Dress + Sneakers + Sunglasses = DONE.
Personally, I loathe standing in front of the mirror on a 90-degree day, trying on shirt after shirt, only to end up with a sweaty back (TMI?) and no cute outfit to leave the apartment in. Summer dressing should be easy! This season, I've vowed to change my hot-weather wardrobe habits. My new rule? Wear outfits that require just three pieces of clothing or less. The simplified process means I won't overthink my look (dress and sneakers? Done!), but I'm not sacrificing style either, thanks to some street style inspiration. To test out my theory, I crafted five hot-weather outfits I plan to rotate weekly, below. Join me?
The “what do I wear to work?” dilemma is too real. Cut down the time you spend in front of the mirror by always grabbing these three items: a striped button-down shirt, a leather skirt, and sock boots. The leather skirt with its classic silhouette and sturdy material is key to crafting a polished look for the office. Boots add that essential fashion-girl touch. Although, you can replace the shoes with flats or heels, if your ankles are just too damn sweaty.
Shop similar pieces: 1. Alexander Wang striped shirt, $250; 2. Zara leather skirt, $40; 3. Steve Madden sock boot, $100
When the temperatures hit 85-degrees or higher, it's time to give your jeans a break (sorry, we still love you, denim!). Instead, opt for bottoms in more breathable fabrics, like printed cotton pants or linen trousers. Pair them with your favorite graphic T-shirt for that quintessential street style outfit. Complete the look with this season’s It shoe—the mule—and be on your fashionable way to work, brunch, and beyond.
Shop similar pieces: 1. Re/Done t-shirt, $95; 2. Rebecca Taylor pants, $350; 3. Mansur Gavriel mules, $395
A T-shirt is wearable year-round, but it’s an especially versatile piece come summer. Instead of tucking your favorite black tee into the same pair of blue jeans, kick up the sophistication by styling it with cotton or silky wide-leg trousers. Go for bottoms with a high-waisted cut to create the illusion of longer legs. And for a real bump in height, slip on some red pumps. That pop of color takes the outfit from fine to fabulous.
Shop similar pieces: 1. Banana Republic t-shirt, $23 2. Halston Heritage pants, $195; 3. Rupert Sanderson suede pumps, $665
A dress and sneakers: The simple two-piece outfit I swear by for oppressively hot days. A wrap dress in a feminine print, like florals, gives off extra summertime vibes. And white sneakers are the I-don't-have-to-think-about-anything choice for easy matching. This whole look can be thrown together in under five minutes, which gives you plenty of time to make it to drinks with friends before happy hour ends.
Shop similar pieces: 1. Ganni floral dress, $149; 2. Veja sneakers, $120
Consider denim shorts a white canvas on which you can build—and we suggest you layer-on a statement top and funky shoes. Think like a stylist and select shirts with an interesting graphic print or cutout designs—or both!—and make that the focal point of your ensemble. As for footwear, I love a good boot that adds a hint of “toughness” to an outfit.
Shop similar pieces: 1. Haute Rogue striped shirt, $43; 2. 7 For All Mankind denim shorts, $126; 3. Yuul Yie boots, $198