The Understated Summer Top Fashion People Are Wearing With Silk Pants and Maxi Skirts

If you consider yourself to be a minimalist dresser, you’ll want to pay attention to what I’m about to say. As someone who is always drawn to clean lines and pared-back combinations, I’ve noticed the rise in one surprising top style that all the best dressed people in my feed seem to be styling right now: open-knit sweaters. Understated, relaxed, and nodding to the ’90s, a lightweight, airy knit is beginning to replace oversize button-downs as the finishing touch for a minimalist summer outfit. I know—sweaters in the summer? It sounds like an oxymoron, but yes, it’s a thing.

Whether draped over fluid silk pants for an elevated evening look or paired with a simple miniskirt for daytime polish, open-knit sweaters are the understated top that adds a cool (and heat-friendly) texture to otherwise simple outfits. The standout style of the moment is the Khaite Davet Sweater with its wide bell sleeves and open neckline, but an internet deep dive led me to a treasure trove of similar white, beige, and oatmeal-colored styles at a range of price points.

Ahead, discover how fashion people are styling an open-knit sweater as the quiet hero of their summer wardrobes, and shop the best versions to shop now.

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Style Notes: Open-knit sweater + maxi skirt + minimalist sandals + clutch

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Style Notes: Open-knit sweater + Bermuda shorts + heeled thong sandals + clutch

Style Notes: Open-knit sweater + tan trousers + woven bag

Style Notes: Open-knit sweater + swimsuit + lounge shorts

Style Notes: Open-knit sweater + tailored trousers + heeled sandals + shoulder bag