We can practically smell the grill firing up, taste the ice-cold rosé cider and hear the splash of that unicorn float hitting the pool. We’ve reached peak summer and we’re ready to dress like it. We did the work for you and planned out 31 fabulous and fresh outfits to wear throughout the month of July.
31 Outfit Ideas for Every Day in July to Beat the Heat in Style
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1. Keep It Simple In A White Tee And Sleeveless Dress
Protect your shoulders from that hot summer sun while simultaneously making your favorite strappy dress feel more daytime-appropriate.
Shop similar styles: Everlane Organic Cotton T-Shirt ($30); Reformation Edita Dress ($118); Vince Camuto Gidgena Sandals ($99)
2. Try Breathable Long-sleeves And Flowy Pants
Get some extra sun protection without overheating in super-breathable, sweat-wicking materials like linen or lightweight cotton in breezy silhouettes.
Shop similar styles: L.L. Bean Vacationland Button-Up Shirt ($50); River Island Wide-Leg Pants ($74); Cuyana Small Structured Tote ($198); Havaianas You Sandals ($42)
3. Balance A Vibrant Dress With White Accessories
Let your rainbow-colored frock be the true star of your outfit by keeping your jewelry to a minimum and selecting sleek white accessories over intricate or multi-hued options.
Shop similar styles: Farm Rio Spring Bananas Belted Minidress ($4210); Staud Mini Sasha Bag ($275); Sam Edelman Daffy Sandals ($130; $85)
4. Celebrate The 4th Of July In Style
Turns out you can wear all the colors of the flag at once without looking like, well, the flag itself. Pair some mod ’60s boots with an easy shirtdress and you have yourself a supremely chic and festive ensemble.
Shop similar styles: Kule The Shirt Dress ($298); Furla Metropolis Mini Ruby Bag ($328; $197); Chinese Laundry Davinna Boots ($90)
5. Don’t Assume Shorts Are Casual
Turns out shorts suits are major fashion chameleons, looking adorably cute for a casual Friday then super sexy for date night. Bottom line: You can wear one of these fabulous sets to basically every event on your calendar. Thanks for the inspo, Olivia Jeanette!
Shop similar styles: Mango Linen Trench Coat ($230); Banana Republic Ribbed Racer Tank Top ($30; $21); 1.State Paperbag Shorts ($69); Calvin Klein Gayle Heels ($109; $93)
6. Pile On The Neutrals
An off-the-shoulder top with ruffled sleeves feels less intimidating or fiesta-ready when done in a simple beige and paired with tailored khakis. Yes, you can wear different neutral shades in the same outfit without looking boring.
Shop similar styles: MinkPink Lune Top ($99; $60); Everlane The Relaxed Chino Pants ($98); Furla Charlotte Bag ($298)
7. Sport Head-to-toe Brights
Instead of wilting away in the heat, why not re-energize with a super-bold “look at me” ensemble? Pile on the most vibrant shades you can find and show that white-hot sun who’s boss.
Shop similar styles: ASOS Satin Marble Shirt ($42); Alice + Olivia Dylan Pants ($295); Easy Street Prim Heels ($65)
8. Get Comfortable In A Caftan
Equal parts glamorous and easy, your go-to poolside caftan is more versatile than you think. Just add a pair of fabulous oversize earrings, a structured bag and luxe slides—like Coterie member Katie Sturino—and suddenly you’re ready for a red carpet (or at least dinner and drinks with the girls).
Shop similar styles: Ro’s Garden Clorinda Long Kurta ($212); Deepa Gurnani Jody Earrings ($60); The Well Appointed House Beaded Bag ($170); Open Edit Opal Sandals ($50)
9. Give A Throwback Nod To ‘90s Overalls
If you’re still totally buggin’ over the awesome fashion on Clarissa Explains It All, then we have some good news for you: Overalls and oversize headbands are back in style. If it’s too hot for a button down, we suggest a sleeveless blouse, preferably with some ruffles or lace around the arms.
Shop similar styles: J.Crew Classic Fit Cotton-Poplin Shirt ($80); Good American ‘90s Overalls ($159); Jessie Zhao New York Silk Bandana ($49); Nike Air Force 1 Sneakers ($120)
10. Let Loose In A Tent Dress
They’re easy, they’re breezy and surprisingly flattering, too. All you need in terms of accessories are a few gold bangles and some minimalist sandals. And maybe a chic scrunchie as well, in the case of Coterie member Coco Bassey.
Shop similar styles: New Look Poplin Mini Dress ($43; $28); Privacy Please Satin Srunchie ($22; $11); Ettika Chain Bracelets ($50 for set of three)
11. Upgrade Your Beach Apparel
Give your denim cut-offs or shapeless cover-up a break and try a loose button-down and chic sarong instead. You can even add a cute bucket hat and colorful tote, like Coterie member Babba Canales, to really amp up the fun.
Shop similar styles: Madewell Short Brim Bucket Hat ($30); Uniqlo Linen Button-Up Shirt ($30); Farm Rio Rainbow Sunset Sarong ($110); BTB Los Angeles Straw Tote Bag ($194; $135); Børn Inti Slide Sandals ($85)
12. Embrace Nantucket Staples
Even if you can’t travel to a chic beach town this summer, that shouldn’t stop you from dressing like your weekend plans involve a clam bake and sailing around the Cape. Pair loose tailored trousers with a high-neck tank, both in stark white, then drape a navy-and-white stripe knit over your shoulders. Finish with classic sunnies and minimalist sandals.
Shop similar styles: Alex Mill Button-Back Sweater ($135); WSLY Rivington Tank Top ($68); Banana Republic Linen-Blend Pants ($90; $63); Hyer Goods Mini Shoulder Bag ($195); Vicenza Puffy Flip-Flop Sandals ($98)
13. Swap Your Beach Dress For A Matching Set
Follow in Jasmine’s very chic footsteps and swap out your go-to breezy maxi dress for a coordinating top and skirt instead. A two-piece will give you more options for outfits when you’re traveling, and you can even fake a little trendy cut-out at the waist if you like.
Shop similar styles: Petal + Pup Annie Top ($42) and Molly Skirt ($59); J.Crew Cadiz Hand-Knotted Tote ($70); Gucci Jolie Sandals ($750)
14. Tone Down A Vibrant Tropical Print With Black Accessories
There’s no need to save your wildest tropical prints for vacation. Just wrap a black leather belt around your waist and slip your feet into a pair of black sandals (the chunkier the better, in our opinion) and you’ll no longer look out of place walking around the city instead of a resort.
Shop similar styles: Bhanuni by Jyoti Patterned Maxi Dress ($228); B-Low the Belt Zuri Wrap Belt ($144); Margaux The Wrap Sandals ($218)
15. Give Gingham An Edgy Makeover
Gingham is one of our favorite summer prints. But if embracing a preppy picnic look isn’t really your thing, try pairing Dorothy Gale’s signature print with sportier silhouettes, like a cropped black racerback, lime green geometric handbag or ‘70s sunglasses instead of ruby red slippers.
Shop similar styles: Free People Hayley Tank Top ($28); Brixton Victory Pants ($75); Ganni Ruched Top Handle Bag ($165); Dr. Scholl’s Originally Sandals ($150)
16. Dress Up A Simple Frock With Fancy Footwear
We love how Coterie member Ijeoma Kola took a casual white tent dress from beach-ready to date-night approved with the simple addition of some strappy lace-up sandals. Genius.
Shop similar styles: Free People Hannah Poplin Dress ($108); Brahmin Duxbury Bag ($325); Reformation Sammie Sandals ($248)
17. Hang Loose
On those days when you’re just too hot to function, reach for some loose linen shorts and a cute flowy tank top to create an outfit that will keep you cool while still looking cute.
Shop similar styles: Coco Shop Poplin Top ($305); GAP Crinkle Gauze Shorts ($50; $44); Eileen Fisher Leather Slide Sandals ($185; $103)
18. Opt For Patterned Jumpsuits Over Solid Colors
We love how easy boilersuits are to wear—just pull it on, slip into your comfortable sneakers and you’re out the door—but the utilitarian style might leave you feeling like you’re dressed more for the mechanic’s garage than brunch with your girlfriends. However, if you opt for a head-to-toe print rather than sticking with neutral hues or shades or blue, you’ll instantly look much dressier, even with the same simple kicks.
Shop similar styles: Rebecca Taylor Scroll Pleated Jumpsuit ($395; $277); Converse Chuck Taylor Sneakers ($50)
19. Try A Silk Slip Skirt
Ah, the slip skirt—they’re our new favorite go-to when we want to look polished and breezy all in one. Wear yours with a casual tank or button-down shirt and flat sandals and you'll be good to go.
Shop similar styles: Athleta Half Moon Tank Top ($54); Keasmto Satin Skirt ($26); Franco Sarto Glenni Sandals ($80)
20. Wear A Denim Skirt Like An Adult
Turns out, it can be done. Choose a white or black wash, then pair it with a pair of black heels and a classic button-down shirt.
Shop similar styles: Athleta Midtown Shirt ($98); Chico’s Fray-Hem Skirt ($90); Frame Le Doheny Heels ($395)
21. Bring Back The ‘going Out Top’
Getting dressed for drinks or a night out used to be a simple three part formula—heels, skinny jeans and a classic ‘going out top.’ Well, we’re more than ready for those sexy, slinky, flirty tops to make a full comeback. This time we’re tucking them into dark-wash straight-leg jeans rather than skinnies, but their easy spirit remains the same.
Shop similar styles: Amanda Uprichard Mckinnon Top ($189; $133); Levi’s Wedgie Straight Jeans ($90); Tory Burch Miller Crossbody Bag ($328; $230)
22. Continue The Pride Month Celebration With Rainbow-inspired Prints
Just because the official Pride Month is over doesn’t mean you can’t keep the rainbow celebration going. Look to Coterie member Grace Atwood and her gorgeous multi-hued dress for inspiration on how to rock all the colors of the rainbow without looking too on the nose.
Shop similar styles: Tanya Taylor Tiana dress ($475); Zazzle Face Mask ($15); Vince Camuto Aslee Sandals ($100)
23. Mix Prints With Abandon
Throw out all the “rules” you’ve ever read about which prints go with which and just go all out with your current favorite pieces. If you’re feeling a little nervous about how your patterns look right up next to each other, use Tyla-Lauren Gilmore as inspiration and add a neutral, like blue-wash denim or white linen, in between to break things up.
Shop similar styles: Brixton Bunker Patchwork Shirt ($59); Mother Rider Skimp Jeans ($268); Stuart Weitzman Santorini Scallop Slides ($350; $140)
24. Swap Your Denim Cut-offs For A More Polished Pair Of Shorts
Cotton or twill shorts feel infinitely more put-together than denim (raw hem or no), but can be mixed in with all the same pieces you’d usually pair with your beloved cut-offs, like easy tank tops, graphic tees or blousy button-up shirts.
Shop similar styles: Princess Polly Cassie Trench Coat ($94); Seafolly One-Shoulder Top ($48); Susana Monaco Tailored Shorts ($128); Nisolo Leather Noemi Belt ($60); Steve Madden Saged Sandals ($100)
25. Knot A Scarf Around Your Head
Give your scalp some extra sun protection while covering the roots of your third-day blowout with a simple silk bandana.
Shop similar styles: Madewell Cotton Bandana ($15); BaubleBar Michaela Chain Necklace ($44); Endless Rose Sleeveless T-Shirt ($40); Madewell Midmont Pleated Shorts ($85; $60)
26. Wear Your Athletic Gear Outside The Gym
Real talk: When it’s 97 degrees out with 100 percent humidity, you are going to get sweaty. So throw on a sweat-wicking tank with your girly midi skirt and call it a (fashionable) day.
Shop similar styles: Nike Swoosh Tank Top ($30); ASOS Eyelet Lace Skirt ($141); Arizona Love Trekky Peal Sandals ($239; $228)
27. Layer A Shirtdress Over Another Dress
Unbutton the hem from the midriff to the bottom for a super-cool A-line silhouette.
Shop similar styles: Maison Irem Colorful Necklace ($125); Polo Ralph Lauren Linen Shirtdress ($248); Banana Skirt Radiant Pleated Skirt ($130); Kurt Geiger London Leather Kensington Bag ($295); Nina Henesi Heels ($99)
28. Embrace The Nyc Style Stereotype
Alternatively, you can wear black-on-black this summer without melting into a sweaty puddle. Just remember to choose breathable fabrics and avoid anything too form-fitting or constricting.
Shop similar styles: Everlane Organic Cotton T-Shirt ($30); Mango Frayed Mini Skirt ($46); Teva Original Universal Sandals ($55)
29. Break Out Your ‘90s Rugby Shirt
Matching button-up shirts and boxer shorts were the pair to wear last summer, and they’re definitely still super trendy. But we’re also starting to see a resurgence of preppy rugby pullovers alongside coordinating summer shorts. To balance out all those colorful stripes, keep your shoes and accessories on the simple side and neutral in hue.
Shop similar styles: Polo Ralph Lauren Striped Terry Rugby Shirt ($168; $120) and Drawstring Athletic Shorts ($110; $80); Reebok Club Memt Sneakers ($60)
30. Wear Summer's Two Hottest Hues
Why choose between white hot and red hot when they look so darn good together? Pull on the brightest whites you own and add plenty of red-orange accessories.
Shop similar styles: AYR The Deep End Shirt ($135); Citizens of Humanity Charlotte Straight Jeans ($198); House of Want Newbie Shoulder Bag ($78); Anthropologie Strappy Heeled Sandals ($140; $100)
31. Sport A Mini Beach Bag
You might not know when you'll *finally* have the opportunity to dip your toes in the sea, but you know for sure you can rock this vacation-ready accessory as soon as tomorrow.
Shop similar styles: Mejuri Oversize Hoop Earrings ($350); YFB Clothing Iggy Dress ($136); Kayu Straw Mini Bag ($83); Teva Universal Sandals ($55)