10 Summer Outfit Formulas to Save for the Next Time You’re Staring at Your Closet

There are few fashion puzzles as difficult to solve as hot weather dressing. When the sun is out and the humidity intensifies, clothing can feel like a burden. Layers and accessories might sound great the rest of the year, but come June, wearing as little as possible starts to take priority.

But alas, even in the sweltering months of summer, there are jobs to clock in to, events to attend, and dress codes to adhere to. That’s where soft colors, breezy fabrics, and thoughtful styling come in, helping you look and feel cool no matter where the season brings you. Linen trousers will take you from the office to the beach. A cotton button-down is the perfect layer to ward off the chill of air conditioning. And a fun mini skirt comes in handy for nights when you just can’t stomach jeans.

From lightweight workwear to park-ready denim, here are 10 hot weather-proof outfits to try this summer.

Deconstruct the Suit

Adhering to office dress codes in the summer is a hard task. Not only is it too hot to wear a suit, but it’s also too cold inside an office to go sleeveless. To solve this equation, try a new version of a suit: a tank top and long denim shorts paired with a lightweight blazer. During your commute, the blazer can come off, avoiding the all-too-uncomfortable morning sweat session. Pair the summer suit with pointed slingback heels in a neutral tone for easy commuting.

Wear Your Swimsuit

You know that old one-piece swimsuit you’ve been saving in your drawer for years? It’s time to take it out of retirement and put it to good sartorial use. It can double up as a bodysuit, especially if it’s in a neutral tone like white, black, or beige. For styling, pair it with wide-leg trousers in the same color and a matching belt for a monochrome take that’s both modern and classic. While gold is the preferred summer metal, reach for silver geometric jewelry—a cuff and bold earrings will suffice—for an updated twist on the season’s ornaments.

A Button Down and a Silk Scarf

A button-down is to summer as a trench coat is to spring and a good turtleneck is to winter. The easy breezy staple is endlessly versatile, whether you’re wearing it with jeans, throwing it on over a bathing suit, or tucking it into a skirt. To elevate the basic, try adding a colorful silk scarf. Tie it around your neck or wear it across your shoulders. Either way, the added texture and color turn a simple outfit into something more interesting.

Capris and a White Tee

For a chic, Audrey Hepburn-inspired outfit that requires no thought, pair classic black capris with a white baby tee. Cat eye sunglasses and black ballet flats complete the look, adding to the air of old world glamour.

A Bright Top and a Breezy Skirt

A neutral, lightweight skirt will take you a long way during the summer, when pants can often feel too stifling. Counterbalance the understated piece with a bold colored top and fun accessories.

A Colorful Blazer

A white top and a pair of white pants make a satisfying summer outfit formula. But adding a brightly colored blazer and a matching bag takes the look to the next level. Butter yellow is undeniably having a moment, and it looks even sunnier against a creamy white backdrop.

A Button Down and a Mini Skirt

An oversized button-down and a glossy mini skirt are an unexpected combination, but that’s what makes this outfit work. It’s both feminine and unfussy, mixing elevated pieces with more laid-back ones. A pair of flip flops or simple sandals adds to the easy-going, model off-duty vibe.

Slip Into a Dress

The slip dress is a trusty staple no matter the season, whether it’s over turtlenecks during fall or with blazers for the spring. Yet, summer brings an interesting question: how do you make a slip dress interesting? A belt is the answer. A maxi slip dress and a thin belt are a top combo for the summer, pairing well with sandals and a raffia bag during the day or heels and a clutch for dinner. For an elevated daytime take, pair a neutral-colored slip dress with a contrasting belt, matching your handbag and sunglasses accordingly. When the temperature starts to drop in September, just add a turtleneck for optimal fall styling.

Go for a Classic

Lana del Rey sings ”Blue jeans/white shirt” for a reason. The classic Americana combo is a staple of summer dressing, whether it’s a T-shirt and cut-off denim or a tank top with oversized jeans. This summer, try the latter option to keep the outfit right on trend. For an elevated twist, reach for a classic white button-down to wear over a tank top, allowing you the versatility of wearing it on and off, depending on the weather. Pair the outfit with a statement handbag to add some personality to this blank canvas, whether it’s a monogram luxury bag or a bright-hued accessory that brings in a pop of color.

Mix Shades of White

Summer is the season for wearing white, but don’t feel like you have to go completely monochrome. Mixing and matching shades of white and cream adds depth and dimension to your look. A billowing white blouse and a pair of cream trousers offer a perfect example.

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