Before I head out the door in the summer months, I make sure I follow a few essential tips for putting together the perfect summer outfits. Summer style and fashion are one of my favorite things. I love all the breezy dresses, comfy linen shorts and simple tanks.
The sweltering heat and humidity though can 100% make dressing up for summertime a bit of a challenge. I run hot as it is, and the added humidity and sun beating down on you can really make your life miserable. So as the temperature rises, here are my best tips for choosing summer outfits so you can stay cool and look stylish for the season.
8 Tips For Choosing Summer Outfits
Choose Cotton And Breathable Fabrics
This is always the thing that is top of mind for me when I am choosing a summer outfit. Cotton is a breathable fabric and helps to keep you cool and comfortable. The same goes for linen fabric.
Whenever I know I’m going to be outside in the heat, I make sure my whole outfit is made up of cotton or linen no matter what. There are no exceptions to this rule for me.
A few other breathable fabrics that are natural fibers and help you feel comfortable as the temperature rises include chambray, cotton, poplin and linen. Natural fabrics and fibers should be your summer staple, period.
Wear Light Colored Clothing
If you’re wearing an all-black outfit, guess what, it’s absorbing all that heat. Light-colored clothing will reflect the sun instead of absorbing it. Always choose light colors if you’re going to be outside for hours in the sun.
Ditch The Heavy Fabrics
Summer is not the time to wear heavy fabrics like knits or thick denim. While we may think denim is for all year round, come summer you may want to avoid it if you plan on being outside. Sure there may be some thinner denim that would work. But I’d skip the thick heavier denim.
Instead, try chambray shorts or linen trousers or pants. These are lightweight fabrics and breathable.
Choose Loose Fitting Silhouettes
Instead of tight bodycon dresses or fitted jeans or tees, try looser silhouettes. This allows your skin to breathe a bit. Plus, if you are in a humid area and are a bit sweaty, this will reduce sweat marks.
Choose A Dress
When in doubt, just opt for a great summer dress. They are breezy, flowy and allow for optimal airflow. Plus, they are so easy to style. Throw them on and go.
And to pull a few summer fashion tips into one, try flowy dresses that are in breathable fabrics with their looser silhouette. You’ll feel extra cool when the temperatures rise.
Keep The Jewelry At A Minimum
Accessorizing an outfit is always one of my favorite things. I love to layer on the gold jewelry before heading out. But in the summer heat and humidity, having a lot of jewelry on will just make you hotter. All your jewelry will stick to your sticky skin and can even cause skin irritation after prolonged wear.
Keep your jewelry minimal on a hot summer day. Instead, try a bold fun earring for summer instead of a chunky necklace that lays on your skin making you more hot.
Have The Right Accessories
A few favorite warm-weather accessories to complete my outfits always include woven belts and a great wide brim hat. These can easily finish off your look and make it feel more complete.
Topping your look with a hat will also help to keep the sun off your face. This instantly makes you feel a bit cooler. And don’t forget your TopTote hat clip if you’re wearing your hat.
Choose Proper Undergarments
I can’t finish these tips off without mentioning the undergarments for summer outfits. Whatever outfit you choose to wear, having the proper undergarments from a good bra or bralette, or great shapewear shorts for coverage and smoothing, are key to feeling and looking your best.
But again, you’ll want to keep some of these tips in mind. Cotton underwear is always best. And if you do need shapewear, you may want to simply try moisture-wicking biker shorts (I love these from lululemon). And if you can keep your bras light instead of heaving lining or padding, you will feel so much better! I love a simple lace unlined bra or bralette for summer.
Cute Summer Outfits That Feel Timeless And Elevated
Cute Outfits In Shorts
When I think of classic outfit ideas for summer that also keep me cool, it’s cute outfits with shorts. Some of my go to combinations include pairing white linen tops with denim cut offs. Sure denim can be a tad heavy if it’s really hot out. But a loose fitting mom jean paired with a linen top will always be my default for cute summer outfits.
You can also do a cotton or linen short and pair with a flowy cotton blouse. This is the ultimate comfortable summer outfit that is breathable.
Summer Dresses Are Always A Good Idea
This is the perfect time to pull out all the summer dresses. I love a simple summer dress paired with a flat sandal and maybe a woven belt to add something more interesting to it.
One of my favorite looks for a hot summer day is a two piece skirt set. A crop top paired with a skirt, it’s such a good choice for summer. Minimal clothing is key when it’s hot out so why not show off a little extra skin.
I avoid silk, polyester and anything super tight (unless it’s 100% cotton) on super hot days. Instead I’m reaching for cotton, linen and even crochet pieces that allow for optimal breathability.
