5 Tips to Look More Stylish this Summer

Feels like summer! So it’s time to put that summer wardrobe to good use. While most of us enjoy summer clothes, we struggle a bit to put together outfits that feel interesting and chic as opposed to overly simplified and boring. I’ve got 5 tips to help you look pulled together and more stylish this summer…on even the most ordinary days.

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Tip #1 – Opt for high quality, breathable, natural fiber fabrics.

Fabric choice makes more of an impact on an outfit than we might surmise. Especially because we are layering less and wearing fewer garments, it’s all the more important that your dress or one-two outfit be comprised of beautiful fabric.

During the summer I especially like to wear natural fiber fabrics such as linen and cotton.

I also dot my outfits with silk, another breathable, temperature regulating fabric.

Of course we will occasionally want to wear a moisture-wicking, quick drying performance fabric, such as the lovely Jude cloth. But make sure it’s a beautiful fabric with a nice drape and soft hand. Ensure that the print is done well and material doesn’t pucker or pill.

Not only do you want the fabric to be beautiful, but you want it to keep you cool. When your clothes help you stay cool and fresh you’ll feel and look polished and more stylish this summer.

Tip #2 – Wear color strategically.

Whether you prefer to stick with neutrals, soft pastels or bold colors, wear them strategically.

In this recent blog post I shared three outfit ideas with one of my favorite color combinations for summer: white and flax. And in this recent YouTube video I shared two big tips for successfully styling a summer outfit with color blocking.

Another strategic way to wear color in the summer is to wear a tonal or monochromatic outfit…

but I also love a column of color, which I share more about in that same video. It’s also effective to layer on a double dose of color up top with lightweight pieces, whether they are a neutral like bright white…

or a pretty color you enjoy wearing near your face.

Finally, it’s quite fun and beautiful to wear a flurry of color in the summer. But choose a colorful print that stands beautifully on its own and let it shine. Keep the outfit fuss free, but do accessorize with bold, impactful jewelry that can “stand up to” the cheerful or dramatic fabric.

Of course it’s always fun to wear lots of color when you’re at play. So if I’m longing to wear a lot of color and pattern and extra flounces…I save it all for the court or the course.

I think one of the biggest mistakes I see women make in the summer is wearing too much color in a way that looks overdone or fussy. Unless I’m color blocking with the tips I gave in this recent video, I’m playing golf in a fun, colorful outfit or wearing one colorful print like the dress above, I generally only wear one color at a time pared back to a neutral. That strategy looks much more polished, put together and stylish than wearing multiple colors in an outfit. Try it and see!

Tip # 3 – Don’t let the heat and humidity keep you from layering in the summer.

Look, I’ve lived on the Gulf in Texas, in the sticky heat of Georgia and in the arid oven of Arizona, so I know just how hot it can get in the summer wherever you live. But I also know that you absolutely can wear “summer layers” in those places.

During the heat of the summer you can layer breathable, cool linen. And right now there are so many lovely pieces available to work with.

You can also toss a jacket or cardigan over your shoulders. This may not be a practical way to style an outfit that you’re wearing at home or work, but it looks so classy for a night out or a special occasion.

It’s so on trend right now to wear a pullover sweater draped over your shoulders. I suggest a lightweight cashmere or cotton sweater (those natural fiber fabrics!) because they won’t add heat. Above I’m wearing a fairly thick cotton sweater draped over a long sleeve shirt, but you can wear a lighter sweater over anything from a sleeveless shirt and shorts to a tank and a skirt or a sleeveless dress.

And because most of us spend a lot of time during the summer in air conditioned spaces, I still keep jackets such as this trending gingham flight jacket in my rotation. It’s lightweight and I’ve worn it over a cool boucle sweater vest. So this outfit was not hot on this sunny day. But it’s perfect for an afternoon matinee, lunch with a friend or a coffee run.

Tip #4 – Add interest to your outfits with your footwear.

I’m all for comfortable shoes. At my age and with a foot condition, they’re a must in fact. But I do believe our shoes should do more than get us from point A to point B comfortably.

During the summer I especially like to lean into sandals. I think it’s smart to have a pair of metallic sandals in the rotation for sure. They’ll help you look polished and stylish this summer.

My Naot Dorith sandals above are both super comfortable and a pretty shimmery gold.

But I also love wearing cognac sandals in the summer. I think they add a layer of richness and depth to somewhat otherwise flat or over simplified outfits. The sandals above are a little pricey, but I’ve already worn them so often. I shared a wide selection of summer sandals in this favorite blog post recently. But I’ve also created a shopping widget below with all of my favorite sandals and heels for spring and summer below.

Even on days when I need to wear my most comfortable sandals, I make sure they look stylish and current. These Frankie4 camel comfort sandals are some of the most comfortable shoes I’ve ever put on my feet, but they are also modern and up-to-date. And because they are flesh toned, they don’t interrupt my outfit or draw too much attention.

Of course, we’ll want to wear sneakers some days, too. But don’t wear the same ones you wear to do yard work or exercise. Make sure you have some comfortable and stylish sneakers that elevate your look rather than detract from it.

Tip #5 – Don’t forget to accessorize your outfit.

When it’s hot outside and you’re wearing such a simple outfit as a dress or shorts and top, it can be tempting to skip the accessories and jewelry. But if you’ll add just an impactful pair of earrings and maybe a simple necklace and/or bracelet you’ll automatically look more pulled together.

But you can definitely elevate your look with more impactful choices. Add some shine and/or color with bolder choices.

I especially enjoy wearing my Julie Vos jewelry in the summer. It just seems to reflect the warmth and golden hues of summer days.

When you really want to look more pulled together and polished, consider adding a belt to your outfit. All those dresses that come with same-fabric sashes? Many of them can be subbed out for a belt.

Don’t forget that your sunglasses are also impactful accessories, whether you mean for them to be or not! So wear glasses that flatter your face, are in good condition and work nicely with your entire outfit.

And of course your handbag or crossbody also affect your appearance. Choose one that is seasonal and appropriate for easy-breezy summer outfits. I love straw bags this time of year, and I’ve collected several at this point.

In the end it’s smart to remember that effort = polished. When people look at you and notice that you’ve put a little effort into your appearance, you automatically appear more polished, put together and stylish in their eyes. And while you may not be trying to impress anyone else with your appearance, you are worthy of the effort.

Do you have other ideas for how to look chic in the heat of summer? I’d love to read your thoughts in the comments. Have a lovely summer day!

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