Controversial take coming at you: Some aspects of summertime aren't so great. A prime example of a pitfall of the warmer weather? The conundrum of choosing an outfit that's chic but comfortable. When the temperature reaches 80 degrees or higher, it can be hard to discern what to wear for any occasion—whether your plans entail going into the office, meeting someone for a first date, or packing for a vacation. Although it's easy to assume that the solution is to rely on those more simple summer pieces (e.g., dresses or linen sets), truly stylish people know that's simply not the case.
Knowing how to make those more practical items feel polished when it's parching hot is a particular skill set, but don't fret—it can be taught. Having a few streamlined styling ideas saved for future reference is the simplest way to ensure you look stylish without breaking a sweat (literally and figuratively). Ahead, you'll find 15 imitable looks for 80-degree weather with styling tips and shopping suggestions. We might not be able to solve all your summertime woes, but you better believe that these elegant ensembles will make getting dressed even for the hottest temperatures easier.
What You'll Need: Oversize Hoops + Black Maxi Dress + Cuff Bracelet + Flat Sandals + Woven Hobo Bag
Styling Notes: When in doubt, a black maxi dress will work for a warm day. If you want to make this more "simple" piece shine, add statement accessories such as oversize hoops, a shoulder bag, and flat sandals.
Silver hoops for summer? Here for it.
Perfect for a chilly day by the coast.
Love this color.
What You'll Need: Kerchief Scarf + Sunglasses + Maxi Shirt Dress + Mesh Ballet Flats + Shoulder Bag
Styling Notes: If the idea of wearing black on a balmy summer day isn't appealing, swap it for a maxi skirt dress. This type of dress is great because it can be styled for a corporate environment or in a more casual manner (like above).
Summer isn't complete without a pair of statement shades.
Easy breezy.
Mesh flats are having a moment.
What You'll Need: Sunglasses + Button-Down Shirt + Shoulder Bag + Denim Skirt + Sandals
Styling Notes: What's another way you can style your trusted button-down shirt this summer? Take inspiration from the look above. You can make this staple feel a bit more sophisticated by pairing it with a white denim skirt, tan sandals, and a two-tone shoulder bag.
You can also style this shirt over a slip dress or swimsuit this summer.
You'll wear this well into the fall.
Consider this your sign that it's time to invest in a pair of cozy sandals.
What You'll Need: Sunglasses + Puff-Sleeve Top + Denim Shorts + Ballet Flats + Raffia Tote Bag
Styling Notes: In addition to the denim skirt, shorts are another staple that will get you through the summer. You can make this item feel a bit more elevated by pairing it with a pretty puff-sleeve top, ballet flats, and a raffia tote bag.
Calling all Bridgerton fans.
The longer hemline on these shorts will ensure you're comfortable in every way.
Our editors can attest to these flats being so comfortable.
What You'll Need: White T-Shirt + White Jeans + Tan Sandals + Raffia Shoulder bag
Styling Notes: An alternative way to make denim more comfortable for the warmer weather (besides opting for a skirt) is to pay attention to the wash of your denim. Opting for lighter colors, such as white, will help your outfit be more weather-friendly.
There's endless ways to wear this baby tee.
Insider tip: baggier jean shapes allow this staple to be a bit more breathable for the warmer temperatures.
Not your typical raffia bag.
What You'll Need: Sunglasses + Earrings + Tote Bag + Black Halter Top + White Maxi Skirt + Black Mesh Flats
Styling Notes: Don't like the idea of wearing denim in the middle of summer? Opt for something a bit breezier instead, such as a white maxi skirt. Pairing this effortless piece with a black halter top, tote bag, and mesh ballet flats can make it even more elegant.
You can shop this top in six other colors.
Simple but stunning.
The sculptural shape of this tote is so sophisticated.
What You'll Need: Sunglasses + Waistcoat + Tank + Maxi Slip Skirt + Sneakers
Styling Notes: Although poplin skirts are a pragmatic option for keeping cool on a hot day, maxi slip skirts are an even better option. The lightweight silk or satin material is ideal for dealing with humidity—style them with other comfortable items to make the skirt even more practical.
Yes, you can wear this to work.
So elegant.
Every summer wardrobe needs a pair of signature kicks.
What You'll Need: Black Sunglasses + White Button-Down Shirt + White Slip Dress + Black Satin Mules + Frame Handbag
Styling Notes: If you prefer slip dresses over skirts, the ensemble above is worth screenshotting. You can make this "simple" staple feel even more sophisticated by styling it with a button-down shirt, satin mules, sunglasses, and a frame handbag.
Main character energy, embodied.
We love a good slip.
These mules look so expensive.
What You'll Need: Shoulder Bag + Satin Bustier Top + Slip Skirt + Strappy Mules
Styling Notes: While slips are certainly a great option for dressing for an 80-degree day, they also work well for nighttime. Whether going on a first date or out with the girls, you can't go wrong with pairing a black slip skirt with a matching bustier top and strappy mule sandals.
Now, here's a top that will make you feel as hot as a summer day.
PSA: Slip skirts are a year-round staple.
The block heel makes these sandals incredibly comfortable.
What You'll Need: Brown Stretchy Headband +Oversize Earrings + Black Tube Top + Black Linen Trousers + Brown Ballet Flats
Styling Notes: Looking for an effortless yet elegant ensemble that can be worn from day to night? Look no further than the above. Linen trousers styled with a tube top, ballet flats, and a stretchy headband will keep you cool on a warm day but still look cool enough to wear into the evening.
Tube tops are timeless.
Meet the perfect pair of linen pants.
Ballet flats are never a bad idea, especially if they come in a beautiful chocolate-brown hue.
What You'll Need: Sunglasses + Neutral Waistcoat + Matching Trousers + Sandals + Tote Bag
Styling Notes: Although pants don't always feel practical for 80-degree days, the key to pulling them off in the summer is to pay attention to textiles. By opting for linen suiting, you'll ensure you look polished and are making a pragmatic choice for an 80-degree day.
Love, love, love.
We love this matching set.
Pair with the matching Hainault Wide Leg Trousers ($116).
These sandals are sure to sell-out soon.
What You'll Need: Black Sunglasses + Boxy White Blazer + White Tank Top + Black Bermuda Shorts + Black Belt + Crochet Ballet Flats
Styling Notes: Can't be bothered to put on pants when it's super hot outside? We get it. The next best option is a pair of pleated shorts, which can be worn in a corporate setting. Style them with a boxy white blazer, tank, and crochet ballet flats, and you'll be the chicest person in your cubicle.
White blazers feel so summer-coded.
You can dress these up or down depending upon your mood.
We're obsessed with this Ukrainian-founded footwear brand.
What You'll Need: Earrings + Draped Top + Pleated Shorts + Clutch Bag + Yellow Slingbacks
Styling Notes: Don't think pleated shorts can be polished? Think again. Pairing this bottom with a draped top, animal-print clutch, and colorful slingbacks can make it the chicest item in your summer wardrobe.
It's a need, not a want.
The draping on this top is divine.
Butter yellow is one of the biggest color trends right now.
What You'll Need: Hoops + Rimless Sunglasses + Tank Top + Hot Pants + Thong Sandals
Styling Notes: When the forecast says it will be an 80-degree day, but the humidity is high, the last thing you want to wear is lots of layers. Luckily, hot pants exist. For those incredibly warm days, a pair of micro shorts paired with a tank top and thong sandals will allow the only hot thing to be your outfit.
She's not a regular tank top; she's a cool tank top.
What You'll Need: Sunglasses + White Minidress + Black Handbag + Slingback Heels
Styling Notes: By now, we've hopefully provided you with ample inspiration for what to wear on an 80-degree day. However, if you're still stumped, opt for the most simple option of all: a white mini-dress. Whether you pair it with slingback pumps or flat sandals, this formula will never fail you.
It's not summer unless you have a pair of black sunglasses!
The pleats make this dress even prettier.
Gucci gets what the girls want.
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