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. LONG-SLEEVED SHIRT + TAILORED 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 long-sleeve linen shirt that keeps you warm and lets your skin breathe.
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This also comes in a cute lilac shade.
Take this from the office to nights out.
Barely-there sandals never go out of style.
2. LOOSE 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.
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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. BUTTON-UP SHIRT + KNIT SKIRT + LOAFERS
Style Notes: On those rainier days when you still want to look chic, swap your sandals out for a pair of loafers. A cotton button-up and knit skirt is a perfect mid-weather combo that will wear well with a classic loafer for when those grey skies roll in.
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WNU is our editors' go-to for quality basics.
Wear now with bare legs and with tights in autumn.
Yes, these really are under £70.
4. LONG-SLEEVE SUMMER DRESS
Style Notes: Perhaps it's psychological, but there's something about a long-sleeve dress that feels instantly warmer and it helps that it looks impossibly chic, too.
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So pretty.
A black bag is a staple, but brown is just as versatile.
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.
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The full 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.
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I predict a best seller.
Team Who What Wear UK agrees—COS' wide-leg trousers are some of the best on the high street.
A raffia bag you'll use every summer.
7. SHIRT + WHITE TEE + MAXI SKIRT
Style Notes: There's no chance of overheating in lightweight 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.
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This shade is so versatile.
Reformation's perfect tee comes in no less than six different colours.
I want to wear this on repeat.
8. LONG-SLEEVE T-SHIRT + TAILORED SHORTS + KNITTED JUMPER + LOAFERS
Style Notes: That knitted jumper you bought in winter to wear with jeans is still proving its cost per wear. This will act a perfect throw-on for your tailored shorts and long-sleeved tee combo when it gets chilly, and I love Danielle's elevated take on tailoring (pictured above), especially with long socks and loafers.
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Such a good basic.
Such a good shape.
The perfect layering piece.
I love the look of socks and loafers.
Loafers are just as good for warm weather as well.
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.
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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. DENIM SHACKET + WHITE TROUSERS
Style Notes: This could quite possibly be the ultimate transitional outfit. The white trousers say "summer" whilst the denim shirt has one foot in autumn, and depending on the weather on any given day, you could keep it on reserve until the evening when you're going to be glad you have a comfy layer to cover bare arms.
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I have a feeling this is going to sell out fast.
A shape for every body.
Forgotten your umbrella? You can wear these with socks.
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