Getting dressed in the summer can be particularly precarious, especially in the sweltering heat of July.
When selecting outfits in July, it’s essential to consider both fashion and functionality.
Ahead stylists and fashion experts give us helpful advice on what to wear in July.
Summer is here with a vengeance. And it’s even harder to dress in a heat wave than in more temperate weather. There’s very little layering that happens during this time, and your most well-planned outfit could quickly end up a wrinkled mess. Your outfits have to mix function and fashion, with a focus on materiality and breathability even if you’re obsessed with wearing trends.
“Focus on versatile staples you can mix and match, and use accessories to bring personality and to elevate simple looks,” says Naina Singla, stylist and fashion expert. “I also encourage clients to take the time to define the kinds of looks they want to create and then invest in the right pieces to build their summer capsule.” There’s no need to go out and buy a bunch of new pieces, in other words: Pull from what you have in your closet and style them in interesting ways, only buying what’s missing in your wardrobe.
For more concrete inspiration for feeling stylish even when it’s super hot, read on.
Summer Black
Surprise! You can still wear darker colors in a heat wave. “If you love wearing black in the fall or winter and want to keep it in your rotation during the summer, pair a black sleeveless cotton knit tank with off-white pleated shorts for a fresh, balanced look,” explains Singla. “Add a black belt with silver hardware to give the outfit a polished touch. Finish with black flat slide sandals, classic black sunglasses, and a raffia bag for a light, summer-y contrast.” In this instance, a black sweater tied around the waist stands in for a belt, and a black shoulder bag keeps the color story going.
Swimwear as a Top
Whether or not you’re actually going on vacation, you can channel the aesthetic by wearing your swimwear as if it were regular clothing. “Make the most of your swimwear by styling it as a top with jean shorts or linen pants: it’s perfect for days by the pool or on vacation,” notes Singla. In this case, a zebra bikini and matching wrap dress work well for a casual dinner or drinks. “Finish the look with a chic summer tote to carry your essentials,” Singla adds.
One and Done Dresses
If this weather makes you feel uninspired, dresses are your best bet. And there’s one for every aesthetic: “Linen, tank, polka dot, gingham, boho, brown: There are so many great dress options for the summer,” says Singla, adding that it’s a perfect piece for a summer capsule. “I love a simple tank dress paired with elevated flip-flops and a wide-brimmed sun hat.” Here, the woven pattern in both hat and bag add some dimension to the sweet and delicate dress pattern.
If florals are your thing, “This summer, countryside-inspired styles are on the rise, with Stitch Fix seeing client requests for ‘Rustic’ pieces up 600 percent since last year,” noted Stitch Fix stylist Jessica Sockel. “Think of this as the next evolution of the ‘Cottagecore’ trend.” Or, if you’d rather something less delicate, “A printed kaftan or embroidered tunic dress is the very definition of ‘vacation chic,'” notes Angela O’Brien, founder and creative director of Cleobella.
All White
White, especially when it’s crisp cotton, keeps you from looking bedraggled in the heat. A tonal look (a top and bottom in the same color) also makes you look taller and more put-together — without putting in a ton of effort. Besides, “white reflects heat to help keep you cool,” adds Singla. If you don’t like a skirt, “pair white shorts with a matching white linen sleeveless vest for an effortlessly chic monochromatic look,” she says.