It’s always easy to get dressed in summer because there are less layers to worry about and you can throw on something simple and go. However there is the heat and humidity to contend with so that always threatens to derail my cute summer outfits and make me want to opt for something super casual or a look that I don’t put a ton of thought into. But dressing up is one of my favorite things so I have to find looks that are comfortable to wear in the warm weather and still look classy and polished. I know it seems impossible to look classy when it’s sweltering but I believe that it can be done. I rounded up 10 classy summer outfit ideas that you can wear in the heat of summer.
15 Classy Summer Outfits
Striped Cardigan and Wide Leg Jeans
Striped cardigan – J.Crew | Camisole – Express (similar) | Jeans – Paige (similar) | Shoes – Amazon | Bag – Melie Bianco | Sunglasses – Amazon
I know it seems to crazy to wear jeans in the summer but a wide leg style is much more breathable and comfortable. I personally wear jeans all summer long because I am always freezing inside. And I usually wear camisoles nonstop in the heat but having a chic cardigan to throw on if it’s cold indoors is a great way to add some polish to an outfit. This striped cardigan is absolutely gorgeous and such a classy piece.
White blazer and dressy shorts
Blazer – Abercrombie | Camisole – Abercrombie (similar) | Shorts – Abercrombie | Sandals – Loeffler Randall (similar) | Bag – Melie Bianco (similar) | Sunglasses – Amazon
Shorts are a must have in summer but opt for a longer pair that is either crepe or a dressier fabric. Even when wearing these shorts with a tank and sandals, the entire look is so classy because the shorts have an elevated look to them. Once again I opted for my camisole as the top and threw a white blazer over it for when I go indoors. These shorts are super high waisted so they also would look great with a cropped top without showing too much skin.
Vest and shorts
Vest – Lovers and Friends | Shorts – Abercrombie | Shoes – Tony Bianco | Bag – Amazon
Vests are still trending this summer and I am loving them. I style them like a regular tank top but the fit always adds a bit more interest to the look. These are the same shorts I have on in the picture above – they are so versatile and a summer staple.
Striped Blouse and white jeans
Blouse – Mille (code: MAREE15) | Jeans – Grlfrnd | Sandals – Saint Laurent | Bag – Cult Gaia (similar) | Sunglasses – Amazon
White jeans are one of my most worn types of denim in the summer and I just switch out the top. I’ll reach for a solid color top or one with a print like this but it’s always an easy recipe for a great outfit. This cute striped top adds some detail to the look but I still kept all the accessories neutral.
Crochet sweater and linen pants
Sweater – Abercrombie (similar) | Pants – Abercrombie | Belt – Isabel Marant | Sandals – Raye | Bag – Melie Bianco | Sunglasses – Amazon
This crochet sweater is basically a ventilation system for your summer outfit. It’s the best!!! I wore a simple nude tank underneath but you can style this into fall with a longer sleeve tee underneath. Abercrombie makes my absolute favorite trousers and I have a few pairs because they are so comfortable. This linen pair is perfect for summer and are such a timeless piece to have in your closet. Classy style is also synonymous with timeless and buying pieces that you can wear year and year is a great way to ensure your looks are always chic and polished.
White top and wide leg jeans
Tee – Lovers and Friends | Jeans – Grlfrnd | Shoes – Dolce Vita | Sweater – Mango | Bag – Melie Bianco | Sunglasses – Amazon
These wide leg jeans have been a favorite this summer because they are loose fitting and very stretchy. A simple white tee whether long sleeved or short sleeved will always look chic and stylish. Throw a striped cardigan or sweater over your shoulders to add some texture and print and then throw it on if the air conditioning gets too cold. LOL This is the perfect kind of outfit to transition into fall too.
Matching linen set
Tank – Abercrombie | Pants – Abercrombie | Shoes – Tony Bianco | Bag – Cult Gaia | Sunglasses – Amazon
A matching set always looks put together. Try to find one that has a bit of a drapey fit which will really give an effortlessly polished vibe. Either choose similar tones or an all monochromatic look as I did with this look.
White blouse and linen pants
Top – Mango | Pants – Abercrombie | Shoes – Tony Bianco | Bag – Melie Bianco (similar) | Belt – Mango | Sunglasses – Amazon
When all else fails, a simple white blouse styled with trousers or jeans is always a classy look. It’s timeless and never goes out of style. Grab some statement accessories or keep things understated. If you want to choose some statement accessories, opting for a clear shoe or delicate strappy sandals will help balance out the entire look.
Maxi dress
Dress – Tuckernuck | Bag – Melie Bianco | Sandals – Raye | Sunglasses – Amazon
Dress – Tuckernuck | Bag – Lily & Bean (code: MAREE15) | Sandals – Raye | Sunglasses – Amazon
A maxi dress is one of those items that can often be dressed up or down and these particular ones are gorgeous statement pieces. They are both roomy and flowing which makes them so nice to wear in the heat. Styling them with neutral accessories adds to the refined and polished look of the entire outfit. If a dress is too roomy or blousy, adding a belt creates a beautiful silhouette.
Silky slip skirt and tee
Tee – Abercrombie | Skirt – Abercrombie | Sandals – Saint Laurent | Striped cardigan – J.Crew | Bag – Melie Bianco | Sunglasses – Amazon
Vest – Lovers and Friends | Skirt – Abercrombie | Shoes – Tony Bianco | Bag – Melie Bianco | Sunglasses – Amazon
A slip skirt is always an effortlessly chic item to have in your closet. It’s simplicity is what makes it so classy and here I paired it with a simple short sleeved tee and slides for an elegant summer look and also a vest and strappy sandals. The slip skirt is one that I style all four seasons out of the year – it’s definitely a closet staple.
Denim midi skirt and black tank
Tee – Free People | Skirt – Mango | Belt – Aureum (discount code: MAREE20) | Shoes – Tony Bianco | Bag – Amazon | Sunglasses – Amazon
I bought my first denim midi skirt last year and a second one this year. I love how simple and sleek they look. Styling them is very similar to styling regular denim so I always like to go for basics such as a black tank and strappy sandals.
White Jeans and a Black Vest
Vest – Reformation | Jeans – Grlfrnd | Belt – Mango | Shoes – Tony Bianco | Bag – Melie Bianco (similar) | Sunglasses – Amazon
Another great way to style white jeans for the summer. I love wearing them with a black top and this one has a chic peplum style waist and fits like a vest. So perfect to wear on the weekend and style it for the office under a blazer.
Printed Dress
Dress – Mille (discount code: MAREE15) | Bag – Cult Gaia (similar) | Sandals – Raye | Sunglasses – Amazon
Even though I am a neutral lover through and through, summer makes me want to wear bright prints and colors. I love the fit of this dress and the tie waist makes it so much more flattering.
White tank and a maxi skirt
Tee – Free People | Skirt – Target | Bag – Melie Bianco | Sandals – Raye | Sunglasses – Amazon
If you are hesitant to wear prints or bright colors in the summer, the easiest way to style them is with something white. This maxi skirt could be a tad difficult to style but opting for a simple white tank makes it easy to throw together. Add a denim jacket for the evening if you want!
Wide leg pants and a denim jacket
Tee – Abercrombie | Pants – Abercrombie | Shoes – Schutz | Bag – Melie Bianco | Jacket – Lovers and Friends (similar) | Sunglasses – Amazon
Another great option for summer is going with a monochromatic look head to toe. It always looks classy and polished and is so much easier to put together.
How to Look Classy in the Summer
Choose lightweight fabrics
Anything too tight or constricting will not only be uncomfortable but will make you sweat more. The heat is already stressful enough, don’t add to the stress by wearing something that you don’t feel comfortable in.
Monochromatic dressing
There is something so simple yet polished about an outfit that is only one color. It could be neutrals or even something vibrant, but a head to toe look of one color is so chic.
Opt for simple
A basic tank and jeans will never go out of style and can easily be styled so many different ways. Invest in some silky camisoles if you want to elevate your simple looks and then add a blazer or chic cardigan if you get cold in the A/C. Additionally, a pair of non-distressed straight leg jeans are a great option to keep the outfit classy and put together.
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