13 Ways to Style a Sundress on Hot Summer Days When Pants Are Out of the Question

Every wardrobe needs a few key dresses, from a classic little black dress to the ever-versatile slip dresses, which can take you from the office to date night and beyond. But come summer, when the clouds part and the days grow warmer, there’s one dress that reigns supreme: the sundress. The lightweight staple is a necessity once the temperatures pass 70. Typically made with breathable fabrics like cotton and linen and flowing, forgiving silhouettes, few garments stand up to sweltering temperatures like the sundress. And besides keeping you cool, sundresses make getting dressed a breeze, as a single choice grants you a complete outfit.

That said, your choice of shoes, jackets, and accessories can tailor a sundress to the occasion. Whether you’re throwing a sundress on over a swimsuit for a beach day, dressing it up for dinner, or adding sneakers to run around town, the summer staple can take you just about anywhere.

Ahead, find 13 ways to take your sundress styling to the next level.

Under a Denim Jacket

While out and about during the day, a sundress can work wonders on its own, but as night falls and temperatures cool, a chic layering piece comes in handy. Denim jackets are just as versatile as a sundress; their soft, tailored look can give your ‘fit a bit of edge and can dress up a simple smock without feeling too formal. Darker washes certainly have a sophisticated look, but for the warmer months, go for lighter-washed options to avoid heating up.

Add Boots

There’s nothing like some unexpected footwear to shake up an otherwise understated outfit. Try pairing your little black dress with knee-high boots for a look that transitions seamlessly from day to night.

With a Cropped Jacket

Adding a tailored jacket instantly dresses up a simple sundress. Classic, elevated accessories like gold hoops and two-tone ballet flats cement the look as effortlessly polished. And if it gets too hot, simply free your arms and drape the jacket around your shoulders.

Over an Airy Pant

Lovely layering is a fresh approach to summer dressing and for those looking for more modest fashions. Although not technically a sundress, a fitted mini dress is transformed from a simple frock to a stylish head-turner when worn with a pair of billowy pants underneath. To instantly elevate and elongate your look, wear this outfit combo with a simple sandal or mule to ground the look.

Cinched With a Belt

A sundress paints a complete picture on its down, but that doesn’t mean you have to forego the details. Wearing a belt is an easy way to add visual interest to any dress and serve as a focal point to your look. If your sundress is on the delicate side, pair it with a bold, wide belt for a harder effect.

With a Button Down

Another piece to layer with a sundress is a crisp button-down shirt. Similar to denim jackets, a button-down shirt can help dress down a boldly printed or intricately designed dress for more casual outings. Be on the lookout for cotton and linen fabrications to keep things airy with your layering. Nothing switches up the shape of a shirt quite like a strategically tied knot. Whether you want to create a cropped, tucked, or draped effect—a simple twist can make all the difference.

Florals Plus a Pop of Color

When it comes to sundresses, images of long, floral dresses come to mind. This light blue dress with top-to-bottom flowers is a classic. Keep accessories neutral and add a pop of color to the shoes to let the flowers shine.

Tips

If you want your sundress to keep you cool, try to look for ones made of breathable materials like cotton, linen, or silk.

With a Coordinated Tote

No outdoor summer OOTD is complete without a trusty tote bag to haul all your soiree supplies. When going about your day in your favorite sundress, carrying a straw tote bag adds a pastoral, practical charm to your look, which certainly beats dragging around a sad shopping bag.

Accessorize With a Hat

The perfect way to top off your sundress outfit is with a haute hat. Not only do they serve the practical purpose of shading you from the summer heat, but hats also provide plenty of stylish panache, especially when worn with a flowy mididress. If you want to look like you’re on a permanent vacation, go for a wide-brimmed or oversized floppy option.

Make It Monochrome

A sundress is already low-effort enough since all you have to do is slip into it. However, if you want to put in minimal effort while still looking good, consider matching your shoes to your dress, as Karrueche Tran does here. Opt for texture shoes to add interest. This may not be a sundress in the traditional sense, but since it’s got a slit and spaghetti straps, it’ll do.

In a Chic Print

Sometimes, simplicity is the way to go when getting dressed for the summer, so seeking out a sundress with a streamlined silhouette is a no-brainer. (Okay, this might not be a sundress exactly, but it’ll count since it’s sleeveless and breathable.) However, just because you go with an unfussy fit doesn’t mean your dress can’t be exciting. Punchy and playful prints launch the simplest of dress silhouettes to new, stylish heights.

With a Trench Coat

For those sunny days that still bring a bit of a breeze, a sundress and leather trench coat combo is perfect. If it gets warmer throughout the day, you’ve got the perfect outfit underneath. To elevate your look without doing much, opt for pieces that have complementary hardware—like the gold buttons on the dress and coat here. This white garment isn’t a traditional sundress, but it still offers the breathability you’d need on warmer days.

Go for Pleats

A plain, solid sundress can sometimes read a bit one-dimensional. The best fix for that? Adding color and texture. This bright sundress is a great example of how much more shape and movement a garment gains with pleats. A coordinating bag and neutral shoes keep the look streamlined.

Read the original article on InStyle