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 warmer weather and still look classy and polished. I know it seems impossible to look classy when it’s sweltering but I believe that it can be done. I rounded up 10 classy summer outfit ideas that you can wear in the heat of summer.
10 Classy Summer Outfits
Striped Cardigan and Wide Leg Jeans
Striped cardigan – J.Crew | Camisole – Express | Jeans – Paige | Shoes – Amazon | Bag – Melie Bianco | Sunglasses – Amazon
I know it seems to crazy to wear jeans in the summer but a wide leg style is much more breathable and comfortable. I personally wear jeans all summer long because I am always freezing inside. And I usually wear camisoles nonstop in the heat but having a chic cardigan to throw on if it’s cold indoors is a great way to add some polish to an outfit. This striped cardigan is absolutely gorgeous and such a classy piece.
White blazer and dressy shorts
Blazer – Abercrombie | Camisole – Abercrombie (similar) | Shorts – Abercrombie | Sandals – Loeffler Randall (similar) | Bag – Melie Bianco | Sunglasses – Amazon
Shorts are a must have in summer but opt for a longer pair that is either crepe or a dressier fabric. Even when wearing these shorts with a tank and sandals, the entire look is so classy because the shorts have an elevated look to them. Once again I opted for my camisole as the top and threw a white blazer over it for when I go indoors. These shorts are super high waisted so they also would look great with a cropped top without showing too much skin.
Statement tops and shorts
Top – Express | Shorts – Mango | Shoes – Loeffler Randall (similar) | Bag – Melie Bianco | Sunglasses – Amazon
Statement tops ARE the outfit and can easily pull a look together. Let them stand out and pair with a solid and classic bottom. I styled this Farm Rio top with white jeans as another example allowing the top to be the focal point of the entire look.
White tank and straight leg jeans
Cardigan – J.Crew | Tank – Target | Jeans – Agolde | Sandals – LPA (similar) | Bag – Melie Bianco | Sunglasses – Amazon
Yes this is the same cardigan as I shared in a previous look but in a different colorway. It is THAT good. LOL Simple outfits can often be the classiest so you can never go wrong with a basic white tank and non-distressed straight leg jeans. It looks polished and put together and the accessories or cardigan/blazer you add over top can create a variety of looks.
Crochet sweater and linen pants
Sweater – Abercrombie | Pants – Abercrombie | Belt – Isabel Marant | Sandals – LPA (similar) | Bag – Melie Bianco | Sunglasses – Amazon
This crochet sweater is basically a ventilation system for your summer outfit. It’s the best!!! I wore a simple nude tank underneath but you can style this into fall with a longer sleeve tee underneath. Abercrombie makes my absolute favorite trousers and I have a few pairs because they are so comfortable. This linen pair is perfect for summer and are such a timeless piece to have in your closet. Classy style is also synonymous with timeless and buying pieces that you can wear year and year is a great way to ensure your looks are always chic and polished.
Wrap top and wide leg jeans
Bodysuit – Good American | Jeans – Paige | Shoes – Schutz
These wide leg jeans have been a favorite this summer because they are loose fitting and very stretchy. This silky wrap bodysuit is lightweight enough to wear now but can easily be transitioned into fall. There is a stitch in the front so the wrap stays closed and the fit is so flattering.
Matching linen set
Tank – Target | Pants – Target | Sandals – Jeffrey Campbell | Bag – Cult Gaia (similar)| Sunglasses – Amazon
A matching set always looks put together and find one that has a bit of a drapey fit will really give an effortlessly polished vibe. Either choose similar tones as with this outfit or an all monochromatic look.
White blouse and linen pants
Top – H&M (similar) | Pants – Abercrombie | Shoes – Schutz | Bag – Melie Bianco
When all else fails, a simple white blouse styled with trousers or jeans is always a classy look. It’s timeless and never goes out of style. Grab some statement accessories or keep things understated. If you want to choose some statement accessories, opting for a clear shoe will help balance out the entire look.
Maxi dress
Dress – Anthropologie | Belt – Isabel Marant | Sandals – Schutz | Bag – Cult Gaia
A maxi dress is one of those items that can often be dressed up or down and this particular one is a gorgeous statement piece. It’s very roomy and flowing which makes it so nice to wear in the heat. Styling it with neutral accessories adds to the refined and polished look of the entire outfit. If a dress is too roomy or blousy, adding a belt creates a beautiful silhouette.
Silky slip skirt and tee
Tee – Abercrombie | Skirt – Abercrombie | Cardigan – J.Crew | Sandals – Saint Laurent | Bag – Melie Bianco | Sunglasses – Amazon
A slip skirt is always an effortlessly chic item to have in your closet. It’s simplicity is what makes it so classy and here I paired it with a simple short sleeved tee and slides for an elegant summer look. The monochromatic look of the outfit is perfect on its own but I found adding the striped cardigan over my shoulders made the look a bit more interesting. Though these Saint Laurent slides were a splurge, they have become one of my most worn sandals every summer. They are very comfortable yet immediately elevate an outfit.
How to Look Classy in the Summer
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.
Shirt – Caslon (
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