5 Summer Outfit Formulas that Are Cool + Comfortable but Also Classy + Chic

Yes, it’s officially summer. And the heat is on. So reality has hit and we’ve realized we can’t layer the way we did in the spring to create those classy, chic outfits. Our combinations need to be more simple, but we still want to look smart. So today I’m sharing 5 summer outfit formulas that will help you feel cool and comfortable while still looking classy and chic.

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Of course my readers literally live all over the world. So the climates we live in are as different as our favorite ice cream flavors. I do have outfit ideas that include minimal layering, but I’m also sharing the secrets that keep those combination cool and comfortable.

I’m sharing photos I’ve already used in other content here at Dressed for My Day. So if you’d like to know more about a specific outfit, just click through the link below the photo and you’ll open the designated blog post. To shop the looks, click through the word links (they should be highlighted, but sometimes they’re not) in the captions of the photo. And I do have a shopping widget at the bottom of the post with most items in it, too.

Summer Outfit Formula 1 – The One and Done

Nothing is more simple than a one and done outfit for summer. This summer outfit formula is one you can work to suit your personal style and in a way that works best for your body shape and proportions.

An easy-breezy cotton blend dress like the one above is appropriate for even the most casual summer day. If you enjoy wearing dresses like this one or even shorter options, I highly recommend that you wear a Thigh Society slip short underneath. Choose the length that seems right for you; I like the 7″ myself. Also, I prefer the “cooling shorts,” but they come in original and cotton, too. And for reference, I wear a size M/L.

When it’s time to dress up a bit, whether it’s for the office, a meeting, church or a funeral, I suggest you still keep the one and done simple. That’s why it’s so important to have a simple, lightweight, but classy dress on hand during the hot months. The J.McLaughlin dress is fuss-free and cool to the touch. It runs true to size and also comes in white and off white/tan.

I get so many compliments on the sleeveless, lightweight dress above. Made in Jude cloth, this dress feels silky soft and cool to the touch, but it’s also wrinkle-free, stretchy, comfortable, and low-maintenance. This dress runs true to size and comes in other pretty colors, too.

For sleeveless dresses like this one you’ll want a racer back bra like this adjustable one or this one, my two personal favorites. When you’re wearing a one and done outfit, details matter all the more. So keep your look classy by wearing the right undergarments.

You can also work the one and done summer outfit formula with a jumpsuit. You’ll find options that are dressier for weddings and date nights. But for a casual day or outing, this Spanx denim barrel leg jumpsuit in their SPANXsupersmooth^® Authentic 360 Lightweight denim will help you look stylish and youthful while still feeling confident and cool. I’m wearing the regular, but it comes in petite and tall sizes, too.

Summer Outfit Formula 2 – Skirt + Tee

There are certainly other ways to wear a skirt, but during the summer I recommend keeping it simple with an easy t-shirt. For a summer outfit formula that you’ll reach for over and over, consider the classic skirt + tee.

I suggest stocking your closet with a few easy, simple and feminine skirts in cotton or linen for the easiest wear this summer. For the easiest styling, I recommend skirt with minimal “puffiness” at the waistband. Those gathers and tucks at the waist look fun on the hanger (or the super slim gals), but when you go to put them on they will definitely complicate things.

That doesn’t mean your skirts can’t have any fullness at the waist. Just look for ones that have subtle gathers so that the waistband lays flat against your body as much as possible. When it comes to length, that completely depends on your preferences and what looks best on your body. Some women over 50 still have great legs and should definitely show them off. Others may prefer to draw the focus away from their legs. You do you. Just keep that top close to the body so that your waist is defined at least a little. For more tips on wearing skirts this summer, check out my recent YouTube video.

Summer Outfit Formula 3 – Matching Lightweight Pants + Jacket

Just because it’s hot as blazes outside doesn’t mean we have to forsake our matching sets that include jackets. Instead, just keep those layers light and easy. That means you’ll want to choose lightweight, natural fiber fabrics when possible. And I like to keep my top untucked if at all possible.

We have to layer even more strategically in the summer. The base top that you knew would never see the light of day in the spring may need to stand alone in the summer heat. So make sure you wear a tee or shirt or tank you don’t mind wearing without the jacket.

In all of the looks I’m showing here with this particular summer outfit formula, I prefer to keep the jacket on for the absolute best look. But I can take those toppers off and still feel confident and polished. Instead of wearing a close-fitting, ribbed tank under any of these, I’m wearing a tee, tank or shirt that has some interest and holds its own.

You can create casual and more dressy looks with this summer outfit formula. Just keep your pieces light and the fit relaxed for the coolest wear.

Summer Outfit Formula 4 – Linen Button-Up Shirt + Trousers

A linen button-up shirt is a closet staple during the summer. If you choose one that fits well, as in relaxed and a little loose, you’ll never get hot in these long-sleeve shirts. Instead, the linen fabric will wick away any moisture and keep you cool as a cucumber.

I personally love wearing my linen button-up shirts with linen or cotton pants in the summer. You can tuck or untuck. Just keep your proportions in mind. Above, with the ankle length linen pants I tucked my shirt and added a belt for the best proportions. But below, where I’m wearing full length linen trousers, I was able to leave the shirt untucked. Another little trick I employed is leaving the bottom buttons undone so that more of my pants are exposed.

Complete this easy breezy summer outfit formula with strappy sandals for the coolest vibes. But if you’re dressing up a little for work, you can certainly still wear closed toe flats or slingback pumps.

5 – Linen Shorts + Belt

Another summer outfit formula that will keep you cool and classy this season is a combination of linen shorts and a belt. Yes, of course you’ll wear a top. But the choice is yours. The idea here is simply to elevate your look a little with the addition of that belted accessory.

Any time you add a little structure to your outfit, you also add a little sophistication. I don’t always wear a belt with my shorts. But when we do tuck the top – whether it’s a tee or a button-up shirt – and add a belt, we instantly elevate the look.

Again, work this classic summer outfit formula with shorts of the length you prefer. There is no golden standard, even over 50. Short length is up to you and should be based on your comfort level, your height and frame and your proportions.

Don’t forget to check your rearview! Truly, what your shorts look like from behind is a lot more important than whether or not you love your legs. When wearing shorts this summer, I encourage you not to focus on hiding your legs, but determine to bring the focus up to your face with a few styling tricks, such as a V-neck, pretty earrings, a nice lip color, etc.

BONUS: Ankle Jeans + Tank Top + Lightweight Blazer

I tend to start putting these outfit formulas together and I can’t stop. Ha! So I have a bonus for you. I’ve received several requests for tips for wearing a blazer casually during the summer. I’ll focus more on this in a future post. But suffice it to say here that ankle jeans and the right blazer is one of my favorite summer outfit formulas.

My biggest tips are to choose your blazer carefully and to top the jeans with a simple tank top or lightweight tee. If I wear a lightweight blazer, such as the three I’m showing here, I can usually get away with wearing that ribbed tank underneath. That’s a nice option when you’ll be inside a lot and you want to keep the three-piece outfit intact throughout your day.

But another nice option is a looser fitting tank or tee, like the linen tank below.

You can complete your jeans and blazer combination with flat sandals, heeled sandals, loafers, mules or even sneakers. Keep the look summery by wearing colors that reflect the season.

I hope these suggestions help you to approach your summer closet a little differently this week. Maybe you could try one of these summer outfit formulas each day of the week as a little outfit building challenge. I’ve gathered the items shown in the shopping widget below. And many of them are currently discounted.

Thank you so much for dropping in today. Let me know if you have any questions. Have a lovely summer day!

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