Y’all! It is blazing outside! The first day of summer officially arrived last Friday, and the heat moved in right on schedule in Cincinnati. That means we’re all looking for summer outfit inspiration that is cool, comfortable and classy. The arrival of scorching heat also means that James and I generally can only get out for one set of photos at a time, whereas we normally like to batch-shoot upwards of eight outfits at once. We took photos yesterday, but I’m saving them for tomorrow. So I thought it might be fun to pull together some of my favorite outfits from recent YouTube videos to provide us all a little roundup of summer outfit inspiration. And I plan to do the same in late July and August. I hope you enjoy it!
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I’m going to keep this simple and just provide a little narrative and fit information. I’m linking all available items in the captions of the photos, and I’ll share more economical options for pricey things when I can find them. Let’s get inspired for our first full week of summer!
a denim skirt and t-shirt
I’m glad that denim skirts continue to trend. I’m wearing mine later this week with this floral button-up shirt, but you can’t go wrong with a simple t-shirt, especially if it’s a seasonal, soft linen t-shirt like this one in warm sesame.
My denim skirt and linen t-shirt fit true to size. Don’t forget to accessorize this easy outfit with pretty sandals and possibly a coordinating belt. Add some pretty jewelry and you’re good to go!
linen shorts and trending crewneck button front vest
You’ll be on trend and also cool and comfortable in a pair of linen shorts and a trending crewneck button front vest. This is a great combination when you want to be appropriately casual and cool, but you also want to look a little stylish and current.
You could work this simple outfit formula in so many different color combinations. The vest comes in additional colors, including a sangria pink, and here it’s significantly marked down in cocoa or black. I sized down to a small in the EF vest, as usual. The shorts fit true to size and they come in other colors as well.
cotton blend drawstring pants & linen tee
If you don’t care for the wrinkles that generally come with linen, opt for a cotton/linen blend. These cotton/linen blend drawstring pants are so comfortable and cool, as in cool girl! They’re no longer available in my dusty fatigue in the classic fit, but they still have them in petite and tall. And you’ll find the classic fit in the colors summer linen (ivory) and black.
Top the cotton/linen blend drawstring pants with a simple tee and wear chunky comfortable sandals. Mine are selling out in the camel, but these are similar and available in a few more sizes. They are so comfortable and sporty, well worth the price for me.
colorful linen separates
On a hot sticky day you just can’t beat colorful linen separates. You’ll look as bright as the flowers and feel as fresh as the breezes you crave. I sized down to a small in both of these Eileen Fisher separates, as usual.
Accessorize with pretty metallic sandals (more economical) and jewelry.
two very different summer looks
I’ve grouped these two outfits together simply out of necessity since I only had one photo of each. On the left we have a sunny yellow and white linen combo you could work in multiple ways since pale butter yellow is trending and plentiful this summer.
And on the right we have a very classic navy and white duo with trending barrel pants in a moisture-wicking blend and a nautical inspired Johnny collar pullover. With both I’m wearing my Tory Burch Miller sandals which have been top sellers at DFMD lately. I’ve had mine for over four years now and still love them.
silk shirt and white jeans
If you do need to wear jeans and dress up just a little, I don’t think you can beat a silk shirt and white jeans. I wear this classic combo so much in the summer. My silk shirts are from last summer, and I plan to have them for many years. But this year the same brand came out with this very similar option with a dolman sleeve. It’s selling out fast! Mine fit true to size.
Of course you could duplicate this look with white shorts or a skirt, too. And you could also wear a different fabric in the shirt, but I would not suggest the basic polyester since it will be hot. Silk is a natural fiber fabric with heat regulating properties, so it’s quite cool in the summer.
black for summer
Unless you’re going to be standing out in the sun, I think it can look and feel smart to wear black in the summer. The key is to wear it in true summer fabrics, like seersucker, cotton poplin or linen. Here I’m wearing a cool linen utility dress that is marked down (but on final sale). I can tell you that it fits true to size for a slightly oversized fit and it’s so much better than it looks on the model on the website. It comes in two other neutrals, too.
And on the right I’m wearing a coordinating black linen shirt (c/o) and black linen trousers (c/o), purchased separately. They’re a great combination for work or other dressier occasions. You can see more of my work appropriate summer outfit ideas in the video below.
Now I have a couple of outfits that are previews from our upcoming video for this Wednesday. You’re getting a sneak peek!
colorful print shirt & white linen pants
Each summer I make sure I have the basics like white linen trousers and other essentials in my closet, and then I look for colorful tops to create great outfits with those basics. This summer I’m loving this pink textured floral Thea blouse. It comes in two other colors and patterns, too, and fits true to size.
For a slightly dressy look I’ve paired the blouse with my full-length, lined white linen trousers. I’ve added cognac accessories, which look so rich with white and pink.
just for fun wide leg pants & graphic tee
I’m a firm believer in having a little fun with our summer outfits. I don’t wear something like this every day, but some days a “girl’s just gotta have fun!” And one of the safest ways to do that is with colorful pants and a graphic tee. I’ll share more about why I love this outfit in Wednesday’s YouTube video, but for now let’s just say it’s easy and cool.
These fun wide leg linen pants fit true to size and come in other nice colors, too. And the graphic tee fits true to size for a slim fit. If you’d like a roomier fit, I’d size up. I added a contrasting splash of color with my embroidered bandana tied onto my straw tote. So fun!
Thanks so much for stopping in for a little summer outfit inspiration from my YouTube video outfits. If you haven’t already subscribed to my YouTube channel be sure to do that today. And definitely tune in Wednesday for a new video. Have a great Monday!
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Blessed for My Day
Sometimes it’s not just what we know, but who we know. Right? We often hear that when it comes to getting opportunities or job promotions, nominations or positions. But I’m not talking about using people to get ahead. I’m encouraging us to be women who help other people by walking alongside them.
The next time you notice a woman sitting alone or looking out of place at an event or gathering, go to her. Sit beside her and get to know her. Introduce her to other people and share with them the things you’ve learned about her. Make her feel a part of the group. You will be such an encouragement to her. And you may never know the difference you make in her life, but it will undoubtedly be significant.
But Barnabas took hold of him and brought him to the apostles and described to them how he had seen the Lord on the road, and that He had talked to him, and how at Damascus he had spoken out boldly in the name of Jesus. ~ Acts 9:27
I think we would be best friends if we lived in the same community!! Your iron sharpens mine!! I always love your little devotionals at the end of your blog! Such great, timely reminders! You say (with such precision) what I think! I’m always thinking “amen”!! But I love how you can say so much with so few words! Therein is where I need sharpening! I’m too wordy! But thank you for staying the course!
All cute outfits for summer! I especially like the denim skirt. IMO, a denim skirt is a classic! Add modern accessories and shoes and it will always look fabulous!
I agree…I always enjoy reading your blessed for my day…sometimes it is things I know but I just needed to be reminded and other times it is something brand new that touches a special place. Thank you for showing us how to get dressed for our day. I love your style and the fun graphic tees to switch things up! You inspire me to try new things!
Great post! I love the jean skirt, the vest and the graphic tee. I always look forward to your posts.
Hi, Just wanted to comment on your HOT weather. Wish I was there. Cannot wear any of the summer styles so sad. Living in San Francisco in the summer is not warm and the wind has been very strong. Love your blog and look forward to Aug when maybe we will get some warm weather and I can wear something in linen.
Kaye, I loved your blessed for my day today. You are right on with that. Years back I was the new person attending an event at a school. I knew no one and felt out of place. There was one lady who did come up to me and smile at me and speak to me. I still think about her to this day. I try to be like that because I remember how I felt.
Great outfit ideas. The 1st day of Summer brought rain to us in NW Oregon. We really needed it, as its been unusually dry here. We are suppose to get out of these clouds this week, but it sure is cloudy this morning. Hard to think Summer outfits when it looks like this. Sounds like you are hot. I really love what you shared in your BFMD. Sooo true. I try to do this all the time, especially at church. All my life I’ve been sensitive to the ones who don’t feel comfortable or part of the “group.” God’s given me the gift of empathy, encouragement and mercy. I’m a good listener and I think we all need to be for others. Thanks for the reminder and putting it out there. Have a blessed day.
Are the black linen trousers from Quince, are they full length? On the model, they look ankle length. The website doesn’t mention length.
They are full length on me. I did find that the three different pairs of linen pants I purchased all arrived in slightly different lengths, however.
Thank you for the tips. I love the suggestion of sitting with a woman who’s sitting alone. I did this when I joined my Sunday school class. This woman and I are now good friends even though she has moved. Kay I watched your last video on my new smart TV. You are a lovely woman and look so good for your age. On my phone the experience of watching videos is not the same.
Love that sesame yellow top on you!
Nice summer looks! And yes, it’s always the right time to be kind and think of others!
Absolutely. Thank you for sharing. 🩷