Nobody wants to fuss over their outfit in summer. There are better things to do with those delicious daylight hours! So we’ve put together some easy and breezy outfit combinations, so you don’t have to!
Let’s quickly cover what the ideal easy summer outfit should be, before we tell you the outfits that will let your fashion brain kick back on a deckchair for the season.
What a summer outfit should be
We all know how we like to feel in summer. We want to feel cool, and light on our feet. Of course, we also like to look stylish, and possibly, show a little more flesh than in the other seasons. Let’s run through the key attributes of summer ensembles, so we know what to absolutely opt for.
- Easy and breezy: Summer ensembles should be lightweight and allow for easy movement. They also shouldn't be constrictive, as tight clothing is super uncomfortable in the heat. They should also allow a bit of airflow to your skin. This means that loose-fit pants and tops get the tick of approval.
- Minimal elements: Summer outfits require few embellishments. Aside from your basic outfit components (top and bottoms, or dress), you might add simple jewellery, footwear and a bag. Potentially, a hat and sunnies might be called for, especially if you're spending time outdoors. You absolutely don't need to overload your look with too many accessories. Keep it simple.
- Choose breathable fabrics: Cotton, linen and viscose are all made from plant-derived fibres, so are light to wear and breathable. This is important, because we tend to perspire more in summer than in the other seasons. Avoid, if possible, synthetic fabrics, especially if they sit under your arms, as they are certain to retain body odours, no matter how many times you wash them!
- Hello skirts and dresses: You might not wear a lot of them in the other season, but skirts and dresses are a must have during summer. After all, they allow air circulation around the legs, keeping you cool. They are also just quintessentially summery! So enjoy them this season.
Outfit #1) Summer’s darling - A Simple Dress!
Let’s start with what is likely the easiest outfit for summer: a dress! A ladies summer dress is so easy, because you don’t need to worry about matching a top with bottoms. Add to that, the right women’s dress is cool and easy to wear in the heat.
You can choose from a classic white or black dress (these always look elegant), a dress in a neutral shade like navy or olive, a dress in an eye-catching bold colour, or a print dress, such as a floral or abstract print dress.
So, throw on your chosen dress and combine it with shoes and any other accessories you want to add (jewellery, statement belt, summer hat, handbag and sunnies). Easy peasy!
(Check out Femme Connection’s extensive range of summer dresses including figure-hugging knit dresses, breathable linen dresses, casual t-shirt dresses, print maxi dresses, practical midi dresses, shirt dresses and special occasion dresses, we have a dress for every taste and occasion.)
Outfit #2) Linen shirt (with anything)
A linen shirt is a classic choice in summer. Linen is breathable, draws moisture away from your body, and doesn’t hold onto odours, so is the optimal shirt for summer wear. It will look great with tailored pants, jeans or shorts, and with skirts. It’s also a great option to wear as an outerlayer over a summer dress.
For an easy summer look, wear your linen shirt over a tank top, and add wide leg summer pants. You can leave the linen shirt undone, or button a few buttons and tie the shirt at your waist. You can also, of course, tuck the shirt in, but you might want to add a statement summer belt. Bonus points if the colour of your belt matches your handbag or shoes, as this will help tie the look together.
Then throw on some wedges, sandals or summer sneakers, a structured bag, and add statement jewellery if you want a more polished look.
Tip: When combining a linen top with wide leg pants, it looks best if you just opt for one print, i.e. a print shirt with plain pants, or vice versa. Regarding linen shirt colour, white always works in summer, and reflects the sun a little. Black and navy shirts also look stylish in the summer, but draw in more heat.
(See Femme’s linen tops here.)
Outfit #3) Summer blouse and skirt
Of course, a summer blouse paired with a skirt is a swift to put together, not to mention, flattering combo. Opt for a breathable, light blouse in cotton, linen, or viscose. You can choose a subtle print, something with feminine details like embroidery, ruffles or puff or flared sleeves. Combine your summer women’s top with a skirt, such as a denim skirt, a flowy and floral midi or maxi skirt, or even a pleated skirt.
Tuck your blouse into the skirt for a polished look, and consider adding a statement belt if you feel your outfit needs it. Alternatively, leave the blouse hanging loose if you’re going for a more casual, relaxed vibe. Add comfy sneakers, sandals, or espadrilles, and a summer tote (e.g. straw or canvas). Simple jewellery, like a fine chain necklace or hoop earrings, will bring a final touch to the outfit.
Tip: A plain blouse with a patterned skirt, or a patterned blouse with a plain skirt, keeps the outfit balanced and visually appealing.
Outfit #4) Breezy boho pants and sleeveless top
An easy casual outfit for summer is loose-fitting boho pants paired with a sleeveless top. Boho pants give off care-free, beachy vibes, and are practical to wear, with elasticised or drawstring waist lines that taper in at the ankles. The sleeveless top is a great option because not only does it keep your arms cool, but it balances the flowy, loose boho pant shape with a cleaner, more streamlined upper half. A sleeveless top also draws attention to the shoulders, and defines the waist, which helps prevent the outfit from looking overwhelmed by fabric. The look stays light, flattering and summery!
Outfit #5) Vest with culottes/skirt
If you enjoy the coolness of a tank top, but you want to look a little more structured, then a summer vest is your friend. Vests add inherent style, without adding bulk. With their buttons and sometimes pockets, they offer a similar structure to a suit jacket, just without the sleeves.
Pairing a vest with a summer skirt creates a polished, layered look that accentuates the waist. Consider a denim skirt, for a chic, casual vibe, or a boho skirt for something a little more colourful
Combining your vest with culottes will add structure and balance to the wide-leg, flowy pants, and will keep the ensemble proportioned. Add a cute neckerchief for a french, debonair vibe.
Whether you opt for a skirt or pants, a pair of strappy heels, sandals, or wedges will look great with this look. Mules and espadrilles will also work, especially in the office.
To add further structure, consider a lightweight summer blazer and/or statement belt. Add simple yet stylish jewellery if you wish, and a structured handbag.
Handy tips for summer dressing
We’ve covered 5 simple outfits to make heading out the door easy this summer. Here are some final tips you can cling onto to make sure you have a good dose of style in any outfit.
- Play with patterns and stripes: Striped or patterned tops add interest and work well under button-up shirts. Pair with shorts, skirts, or denim for a casual summer vibe.
- Go monochrome or match neutrals: Black and white, navy and white, or soft neutral combinations always look chic. Pastels like pink and yellow also give a fresh, summery feel.
- Choose flowy, breathable fabrics: Loose tops, dresses, and skirts in cotton, linen, or viscose keep you cool and comfortable without clingy fabrics.
- Dresses simplify summer dressing: A white or printed dress is effortless, elegant, and eliminates the need to match tops and bottoms.
- Layer and structure smartly: Vests or tailored shorts paired with a tank or tee create polished, professional looks while staying light and comfortable.
Women’s Summer Fashion at Femme Connection
Need some stylish summer staples? Femme Connection is your go-to stockist for ladies fashion. Whether you need cool summer trousers, handy t-shirts, pretty blouses, chic dresses and feminine skirts, we have it all! We offer women’s summer fashion in neutrals, bold colours and vibrant prints.
Find all the elements for your summer outfits right here at Femme Connection. With a wide range of ladies sizes, and free Australia-wide shipping for purchases over $75, there’s every reason to shop with us!