Humor me for a moment… Do you identify as a night owl? Or a morning person? Even if your answer is the latter, my hunch is that any warm sentiments you may harbor have likely changed this summer. My theory is that even the most cheery person is likely feeling a twinge of existential dread, especially when they check their weather app in the morning. With extended heat waves worldwide, it’s only natural that grappling with the impacts of climate change before you’ve even had coffee is a lot to handle. Add to that fact that you then must determine the best thing to wear when it’s hot outside—which is its own separate anxiety-including process. In short, mornings (even for the most cheerful personalities) can be rough. But what if they didn’t have to be as daunting? In an effort to make things easier, I’m breaking down how to dress for excessive heat. Ahead you’ll find the 19 best hot weather outfit ideas along with shopping recommendations to recreate each look. No matter where you live or your morning routine, these outfit formulas will make getting dressed one less thing to worry about.
Nothing is easier to throw on when it’s boiling hot outside than a pair of denim shorts. Simply make them feel a bit more polished by styling them with a button-down, slingbacks, and a woven shoulder bag.
You won’t have to worry about any fashion mishaps in these longer shorts.
Demellier’s woven tote is currently at the top of my wishlist for summer.
The secret to looking good when it’s scorching hot outside? Rely on stylish separates to give off the illusion that you put more effort into your ensemble than you actually did. Case in point: a linen or cotton waistcoat styled with an a-line skirt and mary jane flats.
You can wear this waistcoat well into the fall.
Easy breezy.
Another staple you can rely on during the summer is an oversized button-down—its relaxed fit will keep the fabric from clinging to your skin, preventing unnecessary sweat and chaffing. But should you want to make this basic even more heat-friendly, try styling it with matching poplin shorts, sunglasses, and comfy loafers.
You’ll feel like the main character in these shades.
It doesn’t get chicer than a crisp poplin shirt. Pair with the matching Lui Organic Cotton-Poplin Boxer Shorts ($89).
Let’s be real: temperatures and inflation have been rising, so the prospect of investing in a new matching set for the summer may not be within reach. A simple way you can hack the system is by styling neutral-hued items in your closet together to create the same feel. Look at the outfit above a blueprint and try pairing a linen scarf top with a maxi skirt and contrasting accessories.
Peak summer.
These will transition into your fall wardrobe easily.
When it’s hot outside, the last thing you want to do is spend copious amounts of time digging through the closet in search of an easy outfit—enter the formula above. A simple white button-down styled with a denim mini skirt, shoulder bag, and mules is a fail-proof outfit when you don’t know what to wear.
A cult-classic.
Transition this skirt into the fall by pairing it with knee-high boots.
After an excruciatingly hot day, mustering enough energy to get dressed up for the evening can feel impossible. Instead of canceling your plans, pull out a dramatic dress (e.g., one with a drop waist or maxi hemline) and pair it with ankle-strap pumps. It’s a formula that won’t fail you, no matter where the night takes you.
Ok, Free People. Pop off.
Not a day has passed by when I don’t think about these shoes.
Have more casual plans for the night? You don’t have to get too dressed up to dial up the heat; simply recreate the look above. Relaxed denim and slide sandals can feel a bit more risqué when paired with a corset top and a sleek shoulder bag.
Move over sun, you’ve got competiton.
You’ll feel like you’re walking on a cloud all night in these slides.
One more way to dress up for a night out without exerting too much effort is by recreating the ensemble above. Whether you’re going on a first date or meeting your friends for drinks, a fitted bustier top styled with a slip skirt and heeled mules is an effortless way to look great for the evening.
Hot, hot, hot.
The backbone of every summer wardrobe is a simple slip skirt.
Pro tip: the easiest way to make the most simple summer staples shine is through your accessories. For example, the look above shows how a basic black tube top and white cargo pants are elevated when styled with sculptural silver jewelry, a shoulder bag, and mules. Not only is this look easy to replicate, but it is the ideal day-to-night formula to rely on in a pinch.
Come on, Barbie, let’s go party.
’90s evangelists, this is all you.
One of the most challenging things about excessive heat is trying to strike a balance between functional and formal, especially for the office. Luckily, the formula above is a failproof solution. When it’s scorching hot outside, opt for a short-suit-inspired look by pairing pleated shorts with a matching blazer, contrasting t-shirt, and ballet flats.
While it’s a bit pricey, this t-shirt makes for a greater long-term investment.
HR will approve.
For those days you have to go into the office but don’t want to wear anything but a slip dress, consider the outfit formula above your saving grace. Even slinkier dresses can be made work-ready with two styling hacks: first, add a layer, either in the form of a t-shirt underneath or a blazer over, to add more coverage. Secondly, opt for more modest footwear options like ballet flats to avoid getting the side-eye from HR.
Just add a layer!
So chic.
If you want to ensure you look as polished as possible for work, opting for a matching suit vest and trousers is the way to go. Not only is this outfit formula effortless, but with minor tweaks (e.g., opting for lightweight materials or styling the suit with slides), it can feel summer-forward.
A vest that’s as crisp as a summer breeze. Pair with the matching Norah Linen Pant ($100).
These will add a touch of luxury to all your summer ensembles.
At the risk of sounding too repetitive, it’s worth reiterating the importance of opting for lighter fabrics, as it can determine whether you’ll enjoy the day or spend it aggravated by the heat. The easiest way to keep your cool (and look it too) is by taking a cue from the outfit above and pairing satin trousers with a tank top and flip-flops.
Meet your new favorite tank top.
Perfect for a day by the beach or errands in the city.
Staying cool is a universal struggle, but for modest dressers, it’s even more challenging—until now. When in doubt, you can rely on the outfit formula outlined above. An oversized button-down and maxi slip skirt to keep you cool and covered all season long.
A shirt so good, your partner will want to steal it.
Surely this skirt will sell out quickly, so you’ll want to act fast.
Do you find yourself already cringing at the idea of even covering any skin? I get it. When it’s too hot outside, sometimes you want to wear the bare minimum—hence the appeal of the outfit above. A tank top, hot pants, and heeled thongs are the ideal items to wear when you don’t even want to wear anything.
The best way to coax yourself into getting dressed on a hot day is to have Prada on hand.
Underwear or pants? You decide.
Not exactly comfortable with the idea of wearing hot pants? Rather than giving up hope of being comfortable in the heat, let the outfit above be your inspiration. Swap hot pants for a denim mini skirt and thong sandals for sneakers to make this a look you can feel cozy in. For the final measure, add fun accessories to really make this feel approcable.
It’s a need, not a want for me.
Another great denim skirt!
More than any other season, summer is the time when you want to spend the least amount of time worrying about what to wear so that you can capitalize on the weather. What outfit formula will let you do just that? See above. As simple as pairing a t-shirt with matching overalls and colorful accessories might seem, it’s actually genius considering how effortless it can make moving around a new destination quickly.
Nothing is better than having something you can throw-on and go.
A pop of pink is never a bad idea.
Speaking of destinations, if you are planning a vacation but don’t know what to pack, you’ll want to screenshot the look above. A colorful oversized button-down styled over a bandeau top with drawstring linen pants is the perfect outfit to lounge at the resort or explore new places.
You can shop this bandeau in 24 other colorways.
Warning: these are so cozy you won’t want to take them off.
Lastly, I’d be remiss if I didn’t remind you that simplicity is key when it comes to choosing what to wear on a hot day. When all else fails, you can’t go wrong with slipping into a maxi dress and adding colorful jewelry, mules and a clutch bag—it’s an outfit formula that works no matter what the weather forecast has in store.
