10+ Casual Summer Outfits & What to Wear to Beat the Summer Heat

1. Summer footwear

Start by thinking about your summer footwear. Throw out those sandals that got partly dissolved by seawater, bin those flip-flops that are falling apart, and treat yourself to a lovely new pair of shoes for this season.

Here I’m wearing a pair of ballet flats.

These are a classic pair of summer sandals. They’ve got a really nice squishy sole underfoot and a lovely leather panel across the toe. I think that the shade of tan is spot on.

2. Summer dresses

I’m a little obsessed with summer dresses, and I never mind splashing out on a good quality one. I know that after one season, its cost per wear will be next to nothing, and I’ll also wear it every year from that point on.

Here are some of the summer dresses that I’ve bought over the years. They still make an appearance in my wardrobe every single year.

They’ve had a lot of wear, so they were definitely worth the pennies.

This organic cotton mini-dress is a very classic dress that makes me feel elegant.

3. Fabric content

When creating wearable summer outfits, a lot of my thinking starts with the fabric content.

My favorite fabrics are cotton, Tencel, linen, and silk. Avoid polyester, leather, satin, and anything that glimmers. For maximum comfort, stick with natural fibers as much as possible.

4. Summer hat

I’m going to start with an honest disclaimer that straw hats can be hugely impractical. They tend to fly off in the wind and are tricky to pack.

However, they always make an outfit look effortlessly chic. That’s why I still have one in my summer capsule wardrobe. Plus, there is the added benefit of shielding your face from the sun, which is never a bad idea.

5. Statement handbags

Some of my favorite casual summer outfits are often very simple pieces paired together. To elevate the look. I'll add a statement handbag to finish.

It’s about balancing the look, particularly when I’m wearing something pretty minimal. A beautiful handbag ties it all together. I really love the fact that the handle of this handbag looks like I’m wearing a big chunky chain bracelet when I hold it.

6. Relaxed fit

I think that it’s very hard to look chic in the heat in anything super-tight. I prefer opting for a looser and more relaxed fit. I balance out my look with a contrasting top or bottom portion, but I try to integrate at least one element that’s a touch on the looser side.

Here, I’ve gone for loose-fitting pants and a simple cami on top. The balance feels right between the shapes, and it’s very comfortable. Looser-fitting clothes are less likely to stick to you when you get hot.

7. One-tone win

Tonal, one-color outfit ideas make you look more elegant and refined in an effortless way. Don’t worry too much about exact color matches; just shades along a similar train of thought will do the trick.

With white, for example, no two shades are exactly the same. My advice would be not to try and fight that, just go with the flow with those slight differences.

8. Summer blazers

If you live somewhere where it isn’t hot every day, then this tip might help. In summer, you’ll want to opt for a lighter blazer, either in cotton or linen. I tend to use them to finish off a summer dress if it’s not quite hot enough to wear that dress on its own.

9. Double up your swimwear

If you have some lovely swimwear pieces, it does seem a shame to only save them for the pool or beach. I integrate them into outfit ideas too.

Depending on your swimsuit, you can pair it with laid-back shorts, a skirt, or some tailored, smart trousers. My swimsuit is pretty low-cut, but when paired with more elegant pieces, like this skirt, it really elevates the look, helping me feel more chic and refined.

10. Accessorize

Save yourself from having to add any more layers when it’s hot, and let a lovely piece of statement jewelry do the polish for you.

I love the slightly bohemian vibe that accessories in summer bring. I’m a fan of gold jewelry and watches, and I like to layer gold necklaces together.

Casual summer outfits

I hope you’ve enjoyed my casual summer outfits, as well as the tips and tricks that I reach for when I want to look chicer in the heat.

Keep these tips in mind when putting together your summer wardrobe, and you’re guaranteed to be both comfortable and stylish.