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Start your seasonal shopping list with these trusty outfit formulas.
There are few fashion puzzles as difficult to solve as hot weather styling. When the sun is out and the humidity intensifies, the last thing anyone wants to do is wear a bunch of clothes. A bikini always sounds more appealing than a pair of pants when a Monday morning hits, and the temperature is already at a balmy 80 degrees.
But alas, even in the sweltering months of summer, there are still jobs to clock in to, events to attend, and dress codes to adhere to, no matter the season. That’s when it’s important to get crafty with styling, navigating a balancing act of covering up and shedding layers to create fashion-forward outfits that are still summer-appropriate.
From lightweight workwear to park-ready denim, here are the five hot weather-proof outfits to try this summer.
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.
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.
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Maximize Your Beach Cover-Ups
Who says a cover-up is reserved for the beach? Whether it’s a wrap skirt or a fringed sarong, a beach cover-up can also function as a skirt to battle the heat. For a daytime park outing, pair the cover-up with a sleek tank top and flat sandals, and for nighttime styling, try a button-down shirt and peep-toe heels that make for a festive and elevated take on the summer staple. It’s ideal to pick a beach cover-up that has enough fabric to be tied and still resemble a skirt, but how short or long is entirely up to you.
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.
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.