I always find it difficult in the summer to actually know how to dress. In 80 degree weather - or 90 or 100 degrees – nothing is comfortable unless you're sitting in front of a fan. But as much as I live inside during the hot months, I have to venture out from time to time. So I've slowly been working on bolstering my summer wardrobe over the past two years with classic, comfortable pieces that can last for a few seasons and quite a few washes.
The key for staple summer pieces is all in the fabric. Certain fibers breathe easier than others which can act as a cooling system all on its own. It's why linen and 100% silk looks effortless and breezy. It's because they actually are.
Quality linen and silk garments, however, can be expensive additions to your wardrobe. So my advice to you is to add a piece - a quality, beautiful, timeless piece - to your close every season. Even if it's at the end of the season and you can get it on sale. Overtime you will eventually get that effortless, breezy, cool summer look everyone wants.
Some Brands that Offer Exceptional Linen and Silk Pieces Include:
- Reformation - $$$
- Everlane - $
- Equipment - $$$
- Theory - $$
- And Other Stories – $$
- Neiman Marcus – $$$ - but shop their sales for incredible prices on designer items
Top Summer Picks from These Brands
80 Degree Weather Outfit
Outfit Tips for 80 Degree Weather
- embrace athleisure with comfortable and cool tennis skirts and dresses
- there is never a wrong occasion to wear a chiffon dress in the summer
- cultivate a capsule wardrobe to fall back on when it's too hot to wear your #1 outfit choice
- look for natural, organic fabrics - they'll keep you cooler than synthetic ones
- wearing a hat will keep your face shaded and cool if you're outside
How to Style Jeans in the Summer
Sometimes you just need to grab your favorite pair of denim in the summer - whether your going to be hiding from the heat inside or they just make you feel confident - there can be a time and place for jeans. If you're constantly reaching for your favorite jeans but not sure how to style them, consider these tips:
- wear your favorite pair that have a bit of stretch. 100% cotton denim with no elastane or tencel will get very hot very fast
- show your toes. wear your favorite pair of sandals with your denim. Letting your feet breathe will help keep you cool
- a cool smocked tank or tube top will help avoid sweat lines
- if you're going to be outside all day consider bringing a change of clothes just in case
- there are so many different styles of jeans in fashion these days so instead of a classic skinny jeans consider a bit of a looser style so you don't get as sweaty.
Outfit Details
- A wide-brim hat to keep the sun off
- a simple linen tank
- light wash denim with a stretch
- easy slides
An Elevated Styling of Shorts
If you're looking for ways to elevate your summer shorts style you're in luck. There are so many beautiful styles of shorts beyond cut offs and some of the fashion icons of the day have been styling shorts in elegant and sophisticated ways. If you're looking for places to buy beautiful shorts consider:
3 Dresses You'll Wear All Summer Long
Dresses are without a doubt one of the best pieces you can wear in 80+ degree weather. They're easy, versatile, and can keep you cool no matter the temperature outside. Organic cotton is easy to wear and wash, linen is cool and breathable, and ribbed dresses feel like pajamas. They're a win all around. A few of my favorite summer dresses include:
A few accessories in your arsenal can also help you know what to wear during 80 degree weather.
- Always have a hat on hand. From a baseball cap to a straw sun hat, you can ensure the sun won't beat down too hard on your skin with a good hat on hand.
- Comfortable sandals to let your feet breathe is key. I bought a pair of Birkenstocks at the beginning of summer that I'm never without, but the Sarah Flint Grear Sandals are beautifully constructed for the summer.
- A camera to capture the beauty of summer. Because as much as I love to complain about the heat, the summer does give us all a bit of an excuse to slow down, savor the time, and capture moments that stick with us.
- A classy water bottle to keep you hydrated. Reminder: sugar, alcohol, and coffee will dehydrated you.