How to Dress for Summer If You Have Classic Style

As spring gives way to summer, it's time to address the same shift in our wardrobes. I'm seeing so much fun summer style inspiration now that the sun is out in full force, but if your style skews classic it can be harder to find style ideas that resonate this time of year. Dressing for warm months without sacrificing the classics for trendier pieces tends to be tricky, but like any wardrobe conundrum, we're coming in handy with your ultimate guide to classic summer style. If you like clean, structured pieces and timeless silhouettes, pieces that, say, could take you from the beach to brunch, keep listening. A lot of the tank tops, lightweight dresses, and skirts on offer lately tend to be designed with different trends in mind, and while many people are hyped with all these options, I struggle to find the same breezy, summer-friendly clothes that still fit my classic aesthetic.

One of Who What Wear's readers recently shared this same style struggle in our Insiders Facebook group. (If you haven't joined already, what are you waiting for?) "Over the past year I've really developed my personal style," Claudia Anne posted. "I love classic looks like skinny jeans, loafers, and a turtleneck. As spring rolls around, I am at a loss for what to wear. When I search 'classic spring style' on Pinterest, I find the photos to be outdated styles or just not my taste."

We hear you, Claudia, which is why we set out to bring anyone who shares this struggle our guide to classic, summer-friendly staples. Armed with the following eight items, you'll keep cool all summer while staying true to your style.

Relaxed Button-Down Shirt

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(Image credit: @shotfromthestreet)

The seasonless staple especially comes in handy in the warmer months. Tuck yours into jeans or jean shorts, as a swim coverup, or anything in between.

White Jeans

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(Image credit: @tamaramory)

Make the switch from darker washes as soon as summer hits.

Breezy Midi Dress

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(Image credit: @lenafarl)

The one-piece outfit simply never fails.

Simple Bodysuit

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(Image credit: @sabinasocol)

Tanks are great and all, but I love how bodysuits ensure the perfect clean tuck.

Paper-Bag Pants

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(Image credit: @mcristinastyling)

When you want to be realxed, but still polished.

Denim Skirt

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(Image credit: @claire_most)

Denim skirt silhouettes may come and go, but ultimately, the staple piece never wavers.

Neutral Slide Sandals

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(Image credit: @sylviemus_)

Simple, chic, and goes with everything? It's a yes from me.

Cropped Cardigan

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(Image credit: @annelauremais)

The more stylish upgrade from a plain tee.

Now you'll never have to sacrifice your classic style when the temperatures rise.

This was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.

Editor

Anna is an editor on the fashion team at Who What Wear and has been at the company for over five years, having begun her career in the Los Angeles office before relocating to New York, where she's currently based. Having always been passionate about pursuing a career in fashion, she built up her experience interning at the likes of Michael Kors, A.L.C., and College Fashionista before joining the team as a post-graduate assistant editor. Anna has penned a number of interviews with Who What Wear's cover stars over the years, including A-listers Megan Fox, Issa Rae, and Emma Chamberlain. She's earned a reputation for scouting new and emerging brands from across the globe and championing them to our audience of millions. While fashion is her main wheelhouse, Anna led the launch of WWW Travels last year, a new lifestyle vertical that highlights all things travel through a fashion-person lens. She is passionate about shopping vintage, whether it be at a favorite local outpost or an on-the-road discovery, and has amassed a wardrobe full of unique finds. When she's not writing, you can find her shooting street imagery on her film camera, attempting to learn a fourth or fifth language, or planning her next trip across the globe.