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 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 (I can't believe I'm saying this), 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-clasp blouse and denim shorts over the past two months, 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. So, as a microtrend enthusiast, I headed to the one place I knew would never fail me: the chic dressers on my social media feed.
Always serving up great looks, my go-to fashion content creators didn't disappoint. As a pared-back dresser who will dabble with colour every once in a while, I found an excellent selection of classic shapes and stylish accessories that instantly piqued my interest. I narrowed down my favourites to seven easy-to-re-create outfit ideas I’m banking for a fashionable August pick-me-up.
In fact, almost every outfit in my edit below focuses on elegant, elevated elements that feel fresh for summer 2026 and are still timeless enough for the anti-trend dressers amongst us. So, if you too need a touch of inspiration for 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 Fail-Safe 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 shoes are.
Simple, stylish and versatile.
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, a striped shoulder bag and a light jumper (perfect for office air-con).
Shop the Look:
This top also comes in grey, white and blue, black and white and navy.
This looks almost identical to Ingrid Edvinsen's own (pictured above).
A classic.
How chic would this look on a Greek beach?
This will take you through autumn too.
3. Draped Top + Bermuda Shorts + Peep-Toes
Style Notes: Bringing in some moodier hues, Claire Most shows us how to refresh relaxed white Bermuda shorts. Matching her draped top to her sleek peep-toe heels, the subdued shade really allows her shorts to shine. Who said dark colours can’t work in summer?
Shop the Look:
This top would look just as good with a pair of tailored trousers and loafers in autumn.
A Who What Wear UK editor 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 here, Marianne Smyth makes a case for vibrant royal blue. Her leather midi skirt might not feel like the most obvious choice for 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.
Shop the Look:
Dopamine-inducing.
Shop Marianne's exact skirt.
I've worn strappy kitten heels all summer, and this Massimo Dutti pair is one of the most comfortable.
Sculptural metal details are everywhere this season.
Find me a chicer finishing touch.
5. Long Sleeved T-Shirt + Maxi Skirt + Ballet Flats
Style Notes: As somewhat of a minimalist dresser, this look from Annabel Rosendahl instantly tickled my fancy. From her almost-sheer 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.
Shop the Look:
Just remember your nude bra.
Made from whisper-light silk-chiffon.
Wrap-around sunglasses aren't my thing, but they might be yours.
If you're between sizes, I'd always advise you to size up in Allsaints footwear.
The bag to know this season.
6. Maxi Dress + Flannel Shirt + Boots
Style Notes: We've still got more hot days on the horizon, so it's not time to pack away your summer dresses just yet. For a refreshed look, take style cues from Tia Dewitt and style yours with a loose flannel around the waist and a structured moto boot for cooler days.
Shop the Look:
Shop Tia's exact dress.
Stay true to size in this flannel, as it's naturally oversized.
A style you'll reach for year after year.
The laces cascading upwards lends a far more playful finish.
Update your everyday ring stack.
7. Kaftan + Strappy Sandals + Woven Bag
Style Notes: Could I really compile a list of chic outfits without including one from Debora Rosa? Casting a powerful silhouette in her sweeping kaftan and dainty toe-loop sandals, the look is so simple yet polished.
Shop the Look:
Unbutton for a V neck.
The definition of an elevated sandal.
Wood-bead tote bags have been all over my FYP thanks to Saint Laurent.
A style that never dates.
How sweet are these spiral pearl earrings?
