Everyone is a little guilty of going into hibernation mode during the winter months (especially those of us who live in cooler climates), but when temps start to heat up, we’re all about finding any excuse to get out and seize the day. Barbecues, bonfires, you name it — we are oh-so there. Whether you plan on spending your precious summer hours lounging seaside or hosting unforgettable backyard soirées, here are seven outfits to help you do it in style.
Kickin’ it seaside or poolside calls for style that is no fuss, but still totally chic. A killer bathing suit is the perfect starting point, and we’re kinda partial to modern, eye-catching numbers (though #throwback styles are on point too!). Pair it with a tunic that can easily transition from the surf and sand to your favorite lunch spot, then add a statement-making straw bag. Sun protection is non-negotiable, so a floppy sun hat that says summer goddess, sleek shades and sunscreen are a must.
J.Crew Sleeveless Tassel Beach Tunic ($50) + Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse OR Dry Oil Shimmer ($39), AAKS Volta Tote ($388), Kassatex Bodrum Beach Towel ($39), O’Neill Arielle Sandals ($44), Supergoop! Acai Fusion SPF 30 Lip Balm ($9), Triangl Swimwear Poppy Bikini ($89), Shiseido Wetforce Ultimate Sun Protection Lotion SPF 50 ($40), San Diego Hat Company Oversized Stripe Sunhat ($44), House of Harlow 1960 Ascension Reversible Hand Chain ($78)
Backyard Barbecue
No summer is complete without at least one barbecue bash. We like a fun, flirty look for this laid-back backyard affair, and a romper and platform sandal pairing totally nails it. A denim topper is a major yes, but take it up one notch with an unexpected kimono silhouette. Get funky with the accessories, mixing in a few fringe-flecked pieces and a pair of on-trend shades to pull the look together.
Zara Gathered-Waist Jumpsuit ($50) + Benefit Cosmetics Chachatint Lip and Cheek Stain ($30), Topshop Moto Quilted Denim Jacket ($125), Modern Citizen Matte Arrow Ring ($20), ASOS Here and Now Heeled Sandals ($81), Tiro Tiro Tela Necklace ($128), Rebecca Minkoff Fringe Mini Mac Cross-Body Bag ($195)
Picnic in the Park
Picnicking in the park calls for something playful with a boho twist. An off-the-shoulder frock is the perfect carefree piece — it was practically made for occasions like this. Pack up all your afternoon-out essentials — we’re thinking retro cat-eye shades, classic red lipstick and a camera — in a structured raffia handbag.
Topshop Striped Bardot Dress ($68) + Anthropologie Veld Raffia Handbag ($128), Bobbi Brown Rich Lip Color in Sweet Nectar ($26), Urban Outfitters Dalia Flower Crown ($20), Lomography La Sardina 35mm Camera ($75), Anne Thomas Faye Ring ($50), Crap Eyewear Diamond Brunch Sunglasses ($56), West Elm Multi-Stripe Picnic Throw ($35), Topshop Fig Cutout Lace-Up Gladiator Sandals ($65)
On a Boat
If sailing (or deck lounging, champagne coupe in hand) is your thing, tap into traditional seafaring style with a Breton-stripe tank and jazzed-up boat shoes. Toss a stylish swimsuit and colorful windbreaker into an incredibly appropriate tote made from vintage sails, so you can tackle whatever the day brings. On the beauty front, beach waves are a definite yes, so give yours a boost with a spritz of salt spray.
J.Crew Nylon Performance Jacket ($268) + T by Alexander Wang Striped Tank Top ($108), Bumble and bumble Surf Infusion Spray ($29), Etnia Barcelona WLA AFRICA04 Sunglasses ($190), Vix Ibi Triangle Top and Bottom ($53 + $55), Sessun Pin Stripe Pleated Shorts ($85), Forever21 Tropical Print Headwrap ($4), Sperry Women’s Authentic Original Python Two-Eye Boat Shoes ($95), Rachel Roy Evil Eye Amulet Bracelet ($8)
Late Night Bonfire
A pair of jeans seems like the obvious choice for a bonfire, but a maxi dress is equally as effective for keeping legs covered while staying big on style. Layer on some warm wool socks, a utility jacket and a scarf when temps start to drop and bring along a few insect repellent wipes (they’re biodegradable and non-toxic!) to keep bugs at bay. Complete the look with turquoise baubles and a sultry cat eye.
Mango Crochet Long Dress ($130), Warehouse Heavy Casual Utility Jacket ($85), Mac Cosmetics Lipstick in On Hold ($16), Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Eyeliner ($20), Baggu Leather Drawstring Bag ($148), Samantha Wills American Dream Earrings ($99), LemLem Classic Lucy Wrap ($125), ASOS Exceptional Cutout Elastic Leather Ankle Boots ($99), La Fresh Insect Repellent Wipes ($20), ASOS Mix Knit Cable Ankle Socks ($7)
Glamping
A mix of casual and luxe(ish) pieces are glamping essentials. Denim should be #1 on your packing list, in both long and leg-bearing options, as should a sassy pair of boots. Stylish toppers like a knit cape and military vest instantly infuse basic pieces with personality and pizazz. Don’t overlook the accessories. Take along a classic fedora, oversized shades and a few pieces of statement jewelry to pull it all together — this is glamping, after all.
Michael Kors Stretch Cotton Vest ($88) + Brixton Messer Fedora ($52), Zara Patched Jeans ($60), Burt’s Bees Pink Grapefruit Facial Cleansing Towels ($6), Longchamp Le Pliage Large Travel Bag ($135), Klorane Dry Shampoo With Oat Milk ($20), Pared Puss + Boots Sunglasses ($250), H&M Long Tank Top ($6), River Island Camel Fine-Knit Fringed Cape ($70), BLK Denim Distressed Cut Off Shorts ($85), Teysha Peace Boots ($200), Karen London Free Bird Necklace ($165)
Staying Fit
Getting active doesn’t mean having to ditch your sartorial sensibilities. Working out, either on the mountain or in the city, can be an exercise in style on its own. If you’re the type that avoids color like the plague, use this opportunity to branch out and play with punchy prints in a spectrum of hues. Balance out bright shorts and watercolor kicks with a neutral — but definitely not boring — tee and windbreaker.
Nike Dri-Fit 3.5″ Modern Tempo Shorts ($45) + Reebok FuryLite Watercolor Running Sneaker ($75), J.Crew Terra New York Sporty Hoody Jacket ($275), 1964 Threads But First Let Me Take A Nap T-Shirt ($36), Summer Bummer Coated Denim Pouch ($50), Coola Sport Continuous Spray SPF 30 ($36), S’well Bottle Clubhouse 17 oz. ($35), Lululemon What’sup Hat ($28), Tory Burch for Fitbit Silicone Printed Bracelet ($38)
What’s on your agenda this summer? What are your favorite warm-weather activities? Tell us in the comments below!
