My Goal Is to Look Expensive This August—7 Stylish Outfits I've Saved For Later
Wondering what to wear in the heat? Keep scrolling to see the seven outfits that chic dressers will be wearing on repeat this August.
As we turn the corner into the last (and arguably hottest) month of summer, 31 lazy, hazy days stand between us and (hopefully) some cooler weather. Having now lost count of the number of times I’ve slipped on a pretty maxi dress and comfy pair of flip-flops, or shrugged on a frog-fastened blouse and denim shorts over the last two months, this August, I've decided to start anew.
After taking stock of the summer wardrobe I’ve worn and loved for work, weekends and everything in between, finding a way to make the same pieces feel fresh again has been a bit of a challenge. As a micro trend enthusiast, I headed to the one place I knew would never fail me—the chic dressers on my social media feed.
Always willing to provide a chic outfit, the content creators on my Instagram didn't disappoint. As a pared-back dresser who will dabble with colour every once in a while, their rotation of classic shapes and stylish accessories instantly piqued my interest. After hours of trawling my social media feed, I was able to narrow down seven easy-to-recreate outfit ideas I’m banking for when I’m in need of a fashionable pick-me-up.
In fact, almost every outfit in my edit below focuses on elegant and elevated elements that feel fresh for summer 2026, whilst still managing to be timeless enough for the anti-trend dressers amongst us. So, if you’re in need of a touch of inspiration when dressing for the month ahead, then you’re in luck. Keep scrolling to see the seven outfits chic dressers (and now me) will be wearing on repeat this August.
7 Failsafe Outfits To Take You Through August
1. Pretty Blouse + Linen Shorts + Ballet Flats
Style Notes: Opting for a blouse in a vivid aqua hue, Nnenna Echem(pictured above) uses classic ballet flats to make relaxed linen shorts feel more stylish than I'd considered possible. I especially appreciate how she’s kept her accessories minimal, allowing her pretty lace trim top to really shine.
Shop the Look:
Shop Nnenna's exact blouse.
Slip on over a bikini if you're going away.
It always surprises me just how affordable M&S's shoe selection is.
Simple, yet oh so stylish.
I was finally able to track down Nnenna's Tom Ford sunnies.
2. T-Shirt + Broderie Anglaise Skirt + Flip Flops
Style Notes: You can never go wrong with white in summer, but to give your look a more transitional spin, style your weather-appropriate broderie maxi skirt and fitted white T-shirt with a contrasting pair of black flip-flops, striped shoulder bag and light jumper (perfect for a chilly office air-con).
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This top also comes in grey, white and blue, black and white and navy.
This looks almost identical to Ingrid Edvinsen's own.
A classic.
How chic would this look on a Greek beach?
A style that you'll be able to through to Autumn.
3. Draped Top + Bermuda Shorts + Peep Toes
Style Notes: Leaning into autumn’s moodier hues, Claire Most (pictured above), slouched white Bermuda shorts are lent a refreshed finish. Matching her draped top to her prim peep-toe heels, their subdued shade really allows her shorts to shine. Who said dark colours can’t work in summer?
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This top would look just a good with a tailored pair of trousers and a loafer in autumn.
A Who What Wear UK editors favourite.
A walkable pair of peep-toes.
Pilgrim makes such good affordable jewellery.
The silver hoop is so back.
4. Fitted T-shirt + Midi Skirt + Kitten Heel Sandals
Style Notes: We’ve loved red and dabbled in aqua, but in August, Marianne Smyth makes a case for vibrant, royal blue [pictured above]. Her leather midi skirt might not feel like the most obvious choice in summer, but add strappy kitten heels and you show enough skin to balance things out. Bonus points if you finish with her signature silver jewellery and a slouchy clutch bag.
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Dopamine-inducing.
Shop Marianne's exact skirt.
I've worn strappy kitten heels all summer and this Massimo Dutti pair are some of the most comfortable about.
Sculptural metal details have been everywhere this summer.
Find me a chicer finishing touch.
5. Long Sleeved T-shirt + Maxi Skirt + Ballet Flats
Style Notes: As a pared-back dresser, this Annabel Rosendahl look [above] instantly tickled my fancy. From her almost-sheer-but-not long-sleeved T-shirt to her striking black split-hem midi skirt, there’s not a single piece in this outfit I don’t simply adore and wouldn't mix and match to wear again.
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Just remember your matching white bra.
Whisper light silk-chiffon.
Wrap-around sunglasses have been all the rage this summer.
If you're in-between sizes I'd always advise you size up in AllSaints footwear.
The bag to know this season.
6. Maxi Dress + Flannel Shirt + Boots
Style Notes: With a number of warner days on the horizon, it's not time to pack away your summer dress just yet. For a refreshed look, take style cues from Tia Dewitt [pictured above] and style yours with a loose flannel around the waist and a structured moto boot come cooler days.
Shop the Look:
Shop Tia's exact dress.
Stay true to size in this flannel as it comes naturally oversized.
A style you'll reach for year after year.
The laces cascading upwards lends a far more playful finish.
7. Kaftan + Strappy Sandals + Woven Bag
Style Notes: Could I really compile a list of chic outfits without including one Debora Rosa (pictured above) look? Casting a powerful silhouette in her sweeping kaftan and dainty toe-loop sandals, the outfit's polish remains unmatched.
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Wooden beaded tote bags have been all over my FYP thanks to Saint Laurent.
A style that never dates.
How sweet are these spiral pearl earrings?
