Is it me, or did summer surreptitiously pass us by? I had big plans for this summer (namely, drinking Fanta Lemon in a bikini and shirt), but it's turned out to be a little more of a wash-out than a heatwave. Yes, there were a couple of weeks of sunshine and killer hayfever at beginning of June, but I hadn't factored a grey July into my plans, and after putting all of my cold-weather clothes into storage I find myself with only two options.
One: stubbornly wearing my summer clothes in the wind (and likely, rain), or two: wearing leather jackets and jeans and invariably sweating my way through a sunny afternoon. So, what exactly does one wear in the middle of an unseasonably cold summer? I'm happy to say that I've done the research and come up with some very handy ideas for us all.
The trick here is in clever layering and balancing the right fabrics. When it's a sunny morning there's nothing wrong with reaching for a pretty summer dress, just be sure to grab a cosy cardigan or heavy-duty jacket that you can carry should you need it. Don't fancy shouldering the extra weight? Swap cotton tops for slightly thicker knits so you can confidently forgo your jacket without having to freeze. It really is that simple.
So, if you're looking for summer outfit ideas that toe the line between cute and cosy, keep scrolling. Here are 10 cold summer outfit ideas that'll have you covered, whatever the weather.
1. KNIT TOP + LINEN TROUSERS + SANDALS
Style Notes: Don't pack away your linen trousers quite yet—I'm optimistically manifesting a warm August. Until then, wear them with a sleeveless knit that keeps you warm and lets your skin breathe.
SHOP THE LOOK:
This also comes in a cute lilac shade.
For your laid-back weekend uniform.
Barely-there sandals never go out of style.
2. OVERSIZED SHIRT + JEANS + SANDALS
Style Notes: It was difficult enough facing the prospect of shelving our jeans for an entire season, but thankfully, now we don't have to! Keep them cool with sandals and an airy shirt and you won't have to worry about overheating on your commute.
SHOP THE LOOK:
A true wardrobe staple.
Denim trends may come and go, but straight-leg jeans are forever.
They're a cult classic for a reason.
3. BLAZER + T-SHIRT + MINI SKIRT
Style Notes: Layering up top? Keep it cool on the bottom. And what could be cooler than the bare-leg hero, the mini skirt? You can always take your jacket off should you need to, but the extra layer is handy if those grey skies roll in.
SHOP THE LOOK:
Yes, this really is under £40.
COS is our editors' go-to for quality basics.
Wear now with bare legs and with tights in autumn.
4. ALL BLACK + CAMEL KNIT
Style Notes: Perhaps it's psychological, but there's something about an all-black outfit that feels instantly warmer. Whilst we don't want to go into hibernation mode quite yet, some light layers can be made ready for anything with a shoulder-robed camel knit, and it helps that it looks impossibly chic, too.
SHOP THE LOOK:
Supersoft by name, super soft by nature.
The white tee is a favourite, but black is just as versatile.
Far comfier than jeans.
5. BLAZER + TANK TOP + LINEN SKIRT
Style Notes: You shouldn't be surprised to see the blazer make a second appearance on this list—it is, after all, the ultimate transitional wardrobe wonder. In this case, I'm taking notes from Karina (pictured above) and wearing mine with light linen and open-toe sandals. As soon as it gets a little cooler, I'll just swap out the tank for a long-sleeved top.
SHOP THE LOOK:
The full three-piece suit is a 10/10 but you can easily rewear each piece on its own.
This vest is such a good shape.
You'll want to wear this with everything.
6. CASUAL TOP + TAILORED TROUSERS + RAFFIA BAG + SANDALS
Style Notes: The Breton knits we wore throughout autumn have had a summer makeover and gone sleeveless for the season, and they just so happen to look especially good with wide-leg trousers and heels in the office.
SHOP THE LOOK:
I predict a best seller.
Team Who What Wear UK agrees—H&M's wide-leg trousers are some of the best on the high street.
A raffia bag you'll use every summer.
7. LINEN SHIRT + WHITE TEE + MAXI SKIRT
Style Notes: There's no chance of overheating in linen layers, and should the day get a little bit breezier, a maxi skirt provides enough coverage that you needn't worry about getting too chilly.
SHOP THE LOOK:
Proof that linen isn't just white trousers.
Boden's perfect tee comes in no less than six different colours.
Bravo, Topshop. I want to wear this on repeat.
8. T-SHIRT + WAISTCOAT + TROUSERS + LOAFERS
Style Notes: That waistcoat you bought in spring to wear with jeans is still proving its cost per wear, especially when worn over another top. At the moment, a t-shirt is the perfect short-sleeved option, and I love Diane Kari's playful take on tailoring (pictured above), especially with some sensible loafers.
SHOP THE LOOK:
Such a good colour.
Summer in a t-shirt.
We've all got a pair of black loafers, but these yellow ones are so good for warm weather.
9. SUMMER DRESS + CARDIGAN
Style Notes: Easy, simple, reliable. All it takes is the addition of a fluffy knit to make your favourite summer dress feel a little more practical.
SHOP THE LOOK:
Wear for evening with strappy heels and a cardigan and ballet pumps for daytime.
No one will believe where you managed to find such a cute knit.
Get the designer look without spending four figures.
10. QUILTED JACKET + WHITE DENIM
Style Notes: This could quite possibly be the ultimate transitional outfit. The white denim says "summer" whilst the quilted jacket has one foot in autumn, and depending on the weather on any given day, you could keep the jacket on reserve until the evening when you're going to be glad you have a comfy layer to cover bare arms.
SHOP THE LOOK:
This is already selling like hot cakes, so act fast.
A shape for every body.
Forgotten your umbrella? You can wear these with socks.
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