Classy Outfits for Summer | How To Dress Elegant & Chic in Summer

Hi girls, how are you today?

If you ever struggle to build elegant outfits that keep you cool in the summer months, this one’s for you. Finding classy outfits for summer is not always easy, but totally possible when you know some tricks.

Whether you’re going to an outdoor wedding, a formal garden party, or a lovely brunch with the girls, putting together a stylish but comfortable ensemble is essential.

As the temperatures rise and the days get longer, knowing how to dress classy in the summer heat becomes more and more valuable.

Table of Contents

Classy Outfits for Summer | How to Look Classy in Summer

Although you can’t stop the summer heat from coming, you can prepare yourself to stay cool.

Explore the ways to dress classy despite the hot and humid weather with these best summer outfit ideas to look put together.

Ditch Those Jeans!

It’s no secret that denim is one of the heaviest fabrics you can wear; therefore, you should ditch your denim jeans for summer.

Opt for breathable shorts. Printed patterns with matching printed shirt look casual and very elegant.

chic patterned Bag Waist Shorts — Get this patterned summer outfit on Lulus

Black midi shorts are the ultimate summer classy look. Midi shorts look amazing with tucked-in long-sleeved blouses or even with a crop top for a more casual, beachy vibe.

elegant linen mom shorts in black — Get these black shorts on Asos

These maxi blue shorts look super cute with the matching blue blouse. The perfect cute and casual summer outfit for women.

cute and casual blue summer outfit for women. — Get this cute blue summer outfit on Hello Molly

If you can’t get rid of your denim fever, denim shorts are a popular summer option. They’re casual and will never go out of fashion. Denim shorts go super well with cowboy boots, a one-shoulder top, or a more casual crop top, as you can see below.

denim shorts with cowboy boots outfit ideas for summer — Get these cute denim shorts on Lulus

Pair them with a puffy blouse and strappy sandals for the ultimate chic summer look.

denim shorts outfit ideas — Get this classy denim short on Hello Molly

You can wear denim shorts with a white casual tee shirt, and a crop top, and cover up with a jacket if you feel cold at night. Pair them with white sneakers and you’re set for a great summer day.

casual denim short with white tee outfit — Get these classy denim shorts on Lulus

Stay Breezy With Breathable Fabrics and Light Colors

Adding on, another summer outfit option to consider is linen or cotton shorts (or even linen pants as they are more breathable). This way, you’ll stay fresh longer, and they’ll take your summer style to the next level.

While a fabric’s weight and color don’t hold much bearing during the rest of the year, they become incredibly vital during the hot months. With that in mind, you’ll notice the difference between breathable summer wardrobe garments and those that tend to hold extra moisture and heat.

Wearing breathable pastel summer mini dresses is a great way to look fresh and elegant, even when it’s super hot outside.

Synthetic fabrics typically have lower breathability, but 100 percent cotton, silk, or linen items are the best options to stay breezy.

For the days when the sun seems to be blistering hot, light-colored clothing will be your best friend. Dark blues, blacks, grays, etc., will trap heat and make you sweat. On the other hand, light colors, such as white, beige, and pastels, reflect the sunlight, steering extra warmth away from your body.

casual summer outfit with white shorts — Get these white shorts on Lulus

Steer Clear of Form-Fitting Clothing

In addition to breathable fabrics and light colors, avoiding form-fitting clothing can help you stay cool and look your best.

breathable summer outfit for women — Get this chic flowy outfit on Lulus

Consider slipping into that flowy romper or jumpsuit instead of tight pants and a constrictive top. With a few accessories to make your romper outfit look fabulous, you’ll be ready for any event.

black flowy summer outfit — Get this flowy summer outfit on Lulus

Open-Toed Shoes for the Win

Believe it or not, your overall body temperature largely depends on your feet. For example, if your feet are warm, you’re more likely to be hot and vice versa.

With that in mind, opting for open-toed shoes (instead of sneakers or anything that would require socks) may help you combat the hot weather while also looking elegant.

cute orange strappy sandals — Get this chic orange summer sandals

No matter what you choose for the rest of your outfit, there are suitable open-toed options to pair with it. Consider pairing your short summer sundress with strappy sandals for a feminine outdoor gathering aesthetic.

casual white sandals — Get these elegant sandals on Lulus

Or couple your cocktail dress with a more trendy peep-toe pink satin laced sandals to elevate your look for a wedding.

pink satin sandals — Get these strappy party sandals on Lulus

Top Off Your Outfit With a Stylish Hat

Polishing your ensemble with a stylish hat can benefit you in more ways than one, being a great way to elevate an otherwise casual look.

stylish summer hat for women — Get this summer hat

Bucket hats may seem casual, but if you invest in one with patterns and that look high-quality you can instantly transofrm a plain bucket hat into a more put together summer outfit.

cute summer bucket hat with flowers — Get this cute bucket hat

Summer hats are the ultimate chic summer accessory and are PERFECT to help you kick your style up a notch and look fabulous, Wearing a hat protects your beautiful face from potential sun damage, while always making you look super put together (even when you have a bad hair day)

stunning panama hat — Get this elegant summer hat

Classy Summer Outfit Ideas

You’ll never regret learning how to dress classy in the summer heat it becomes relevant each year around this time.

Getting dressed for an elegant summer event can be daunting, but a breathable, light-colored fabric is your key to comfort, confidence, and shining bright in fashionable outfits.

If you’re looking for more classy summer outfits ideas, visit La Belle Society’s Summer Store.