Summer Style Outfit Ideas
Summer is here and your closet has likely transformed into cute casual dressers, stylish rompers, denim shorts, and swimsuits! Button details, paperbag shorts, off-the-shoulder shirts, kimono robes, and a step back into the 90’s are where it’s at for this summer fashion. Style is arbitrary and really what you make of it after all, so find what works for you and own it! Make the most of mix-and-match pieces to create endless stylish looks! Enjoy some favorite summer trends and basics for outfit creation and inspiration that make any summer wardrobe complete and can also transition into fall!
BACKGROUND (#MOMLIFE)
Before we get started, a little behind-the-scenes... I was on the fence debating if I should even attempt to create a style post. As a new mom, I’ll be the first to tell you, your priorities and the way you spend your time and money changes drastically when you have a baby. In the rare occasion you go shopping, 99% of it is for the baby, and if the idea of bringing a baby or kids to the mall instantly skyrockets your anxiety level, then I can relate, and I’m here to help! After one too many attempts to shop with baby resulting in elevated stress levels from baby meltdowns and non-air conditioned dressing rooms with 0 purchases to show for the day, I threw in the towel and resorted to the internet. Enter online shopping, my new best friend.
My original plan was to photograph my stylish friends for a fun summer fashion post, but after realizing how difficult it was to coordinate schedules with others (many of whom also have kids), add in unpredictable nap schedules, spontaneous bouts of sickness, and finding babysitters, well... you get the picture. #goalfornextseason To ensure this post would make it up before summer's end, I had to bite the bullet, and embrace being comfortable in front of the camera (which can be challenging for a photographer who prefers being on the other side of the lens). Add to the fact that as a new mom, I am still learning to get used to my new post-pregnancy body, which is still far from fitting into my pre-preggo clothes. Instead of letting my insecurities hold me back though, I've decided to focus on the amazing fact that my body developed and delivered a tiny, healthy human who is the joy of my life, and that in itself is something to celebrate!
Props to my amazing husband as he did his darnedest in the scorching sun to find decent lighting and capture semi-flattering angles during baby's nap time (with monitor in his back pocket) or while wearing baby as she insisted on being part of the fun... I have to say, for having a 5-minute crash session tutorial, my hubs proved to be a natural.
I’ll also be the first to admit I normally am wearing workout clothes (because they’re comfy, not because I actually made it to the gym), but chasing babies is a workout so that counts as something right?!
No matter how much we moms prefer our athletic wear, we all need some fun outfits whether it's for a date night, girls' outing, or vacation. Below I will mix and match some of my favorite summer trends and essential pieces to create standout outfits that will help you feel anything but basic and keep you feeling fresh and fancy!
Now let's get to the good stuff before autumn leaves start falling...
DRESSES:
Along with tie-front tops and dresses, button details are all the rage this summer - featured on skirts, shorts, shirts, and dresses. The options are endless!
This adorable pastel-striped dress makes for the perfect summer dress as it's lightweight, comfortable, and super cute! Pair it with a fun statement hat, sunglasses, and woven straw purse to add another pop of color. Add a lace kimono to dress it up a notch.
Shop this look at Altar'd State (hat, kimono, earrings, dress) and Dillard's (purse)
STATEMENT TOPS:
This amazing statement lace top is your new go-to summer find that will be a crowd winner for sure. Add the classic black kimono with black fringe earrings, and tie it all together with the Rebecca Minkoff straw envelope clutch! Throw a sunhat in the mix to switch it up even more! My new favorite summer outfit!
Shop this look at Altar'd State (shirt, skirt), H&M (black kimono), Dillard's (purse, hat, earrings, sunglasses, shoes). If the white blouse is sold out online, check in the store or this similar version at Anthropologie!
Switch it up slightly by adding a pop of color with emerald fringe earrings and this adorable Cleobella white woven basket bag to keep the focus on the shirt. Not too much, just enough... You don't need much going on when you have a top that makes this big of a statement. These TOMS wedges are so comfy I can wear them to run errands! And contributing to a good cause is yet another reason to support TOMS shoes!
Shop this look at Altar'd State (shirt, sunglasses, skirt) and Dillard's (purse, earrings, shoes)
HATS
If I could wear a hat with every outfit, I would! Not only are hats super fun and a way to add your own personal style to any outfit, but they also double as a bad hair day’s best friend!
Shop these adorable hats at Altar'd State (pink hat) and Dillard's (white and black hats)
BLOUSES
Loose billowing blouses are paired perfectly with form-fitting shorts, skirts, and even paper-bag shorts. You really can’t go wrong with flirty off-the-shoulder tops for summer.
This adorable off-the-shoulder shirt nails the button-up trend and looks perfect with striped paper-bag linen shorts, a macrame purse, and fun summer sandals or wedges.
Shop this Look at H&M (shirt for only $14.99!) and Altar'd State (shorts, sunglasses, earrings purse, shoes)
The flowy sleeves in this bold colored and floral patterned smocked off-the-shoulder top are paired perfectly with a denim skirt to create balance. Add the macrame purse and coordinating wedges and you've got one fun summer outfit that can also transition into fall!