12 Outfit Combos I’m Wearing to Stay Fresh and Fashionable in the Heat of July

The Gist

• Getting dressed in the summer can be particularly precarious, especially in the sweltering heat of July.

• When selecting outfits in July, it’s essential to consider both fashion and functionality.

• Ahead stylists and fashion experts give us helpful advice on what to wear in July.

Summer is here with a vengeance. And it’s even harder to dress in a heat wave than in more temperate weather. There’s very little layering that happens during this time, and your most well-planned outfit could quickly end up a wrinkled mess. Your outfits have to mix function and fashion, with a focus on materiality and breathability even if you’re obsessed with wearing trends.

“Focus on versatile staples you can mix and match, and use accessories to bring personality and to elevate simple looks,” says Naina Singla, stylist and fashion expert. “I also encourage clients to take the time to define the kinds of looks they want to create and then invest in the right pieces to build their summer capsule.” There’s no need to go out and buy a bunch of new pieces, in other words: Pull from what you have in your closet and style them in interesting ways, only buying what’s missing in your wardrobe.

For more concrete inspiration for feeling stylish even when it’s super hot, read on.

Summer Black

Surprise! You can still wear darker colors in a heat wave. “If you love wearing black in the fall or winter and want to keep it in your rotation during the summer, pair a black sleeveless cotton knit tank with off-white pleated shorts for a fresh, balanced look,” explains Singla. “Add a black belt with silver hardware to give the outfit a polished touch. Finish with black flat slide sandals, classic black sunglasses, and a raffia bag for a light, summer-y contrast.” In this instance, a black sweater tied around the waist stands in for a belt, and a black shoulder bag keeps the color story going.

Swimwear as a Top

Whether or not you’re actually going on vacation, you can channel the aesthetic by wearing your swimwear as if it were regular clothing. “Make the most of your swimwear by styling it as a top with jean shorts or linen pants: it’s perfect for days by the pool or on vacation,” notes Singla. In this case, a zebra bikini and matching wrap dress work well for a casual dinner or drinks. “Finish the look with a chic summer tote to carry your essentials,” Singla adds.

Tips

This tip doesn’t just work for bikini tops. If you’ve got a one-piece you love, wear it as a bodysuit. As a matter of fact, full-coverage swimsuits often function as great tops because of the substantial lining and flattering fabric.

One and Done Dresses

If this weather makes you feel uninspired, dresses are your best bet. And there’s one for every aesthetic: “Linen, tank, polka dot, gingham, boho, brown: There are so many great dress options for the summer,” says Singla, adding that it’s a perfect piece for a summer capsule. “I love a simple tank dress paired with elevated flip-flops and a wide-brimmed sun hat.” Here, the woven pattern in both hat and bag add some dimension to the sweet and delicate dress pattern.

If florals are your thing, “This summer, countryside-inspired styles are on the rise, with Stitch Fix seeing client requests for ‘Rustic’ pieces up 600 percent since last year,” noted Stitch Fix stylist Jessica Sockel. “Think of this as the next evolution of the ‘Cottagecore’ trend.” Or, if you’d rather something less delicate, “A printed kaftan or embroidered tunic dress is the very definition of ‘vacation chic,'” notes Angela O’Brien, founder and creative director of Cleobella.

All White

White, especially when it’s crisp cotton, keeps you from looking bedraggled in the heat. A tonal look (a top and bottom in the same color) also makes you look taller and more put-together — without putting in a ton of effort. Besides, “white reflects heat to help keep you cool,” adds Singla. If you don’t like a skirt, “pair white shorts with a matching white linen sleeveless vest for an effortlessly chic monochromatic look,” she says.

Modern Accessories

If your outfit is missing a certain something, a surefire way to add depth is through accessories. “Start with simple basics,” explains Singla. “Then incorporate this season’s hottest trends such as jelly sandals, long statement pendant necklaces, or scarves tied around the waist.” In this case, a simple tee and gray pinstripe trousers get a dose of cool with that oversized heart pendant.

Circle and Bubble Hems

“I love a full bubble or circle skirt paired with a simple tank,” says Singla. A bubble hem’s voluminous, pillow-y shape is very on trend at the moment, and it adds a cool shape to dresses like this. “Circle skirts, both long and short, are also having a moment and bring movement and femininity to your look,” says Singla. If a bubble hem is too much for you, a circle skirt makes a softer a-line shape that’s a bit less dramatic.

Linen on Top and Bottom

In case you missed it, when you’re dealing with hot weather, “it’s so important to pay attention to the fabrics we put on our skin. Linen not only feels great, but it’s a natural fiber that’s breathable on those hot summer days,” says O’Brien. If you don’t like the fabric because of its propensity to wrinkle, go for a cotton-linen blend or choose a heavier weight. “Opt for wide, loose-fitting linen pants in a neutral shade and pair them with a simple tank for a fresh, relaxed vibe. Layer an unbuttoned linen shirt over the tank for a more put together look,” says Singla. Or go all the way and get a matching linen suit for the office.

Tips

Iron or steam your clothes after you wash them and before you put them away. That way, they’ll be ready to go the second you need them.

Matching

“I love a good set! It makes you feel instantly put together,” notes O’Brien. You could go with a crop top and matching skirt, an embroidered blouse with paper-bag shorts, or even a smocked top and midi like this. “Smocking can add softness and structure to an otherwise minimal silhouette, creating a more tailored look,” O’Brien adds. You can pair a matching set together and use the pieces separately, she adds, so there’s “endless styling potential.”

Nice Flip-Flops

First of all: a moment of appreciation for this Zara dress in trendy oversized polka dots. But of course, those cute kitten-heel flip flops are a nice way to bring in some minimalism to balance the dress’ maximalism. The key is to select a chic pair. “Opt for sleek kitten heels or platform styles over rubber thong sandals,” says Sockel. “Stick to neutral tones and pair them with elevated staples: a satin slip skirt, a sharp blazer, or a head-to-toe monochrome moment to elevate the look.”

Crochet All Day

“Crochet is it this summer,” says O’Brien. The soft knit adds gorgeous texture to any outfit, but its breathability makes it a must-have in summer. Opt for a light color, like this, and use it as a semi-sheer top. “Channel texture over layering,” O’Brien adds. “A hand-crocheted top paired with high-waisted, wide-leg pants brings structure and airiness in equal parts. Add a hand-beaded necklace or woven earrings for a touch of the unexpected.” As an alternative to pants, a satin skirt like this is just as chic.

(Very) Light Layers

Even with high temps outside, “office air conditioning continues to blast at Arctic levels, making July feel like what TikTok has dubbed ‘Women’s Winter,'” explains Sockel. So even though the last thing you’re thinking about is an outer layer, there are some soft, light pieces that’ll work over your base. “Think of your outfit like a sandwich: outer layers like light trousers and an oversized sweater or jacket provide office insulation, while the center sleeveless or short-sleeve base keeps you comfortable to and from work,” Sockel adds.

Retro Inspiration

“Night-out looks in July are all about embracing the ‘Newstalgia’ trend, giving retro-inspired styles a modern twist,” says Sockel, citing that Stitch Fix stylists have seen increased requests for 1990s-inspired mesh tops and cherry-adorned pieces as well as 1970s-era crochet pieces and flatforms. This particular outfit pulls from some 2000s and 2010s trends, including the dress over pants, big bag in a vivid color, and cami dress straps. But the key is to add modern touches (as we see here in the sheer pants) and keep the fabrics breathable. “It’s all about standout pieces that allow for movement and ventilation, so you don’t have to break a sweat on the dance floor,” says Sockel.

Read the original article on InStyle