Olivia Wilde Is Our Summer-in-the-City Style Muse

Olivia Wilde is having a minimalist style moment. Over the past few weeks, the actor-director has been busy promoting her new film, The Invite, looking incredibly effortless while doing so—thanks in part to stylist Karla Welch. What’s most striking is the clean, cool approach she has taken to dressing for this particular press tour, something that feels like the perfect blueprint for summer-in-the-city styling.

A wardrobe built with closet essentials is the secret—think relaxed T-shirts, billowy trousers, and soft leather loafers—foundations we’ve seen her remix in a few different ways of late. Sticking to a neutrals-heavy palette of all black or white, as she often does, allows her to mix and match—and play with silhouettes. A simple tee paired with pleated pants is an easy formula to build upon, for example. Worn with a sleek belt and logo-less bag, it’s an easy office look that also works for a spontaneous weekday dinner. Add flip-flops and a ball cap and you have the perfect weekend look. Despite seeming pared back, her uniform encourages experimentation.

Sticking to a roster of brands that share the same vibe helps when building out new looks as well. A devotee of The Row, Wilde has carried the Cecily mini tote bag numerous times in the past few weeks and sported the striped Parave silk button-down as well as the now sold-out Galileo pants. She also chose an apron dress from Calvin Klein Collection as a slightly sexier spin on the classic LBD—one we’d gladly consider as a wedding-guest dress option this summer.

Wilde, of course, leaves plenty of room to incorporate affordable staples from contemporary brands, such as the sporty technical-taffeta skirt from the Frankie Shop she wore with a gray crewneck sweatshirt while in London. It’s these thoughtful contrasts, still rooted in minimalism, that give her wardrobe timeless appeal.

Ahead, dive into our favorite summer-in-the-city looks inspired by Olivia Wilde—all ready to wear on repeat.

Photo: Raymond Hall