3 Summer Outfit Formulas to Keep Things Interesting

Are you tired of your summer clothes yet?

The other day I was doing some brainstorming about how to keep my summer looks interesting, without actually buying anything. I’m at the point in the season where, if I want more wardrobe options, it feels too late in the season to make purchases (I’d rather wait till next summer). But it’s not actually cool enough to stop wearing summer outfits.

The solution: identifying three warm-weather outfit combinations I could be better utilizing.

3 SUMMER OUTFIT FORMULAS – (for when you need a shakeup)

1  //  The shorts and long-sleeve combo.

This is a chic combo that I always forget. I am very practical-minded when it comes to style, and I think that’s why. Wearing a long sleeve top in the heat never makes sense to me. However, a loose-fitting, long-sleeved top can actually keep you cooler than the fitted cotton tanks I usually opt for. The extra fabric keeps the sun off your skin, and the loose fit promotes a lot more airflow.

The key to making this work: the top should be a lightweight, thin fabric, or a really breezy fabric like linen. The baggier, the better. Roll or tuck as needed.

OUTFIT 1 DETAILS: Jane Blouse (M), Dôen (love this option too!) | Clyde Work Short (6) in Linen, Elizabeth Suzann, SS17 | Wedge Clogs (41), No.6

OUTFIT 2 DETAILS: Shirt, Men’s J.Crew, retired from my husband’s closet (similar) | cut offs, from thrifted Levi’s (similar) | Huaraches (9.5), Nisolo | Hat, Brookes Boswell

2  //  The sporty-meets-girly combo.

I only seem to build an outfit like this out of necessity (i.e. it’s hot, and I need a hat, or I need walking shoes). However, when experimented with, I think it’s super cute. In fact, I would love to pair this skirt with white high top sneakers (on my list for FW), just to take it up another notch. The bottom line here is contrast. Merging opposite elements makes things interesting, and slightly less expected.

The key to making this work: function. Even though you’re merging contrasting elements of sporty and girly, it still has to ‘make sense.’ Heels with a baseball cap might feel ‘off’ or athletic trainers might not pair as well as Converse with a dress.

OUTFIT 1 DETAILS: Striped Tank (M), Everlane | Painter Skirt, c/o HDH, sold out (similar in wide leg pants) | Sneakers (41), Veja | Classic Shoulder Bag, Cuyana

OUTFIT 2 DETAILS: Basic Shift Dress (M) (30% off right now!), Hackwith Design House | Sneakers (41), Veja | Baseball Cap, Everlane | Backpack, c/o Everlane (sold out, sporty option)

3  // Layer with jewelry instead of clothes.

Admittedly, this isn’t exactly an outfit formula, but rather a styling mentality. I have employed this one a few times over the summer, especially on hot days when I don’t want to totally ‘give up.’ Here I’ve layered three dainty necklaces, but I love mixing a long necklace with a short one too.

The key to making this work: embrace the jumble. I used to get so bothered by tangled necklaces and turned lobster claws. And then one day I just decided not to worry about it any more. A bit of tangle is part of the charm. It looks less ‘perfect’ and less staged too.

NECKLACES: 1, Anniversary gift from husband. 2, Hyalite Necklace, c/o Rebecca Mir Grady. 3, Initial Necklace, Nashelle

How is your summer wardrobe holding up? What are you doing to keep things interesting and fresh each week when you get dressed?