“Easy, breezy summer style.” You’ve heard that phrase tossed around a bit, right? How about, “summertime and the living is easy”? (I think that one is a song.) It sounds like the operative word for summer is ‘easy’. But for a lot of people, getting dressed in summer isn’t all that easy.
You may be like me and fall is your favorite season for style. Fall dressing is all about coziness and piling on the layers. And it just seems simpler to create complete and stylish outfits when you’re working with more pieces. But in summer, you’re wearing fewer items. Which means that each thing you choose to wear is crucial in making your outfit feel interesting and polished. And don’t forget comfortable – especially if your summer is anything from kind of hot to darn sweltering.
So, here’s what I’ve pulled together. 5 simple, no-brainer summer outfits that are the epitome of ‘easy breezy’. And remember – these are just examples. You can take the same concepts and create a bunch of different looks that will make you feel stylish all summer long.
PRINT DRESS + NUDE SHOES
Like I said – when you’re wearing fewer clothes, the clothes you do wear need to pack a style punch. And nothing packs an easy punch more than an eye-catching print. Which is why a print dress is one of the easiest outfits you can wear in summer.
The print really does all the work for the outfit – so all you need is a pair of nude shoes (flats, sandals or mules – your choice). Just add jewelry and sunglasses and you’re set for any outdoor party.
STYLE TIP: If you don’t have nude shoes in your closet, put them at the top of your shopping list. They work anytime you’re wearing a skirt or dress, because they always match your skin tone. Not to mention how they lengthen your legs. If you want to see which other shoes you need in your closet, click here.
Dress by Alice + Olivia. Shoes by Jeffrey Campbell. Earrings by Karine Sultan. Sunglasses by Warby Parker.
DENIM JACKET + PRINT SKIRT
Why would you need a denim jacket in the summer? Two words: air conditioning. A denim jacket is that toss-in-the-back seat, wear-with-anything layer that is essentially a style lifesaver. And it makes a super cute outfit with a print skirt, white t-shirt and sneakers.
STYLE TIP: A denim jacket isn’t just your off-duty essential. It works with a ton of different outfits. Tap here to see a bunch of denim jacket outfits I’ve created for clients over the years.
Denim jacket, t-shirt and print skirt by Madewell. Sneakers by Converse.
POP COLOR TOP + WHITE JEANS
One of the most straightforward ways to create an impactful outfit (without trying too hard) is with color. So, why not pair a bright top with white jeans for never-fail summer style? Your outfit is basically done – just throw on a neutral shoe and a piece of jewelry with presence and you’re ready for work or whatever.
STYLE TIP: Many of my clients were hesitant to wear color, partially because of some preconceived notions about what works with what. Read this for a handful of color myths that you don’t need to abide by anymore.
Blouse by Gibsonlook. Jeans by Rag & Bone. Bracelet by Deepa Gurnani. Mules by Steve Madden.
EMBELLISHED WHITE SHIRT + SHORTS
Your summer wardrobe may not be complete without a white shirt. But don’t get stuck in the idea that you need a basic white button-down. Firstly – that may not be your style. And secondly – it’s not an easy fit for many women.
So, instead of the basic white shirt, try one with a little embellishment – lace, eyelet, trims or something else that takes it a step beyond ordinary. And then for weekend running around, just add shorts, metallic sandals and a big pair of sunglasses.
STYLE TIP: Metallic sandals are another summer wardrobe workhorse. Why? Because they go with everything. Click here to see why they’re on my list of the 5 things you need in your closet this summer.
Shirt by Rails. Shorts by Wit & Wisdom. Metallic sandals by Seychelles. Sunglasses by Warby Parker.
WHITE BLAZER + JEANS
If you’re looking for one thing that can upgrade a basic summer outfit, it’s a white blazer. If you’re looking for the item to toss over most any summer dress (that isn’t just a cardigan), it’s a white blazer. And it’s also a style that adds instant polish to a t-shirt and jeans. Just grab a pair of print flats and prepare to get admiring stares.
You may be thinking, “where can I wear this outfit?” And I’ll respond with, “where can’t you wear this outfit?” A business casual office. An impromptu date night. Brunch with the girls.
STYLE TIP: If you’re not sure that you’re a white blazer person, you can always switch up this look with a black blazer and white t-shirt. But before you write off white blazers completely, read this article first.
Blazer by Alice + Olivia. T-shirt by ATM. Jeans by Reiss. Mules by Vince Camuto.
Which of these outfits is your favorite? Let me know in the comments.
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