Oh the restlessness of mid-summer! We know how it is: you're either pounding the too-hot pavement or locked away in a stuffy office, lustfully picturing a day out-of-doors! While we can't offer you a magic potion to quell your midsummer nightmares—unfortunately—we can offer some sartorial magic that will help quell those frenzied feelings. The solution is simple and stylish: six inspiring ways to wear your summer best, as illustrated by these darling outfit submissions (keep them coming, please!). Whether it's boldly opting for a polka dot jumpsuit, feeding your gypset hunger with an airy summer skirt, or giving your look a wee bit o' zig and zag with a snazzy blazer, these chic snapshots will be sure to quiet any wardrobe woes.
Wood shoes and a print jumpsuit make a great pair.
The presence of wooden clogs on several spring runways—most notably at Chanel—has caused the fashion-forward set to embrace the sturdy-heeled look all season long. While most tastemakers pair these wooden shoes with a delicate dress or cuffed jeans, we were intrigued by the way Maria, 29, from Michigan wears the trend. We adore how she opted for a polka-dot print jumpsuit to go with her open-toe wooden platforms, achieving a sartorially fresh, seventies-inspired look. To recreate her outfit, we recommend pairing Topshop's Tribal Leopard Jumpsuit ($125) with Steve Madden's Averry Platforms ($110) or the Nataliaa Platforms ($110) for an on-trend duo.
A field jacket is the perfect transitional item.
The field jacket is not only a spring and summer necessity, it also serves as a key piece for transitioning between seasons, as Zina, 27, from Barcelona, so deftly demonstrates. The combination of an army green coat with a black mini-skirt, patterned tights, and menswear-inspired shoes adds up to one stylish ensemble that's perfect for cooler climes. To emulate Zina's look, start by reaching for some simple neutral pieces; Bebe's 2b Banded Stripe Skirt ($88) and Steve Madden's Trouser Oxfords ($70) are both perfectly priced options and super-cute to boot. Next, add some pattern to your palette by incorporating Urban Outfitters' Sheer Dot Full Foot Tights ($14) and for extra credit, a printed scarf like Harmony Lane's Safari Print Scarf ($35) or Tory Burch's Animal Scarf ($95) for a more vibrant burst of color. Last, but certainly not least, add an amazing outerwear option—we like Vince's Multi-Pocket Utility Jacket ($395)—to complete your Zina-worthy look.
Maxi skirts are a great warm-weather choice.
While an extended skirt length was certainly a top trend on the fall runways, we were thrilled when Melanie, 24, from Paris, showed us a warm-weather way to wear this silhouette. After all, the roomy style is ideal for a myriad of summer's top activities like road trips, outdoor music festivals, and festive picnics or barbecues! Additionally, we love how Melanie paired her airy brown maxi with a light-wash denim vest and some funky accessories to further personalize her ensemble. In order to get Melanie's go-anywhere summer look, we'd start with a neutral skirt like Acne's Pleated Maxi Skirt ($375)—a great investment as this style is still seriously relevant come fall—or Mossimo's Convertible Maxi Skirt ($22) for a quicker fix. Next, pick up a pale denim vest like Diesel's Myrie Vest ($220) and throw on a statement necklace like Forever 21's Extravagant Cross Necklace ($8.80) and you'll be ready for whatever casual-cool events this season throws your way!
Woven sandals add intrigue to a floral frock.
When the thermometer rises, we find ourselves reaching for simple gypset touches to add charm to our warm-weather ensembles. Accordingly, we were thrilled to find Renee, 19, from Amsterdam, incorporating this very idea into her girly get-up, via her chic choice of footwear. While her outfit may seem straightforward, we appreciate the way her woven sandals lend a decidedly bohemian air to her floral dress. Imitate Renee's effortless approach by first opting for a similar frock; Reformed's Tea Length Dress ($78) or Lucca Couture's Open-Back Sundress ($78) are both darling possibilities. Then add either Frye's Jacey Huaraches ($138) in black or Forever 21's Georgina Huarache Sandals ($19) for that essential finishing touch!
Denim on denim is a fashion-forward combo.
While jeans are a staple in every woman's closet, Emma, 20, from New York City, shows us a fresh take on this essential with her double dose of denim. Perhaps inspired by Chloe's spring runway, Emma mixed a chambray shirt with a cuffed pair of denim cutoffs, resulting in an exceptionally fresh and fashion-forward look. To assemble an equally effortless, mid-hue blue ensemble, start with a classic button-down, like Madewell's Dustbowl Denim Shirt ($88) in Prairie Wash. Then just snatch up the perfect pair of summery shorts; we like J Brand's 1043 Cuffed Shorts ($158) in Neptune or Urban Renewal's Lace Destroyed Denim Shorts ($58), which mimic the vintage vibe of Emma's high-waisted pair.
All-black looks fresh with a striped blazer.
An all-black ensemble in a fashion-forward shape is always a key look for fashionable ladies, but we like how Lena, 21, from Norway, personalized her iteration of this outfit by adding an eye-catching striped blazer. Like the looks seen on Givenchy's spring runway, where designer Riccardo Tisci also paired black-and-white outerwear with a similarly tout-noir base, Lena's version upgrades her monochromatic base and makes it quite current, indeed. To replicate Lena's runway-inspired style we'd start with a great black pant that you'd wear over and over again, like Alexander Wang's High Waisted Pegged Tuxedo Pants ($425), Oak's Black Mottled Double Pleat Stonewashed Pants ($132), or The Row's Jamison Pants ($590). Pair one of these trousers with a fitted, basic tank like Juicy Couture's Burnout Racerback Tank ($48), then finish the look with Asos's Shark Shoulder Longline Blazer ($93) and you'll be on your way out the door in high style!—Liza Kaplan, additional reporting by Natalie Yost and Nicole Shoohed.
As always, our search for new style subjects is ongoing, so don't hesitate to recommend yourself or a friend. Just email us (stylestalker@whowhatwear.com) your name, age, email address, and the best full-length shots that convey your personal style! (Photos must be full-length and will not be considered if blurry or poorly lit.)
