Summer Fashion (AND SOME NOTES ON HOW TO KEEP FROM MELTING!)
Summer skips along and what are we all talking about? Swimsuits. What is the trendiest bikini? What bathing suit is the most flattering? Which style are all the celebrities and influencers wearing? Swimsuits are the king of summer, but when the king isn’t in, who is?
What do you wear to that picnic with your friends or to go shopping around your vacation town? We’ve got you covered. Let’s talk about the easiest, most stylish summer outfits you can throw on this summer when you’re not tanning by the pool.
Fabrics
Before we talk outfits, we have to talk fabrics. The materials that make up your clothes make an imperative difference in keeping you cool and sweat-stain free. Nobody wants to spend ten minutes taking the perfect OOTD just to find the back of their summer dress soaked through. Listen, Shakespeare, that’s a real tragedy.
The key to finding fabrics that are cooling and comfortable is investing in materials that are natural, or in other words not synthetic. Natural materials are ones that have come from natural resources with little to no changes done to them. Synthetic materials are fabrics that have been chemically altered in some way.
Though synthetic materials are great for affordability, water-resistance, and anti-wrinkle, they’re not going to necessarily have your back when you enter the boxing ring of heat. Because natural fabrics are coming from animals and plants, these pieces have amazingly inept cooling features. They’re going to protect you against the summer’s biggest bully: the pit stain. Girl, we cannot have that during hot girl summer.
Wear
Cotton is ranked the best fabric to wear in the summer against all of its competitors. It’s a fresh, light fabric that is irresistibly comfortable and can be transformed into many fashionable outfits. Think your classic oversized white tee or your cottagecore inspired puff sleeve dress. This is a fabric that is going to keep you cool and cool all summer long.
Another great fabric to keep you picture-perfect this season is linen. We don’t know about you, but when someone says linen we’re picturing juicy strawberries and sparkly mimosas while looking at the Grecian horizon in total awe and peace. You get the picture. Linen is competitively breathable and airy, and modish to the max. Hot girls wear short linen sets, and that’s just a fact.
Chambray is a word you probably haven’t heard as much as cotton and linen, but it’s as equally invited to our summer sorority cookout. Chambray is most famously known as the lighter sister of denim. This material is slowly on the rise from its Old Navy grave and entering our trendy “must haves' ' chat through being so lightweight and comfortable. That means you're making your aesthetic vacation TikToks with no worry of those terrible sweat stains.
Don’t Wear
Just as there are Summer yesssss’s, there are hot summer no’s. Polyester is the perfect for those Spring graduation pictures you’re posting on Instagram. Yet, polyester and summer are total enemies. It’s a material that, when tested in heat, can become heavy and feel sticky against your skin. If you’re looking for a worry-free outfit while you’re out with your girls, this material is definitely a stay-away.
Nylon, nylon, nylon. You’ve probably heard this from Prada’s “Re-Nylon” initiative, where the luxury brand is recycling this material to add to their sustainable efforts. Though this fabric is popular amongst luxury brands, it’s not advised to rock this material if you’re exposed in the summer sun for long periods of time. The fabric will feel oppressive, and instead of enjoying your summer bucket list, all you’re going to be thinking about is changing into a cool t-shirt.
Enters in: Rayon, the summer’s most controversial fabric. Rayon is a lightweight synthetic with very thin fibers. Some people say rayon is summer’s perfect fabric while others warn you to stay far from it. Here’s the real deal: in dry heat rayon is friend but in humidity rayon is enemy. Rayon is moisture resistant, which is great for dry heat since you’re not fighting much moisture. Yet, in humidity, the humidity plus any sweat is going to create a sticky summer nightmare.
Outfits
Our favorite part. We all love a good bikini (especially a flattering high-cut), but what are we wearing to Mr. Big’s get-together this weekend? Summer outfit staples are coming up, and you’re not going to have to worry about not being totally chic and trendy. You know us, that’s all we’re about.
Sets
Let’s start with the easiest outfit combination you can throw on this season. Matching sets have taken over the decade in the most fashionable way. The stylish convenience of them makes them our number one staple of your summer wardrobe.
The wrinkled linen shorts set is a Pinterest favorite, and undoubtedly one of our favorites. Another cute set idea that’s inspiring our feeds is a vibrant button down shorts set. And that pearly wave pattern pant set all the European vacays are perfect for (you know the one)? We’re in love with her too!
Maxi Skirt and Basic Tank
Total Emma Chamberlain vibes, and we’re here for it. We’re quoting her popular summer outfit trend to the tee because it’s without a doubt totally fabulous. If you’re having outfit fatigue (which is so real) pull a maxi skirt, basic tank top, crew socks and loafers and call it a fashion miracle.
Maxi skirts are so in season, and with the simple mini tank, will give you a fashionable and proportional look ready for Rodeo drive.
Summer Dress
Okay, the summer dress. Now, when we say summer dress many different styles can fit the bill. Whether it's a mini ruffle puff sleeve, maxi jersey bodycon, or a cut-out ruched midi, a dress is one of the simplest and easiest ways to look trendy this summer. It’s one piece to worry about instead of fretting about coordination and matching multiple pieces.
The key to the perfect summer dress is accessories. Pair your breezy look with a detailed clutch or oversized canvas tote. Don’t forget your tiny gold hoops and chain anklet. These little factors will take your outfit from cute to Pinterest worthy in the blink of an eye.
Accessories
Like we just said, accessories have the ability to turn your “that’s a cute dress' ' to “omg she is an it girl” (total throwback Jason Derulo It Girl). Here’s a list of our favorite summer accessories that will keep you the talk of your hometown.
Tiny gold hoops
Canvas tote bags
Aviator sunglasses
Claw clip
Waist chains
Final Thoughts
The best part about summer is the ability to try new things. So while you’re bronzing out in the sun this season, feel free to finally wear those sunnies you’ve been afraid of sporting, and that skirt that’s been sitting in your closet for months. You got this girl, now go rock your summer! But don’t forget…no rayon!
