

minimal style outfits

“I’m always looking for minimal footwear with an elevated twist. I’m completely into the new sandal trend with a toe loop. This sold-out from Toteme is high on my wish list, but there are plenty of other options available right now.” — Andrews-Cater

Shop Toe-Loop Sandals:

A.EMERY

Jalen Leather Sandals

Buttermilk Yellow Toe Loop Heeled Sandals

Khaite

Aimee leather sandals

Charles & Keith

Metallic-Accent Strappy Toe-Ring Heeled Sandals

3. Statement Necklaces

The best summer trends if you have minimal style from Jen Andrews Cater

“There’s something about a statement necklace with the simplest outfits. Think vintage 501s and a tee or a monochromatic cotton poplin set that really brings it home. And bonus points if the necklace involves any of the following details: tassels, shells, or paracord!

“The new Dorsey paracord pieces are truly everything. I’ve been wearing them as a ‘set it and forget it’ piece, and they make any outfit look cool. The anklets add that nice summer touch and can be worn as bracelets. I especially love the necklaces with their James Bezel lab-grown stones incorporated into the paracord (genius!).” — Andrews-Cater

Shop Statement Necklaces:

COS

Glass Pendant Necklace

JULIETTA

Mykonos Rhodium-Plated Garnet Necklace

ARKET

Leather Cord Pendant Necklace

Otiumberg

Spiralis Cord Necklace

4. Braided Leather Tote

The best summer trends if you have minimal style from Jen Andrews Cater

Raffia totes are a summer staple, but for those of us who want to look more refined, a braided leather tote is the perfect choice. This investment buy is not only more durable than wicker or palm leaves, but the leather fabrication also makes it a more suitable choice to wear beyond the summer months as well. Dragon Diffusion is by far the most popular brand for this style of bag, but there are plenty of other more affordable options as well.

Shop Braided Leather Totes:

DRAGON DIFFUSION

Egola Woven Leather Tote

Anthropologie

Nola Woven Leather Bag

Massimo Dutti

Large Braided Nappa Tote Bag

ARKET

Woven Leather Tote Bag

5. Printed Silk Scarf

The best summer trends if you have minimal style from Jen Andrews Cater

You cannot go wrong with plain cami and linen trousers in summer, but when minimalists want to look just that little bit more elevated, they opt for scarves in a skirt or silk fabrications to tie around their waist, head or handbags. Stick to geometric patterns in. neutral hues and you have an accessory that perfectly strikes the balance between timeless and current.