- Article published at:
- Article tag: Trending
Summer is a time for road trips, pool parties, and bubbly brunch sessions. No matter what your plans are for this season, it’s important you’re dressed for the heat. The wrong attire in summer can leave you dripping in sweat or, at the opposite end, exposed to skin-damaging sun rays.
In this post, we’ll share some staple summer outfit ideas that are both effortlessly stylish and weather-appropriate. We’ve made sure to accommodate a range of tastes and needs, so you’re sure to find a look that suits your preferences, natural features, and the occasion.
Staying Safe in the Heat
Before we dive deep into our summer outfit ideas, we’ll first touch on some helpful safety advice. Always make sure you are protected from the heat with your summer outfit; this is by far the most important factor to consider when styling your attire.
No matter how effortless you look initially, not protecting yourself from the heat will leave you an uncomfortable, sticky mess, and could even result in uncomfortable sun damage to your skin.
Materials That Work Best for Summer
When you’re battling the heat, you want your outfit to be breathable, lightweight, and not cling to your skin. The material should also help to wick away sweat. With these factors in mind, you’ll want to avoid heat-retaining, thick materials like cashmere and velvet, and instead opt for materials such as linen, cotton, silk, chiffon, and rayon.
Chiffon and silk are particularly great materials for formal occasions as they can give any attire a sophisticated, elegant look.
Must-Have Accessories to Beat the Heat
Accessories aren’t just stylish; the right kinds can help you beat the heat and protect you from the sun’s rays. Shades, dressy sun hats, and UPF jackets are all fabulous options, but be mindful that different occasions may call for different accessories. For example, you wouldn’t attend a formal ball while sporting a pair of sunshades.
No matter what you choose to wear this summer, be sure to pack on the sunscreen, ideally SPF 30 or above. Sunscreen is the easiest (and most reliable) way to protect yourself from the sun. Plus, it also grants you more room for flexibility when styling your outfit — you can reveal more skin without putting yourself at risk of sunburns.
Beach-Ready Summer Outfit Ideas
The outfits below are all great looks for a day out at the beach. Use these as inspiration when putting together your own beach-ready summer outfit:
Floral Dresses
Floral dresses are the pinnacle of summer! They’re playful, naturally bring a befitting light and airy vibe, and can be easily dressed up or down to suit the occasion. Floral dresses come in various styles, so you should have no problem finding an option that reflects your interests and flatters your physique.
Floral dresses with oversized blooms are ideal for catching the eyes of those around you, while floral dresses with subtle, delicate patterns will give you a sophisticated, feminine flair. Consider a floral dress with ruffle embellishments if you want a total showstopping beach look.
Maxi-Length Skirt
A maxi-length, flowy skirt will look absolutely gorgeous when it catches the summer breeze, and you can easily wear it on top of your beach swimwear. Lightweight materials like chiffon typically work best here, but always prioritize your own personal style and preferences. Add dimension with patterns or textures such as ruffles and pleats.
Two Piece (aka Co-ord Set)
As the name suggests, a two piece set is essentially a semi-casual outfit that comes pre-coordinated. The main perk of a co-ord set is that it takes the work out of styling; all you really have to think about is what accessories to pair it with!
Most co-ord sets consist of a cropped bodice with a high-waisted skirt, though there’s a wide array of styles, including unique combos like fitted blazers and pleated pants.
A cropped bodice skirt set, in particular, offers a stylish beach vibe that’s still practical for the sun and sand. Pair with dressy sandals for more formal occasions (like a beach summer wedding).
Summer Outfit Ideas for Special Occasions
Need to pull out all the stops? These outfit ideas are totally glamorous and sure to let you shine brighter than the hot summer sun.
A-Line Ruffled Gown
An A-line ruffled gown is sophisticated, elegant, and a total showstopper. The A-line fit helps to accentuate your natural curves, while the ruffles add dimension and convey confidence and style.
Any gown color can work, provided it complements your natural features, but make sure to opt for lightweight, flowing materials to keep things breathable under the sun.
Jumpsuit
If you’re looking to honor your wild side but still keep things glamorous, a jumpsuit is sure to be your best friend. A jumpsuit defies conventions, has a flair of sophistication, and is still playful enough for the summer vibe. You can also effortlessly pair it with a dressy sun hat.
Sleeveless Blouse
After a sophisticated look that doesn’t sacrifice comfort? Then you really can’t go wrong with a sleeveless fitted blouse. This look is professional, universally flattering, and won’t leave you drenched in sweat. Stick to neutral hues for a classy, timeless look, or opt for bright, bold hues to match the spirited vibe of summer.
Casual Summer Outfit Ideas
For everyday wear, you can’t go wrong with these staple summer outfit ideas:
Cotton crop top and pair of denim jeans
Midi linen dress with sandals for a fun yet flirty vibe
Lightweight blouse with denim shorts; dress up with a denim jacket
Loose wide-leg pants with a neutral-hued tank top
Halter top with jeans and dressy sandals
Graphics t-shirt with linen pants
Striped cotton dress with a woven crossbody bag
Puff-sleeved blouse with white shorts
Denim midi skirt with a comfy sweater and white sneakers
Pleated high-waist pants with a chunky belt and loose-fit top
Since you’re after a casual fit, don’t be afraid to try out bold colors, patterns, and designs. You can also experiment with textures for an eye-catching look, such as pairing a denim jacket with a ruffled skirt or pleated pants.
That said, avoid straying too far out of your comfort zone. When you feel comfortable in what you’re wearing, your confidence will naturally shine through and elevate any look!
Summer Outfit Ideas for Men
Looking for a few summer outfit ideas for men? We have you covered -- each outfit is well-suited to the season and complementary to all kinds of physiques:
A casual, loose-fit t-shirt with neutral-hued shorts
Collared shirt with denim jeans
A smart button top with fitted linen pants
A cream polo with khaki pants
A well-fitted shirt with chinos and slip-on sneakers
A linen jacket with suit pants and loafers
All of these outfits are great options, but be mindful of the occasion that you're dressing for, as well as ways that you want to show your personality. For example, if linen isn't your thing, you can go with other lightweight fabrics in summery colors.
Where Can I Find Summer Attire?
If you're ready to change up your wardrobe for the summer season, you can find plenty of gorgeous, trendy summer attire for sale at your local mall and department stores. For a more sustainable (and budget-friendly) approach, you can also check out vintage boutiques and charity shops.
If you’re shopping for summer attire out of season, your best bet is to shop for options online. Just be sure to read the small print (aka the shop’s return policy) — you want to be able to return the outfit if it doesn’t fit well in person!
Getting Summer Ready
Getting summer ready is all about keeping your outfit effortlessly stylish and weather-appropriate. From stellar jumpsuits to eye-catching floral dresses, there’s sure to be a summer outfit idea above that’ll allow you to feel your best.
When choosing your summer outfit, be mindful of the type of occasion and if there’s a dress code in place. You should also feel comfortable in what you’re wearing and ensure you’re protected from the sun. Pack plenty of sunscreen and consider protective attire like sun hats, UPF jackets, and shades.
Learn More
