The new way to wear denim this summer? Patched and embroidered denim jackets, jeans, button-downs and cut-offs. Denim is anything but plain these days, and when it comes to embellishments, more is more -- and the cutesier, the better.

Throw a patched jacket or chambray top -- like this one by Rails -- over a neutral minidress and add ankle-wrap sandals for a chic and cheerful summer outfit guaranteed to make you smile.

Image via Pinterest

Wear it to: drinks with the girls

Kendall, Kylie, Gigi -- all the It girls are all about minimal slip dresses right now, especially over crew-neck T-shirts. And what could be a cuter or more comfy summer outfit?

Avoid piling on '90s trends like chokers and round sunglasses with this combo; instead, wear a slip dress and T-shirt with some simple sandals or ankle boots. (These knock-offs by Rebecca Minkoff are a touch more affordable than the Givenchy stunners shown here.)

Will your boyfriend get this outfit? God, no. Will you look (and feel) cool all summer? Hell, yes.

Image via Pinterest

Wear it to: date night

A sliver of midriff here, a naked shoulder there -- summer fashion in 2017 is about strategically showing skin. Nearly backless styles are hot, too, like this strappy LWD, which is pretty much the sundress of our dreams.

Wear this ultra-light style in a breathable fabric like cotton or linen for an easy-breezy summer outfit. (Get a similar look with this number from Reformation.) With buckled leather slides and a raffia handbag, this look is so effortlessly beachy and sexy.

Image via Pinterest

Wear it to: a chill brunch

Holy Isabel Marant, the peasant blouse is back in style -- and we couldn't be happier about it. In light cotton or chambray, a peasant top is the perfect boho topper to a vintage-wash denim skirt. (We're getting serious early-aughts Sienna Miller vibes from the outfit pictured here.)

For a similar summer outfit, try this top from Ulla Johnson, queen of the well-heeled boho look. This look begs for a pair of platform espadrilles.

Image via Pinterest

Wear it to: an outdoor wedding

Stripes are back on our fashion radar, as if they ever left. Countless designers put oversize stripes in eye-popping colors in their spring/summer 2017 collections, but narrow, nautical stripes in soft neutrals will always be in style. We especially love the vertical stripes on this culottes-style jumpsuit -- they slim and lengthen the body at the same time.

To dress up a striped summer jumpsuit, add wedge heels or mules, a nice clutch and a blazer thrown over your shoulders. To dress it down, keep accessories to a minimum and slip on some neutral leather slides like these Loeffler Randall babies.

Image via Pinterest