It’s always easy to get dressed in summer because there are less layers to worry about and you can throw on something simple and go. However, there is the heat and humidity to contend with so that always threatens to derail my cute summer outfits and make me want to opt for something super casual or a look that I don’t put a ton of thought into. But dressing up is one of my favorite things so I have to find looks that are comfortable to wear in the warm weather and still look classy and polished.
I will opt for lighter more breathable fabrics and I love to experiment more with vibrant colors and bold patterns here and there. If you are struggling with putting together outfits for the summer or are planning to add some pieces to your summer wardrobe, this post is a great one to bookmark! I rounded up 13 summer outfit ideas that you can shop to update your summer closet.
13 Summer Outfit Ideas
Even though the heat can be an obstacle to overcome, you can still put together great outfits in the summer. Often it is about adding fun accessories or choosing bright colors to add some interest to your outfit. Most of my looks are still quite neutral but I will experiment more in the warmer months with some fun prints and colors. I also try to buy things that I can rewear year after year and can style into other months. A great classic tank or a white blouse are both pieces that I can wear during other seasons. Try to look at your closet and see what you have and then decide what items you may need to add so you have a game plan when going shopping.
How To Style Summer Outfits
Choose lightweight fabrics
Anything too tight or constricting will not only be uncomfortable but will make you sweat more. The heat is already stressful enough, don’t add to the stress by wearing something that you don’t feel comfortable in.
Monochromatic dressing
There is something so simple yet polished about an outfit that is only one color. It could be neutrals or even something vibrant, but a head to toe look of one color is so chic.
Opt for simple
A basic tank and jeans will never go out of style and can easily be styled so many different ways. Invest in some silky camisoles if you want to elevate your simple looks and then add a blazer or chic cardigan if you get cold in the A/C. Additionally, a pair of non-distressed straight leg jeans are a great option to keep the outfit classy and put together.
What To Wear In Summer
White Tee + Jeans
Tee | Jeans | Shoes | Bag | Belt (code: MAREE20) | Sunglasses | Necklace (code: MAREE20)
This is the kind of outfit that relies on accessories to really elevate it but is so easy to wear year after year. A simple white tee is something I purchase every year because I wear them so much throughout the season. Even though it is hot, a good classic pair of straight leg jeans is necessary in every wardrobe.
Tank Dress
Dress | Bag | Belt | Shoes (similar) | Sunglasses
A simple striped tank dress is perfect for summer. You can dress it up or down and it is always in style. Add a neutral belt to break up the stripe pattern and add some clear sandals or simple ballet flats.
Short Sleeve Sweater and Knit Shorts
Sweater | Shorts | Shoes (similar) | Bag (similar) | Sunglasses
The length of these shorts is perfect and are incredibly comfortable to wear during summer. If you just can’t stomach the idea of wearing denim shorts but want something that is still chic yet incredibly soft and forgiving, Varley offers different lengths in their casual shorts so everyone can find a length that fits their needs. This knit is very lightweight and oversized so I reach for it over an over in the summer. I bought it in cream last year and now have it in blue to wear with the matching shorts!
White Blouse + Wide Leg Jeans
Blouse (code: MAREE10) | Jeans | Belt | Shoes | Bag (similar) | Sunglasses | Necklace
Even though it’s super hot and humid during the summer, we do spend a ton of time indoors so it’s important to choose summer outfits that are light enough to wear in the sun but can accommodate the freezing air conditioning temps once inside. These jeans are super stretchy and not constricting so they would work in hot temps while this billowy blouse will give a bit of protection from the sun and not feel too stifling because of its oversized fit.
Tank + Linen Pants
Tank | Pants (similar) | Sandals | Bag (similar) | Sunglasses
Here is a great look with wide leg pants instead of jeans and I love how comfortable they are while still looking dressy. Linen is a tricky fabric because it can become wrinkled as the day goes on so it’s a good idea to ensure the item fits well and try to add some nice accessories which will offset a bit of wrinkled look that will be inevitable. At the end of the day, we still have to live and move around in our clothes so they will show signs of wrinkling and creasing which IS OK! Linen is also incredibly lightweight and comfortable to wear during the summer so I will sacrifice some wrinkles in order to not overheat. LOL
Tank + Wide Leg Jeans
Tank | Jeans | Belt (code: MAREE20) | Sandals | Bag (similar) | Sunglasses
In its truest form, this casual outfit is just jeans and a t-shirt. But adding the right accessories and ensuring your clothing fits well (not too oversized or too tight), a simple jeans/t-shirt look can be dressy. I have actually come to think of a wide leg jeans outfit as more elevated than a look with tighter or more fitted jeans. And even if you don’t want to wear heels, choose a more structured flat sandal over rubber flip flops or athletic sneakers.
Tank + Slip Skirt
Tank | Skirt (similar) | Sweater (similar) | Sandals | Bag | Sunglasses
I wear my slip skirt all four seasons out of the year so for me it is closet staple every season. It’s a classic shape and style that always looks timeless and is one of the most versatile pieces in my wardrobe. I’ve worn my slip skirt with sneakers and a denim jacket, dressed up with a silky camisole and heels or for a casual day out with sandals and a simple tee. It’s one of the easiest items to mix and match with a ton of different things in your closet.
Knit Tank and Linen Pants
Tank | Pants (similar) | Sandals | Bag | Sunglasses
This knit tank and linen pants are perfect for the workplace in the summer. I would invest in a simple black cardigan to leave at your desk to throw on if it gets cold or you can’t wear sleeveless pieces but then remove it when you step back out into the heat.
Bermuda Shorts
Tank | Shorts | Belt (code: MAREE20) | Sandals | Bag | Sunglasses
I have a few pairs of non denim shorts in my closet and often style them for a night out during spring and summer. I prefer a slightly longer style and styling them with a tank top and simple sandals is a great way to make the look work for a night out.
Denim Shorts and a Tank Top
Tank | Shorts | Belt (code: MAREE20) | Sandals (similar) | Bag | Sunglasses
This outfit is all about the accessories. A black tank and denim shorts is a classic combo but there are so many looks you can create by switching up the jewelry, bag and shoes. An outfit like this is a great choice for places that are more casual like a park or even a summer concert. Trying to decide what to wear to a summer concert is never easy but keeping things simple with fun accessories is my preferred look.
Maxi Skirt
Tank | Skirt (similar) | Sandals (similar) | Bag (similar) | Sunglasses
If you are hesitant to wear prints or bright colors in the summer, the easiest way to style them is with something white. This maxi skirt could be a tad difficult to style but opting for a simple white tank makes it easy to throw together. Add a denim jacket for the evening if you want!
Wide Leg Pants and a Tank
Tank | Pants | Shoes | Bag | Sunglasses
I don’t always want to wear shorts or a skirt during the summer, so these flowy lightweight pants are my go-to. I bought a pair last year from H&M for $20 and I am so happy to see that they brought them back for this year. In fact, I ordered two colors and find myself reaching for them when I’m working from home, running errands or want a comfortable pant to go out in.
Printed Mini Dress
Dress (similar – code: MAREE15) | Sandals | Bag (similar) | Sunglasses
This brand makes some of my favorite prints and I own a ton of pieces from them. Summer is such a great time to experiment with colors and prints though I still love to keep my accessories neutral. Keeping the rest of my look subtle (even doing a soft summer makeup look) is my favorite way to style something bold and vibrant.
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