Estimated Reading Time: 2 minutes
As temperatures soar, we can finally put our heavy knits and winter gear away and whip out our light, summer clothing. While most of us prefer dressing light and keeping cool in the scorching heat, it doesn’t necessarily mean baring skin. There are ways to dress for summer temperatures while staying relatively covered up.
Read on for the best summer clothes ideas to dress light without showing too much skin!
Before diving into what to wear, let’s first find the right fabric. Cotton is a wise choice for efficiently absorbing sweat and letting it evaporate to keep our bodies cool. Linen is another great option, thanks to its breathable and airy flax fiber and weave construction. We tend to associate sunny weather with light and happy colors. Not only do light-colored clothes fit the mood, they’re also practical as they reflect light to keep us cool.
What to Wear
Sheer Clothing
A classy trend to cover yet flaunt skin, sheer clothing offers a peekaboo effect without directly exposing skin. Sheer clothing is lightweight and also easier to dry! Balance the see-through effect of a sheer piece with something solid. Wear it over a camisole and tuck into trousers or a pencil skirt for a dressy look. For a laid-back look, wear a sheer top over a crop top with a pair of denim shorts.
Crop Tops with High-Waist Bottoms
Crop tops are a summer staple that keeps you cool, comfy and agile. You don’t have to worry about long hems getting caught by the car door or dampened at the sink! Don’t forego a crop top for exposing your midriff – all you need is to wear high-waist bottoms to balance the skin-to-clothing ratio. High-waist bottoms also make your legs look longer. If your crop top is fitted, opt for bottoms that hang loose around the legs so your ‘fit won’t be entirely skintight!
Flowy Bottoms
Anything flowy is great for summer. Loose-fit pants are breezy, stylish, flattering for most body shapes, and easy to mix and match. From roomy trousers to palazzo pants, flowy bottoms sweep the length of your legs without sticking to skin – a must in the summer heat and humidity! Tuck in a body-fitted top to balance the draped bottoms, or if you want to look casual, wear a buttoned top half-tucked.
Midi Skirts and Maxi Dresses
Midi skirts have a humble appeal while coming in many styles that are fun, flirty and light! Tuck any top into an A-line skirt for an airy twirl. If you want to show just a hint of skin, let your legs peep through by wearing slit skirts and dresses.
Maxi dresses free you from the hassle of matching your top with your bottom, especially if your summer schedule is jam-packed! They’re long enough to cover your entire legs, yet roomy enough to keep you comfortable through scorching heat.
Jumpsuits
Jumpsuits are befitting and versatile enough for any daytime and evening occasion. These breathable pieces cover most of your body while looking modish. For casual daytime wear, go for a plain jumpsuit worn over a solid T-shirt. Jumpsuits with subtle embellishments, like a waist tie, are also perfect for summer. For an upscale look, go for a cocktail-appropriate halter neck or a jumpsuit with lapels!
Cover-ups
It’s always smart to have a light cover-up on hand for when you’re blasted with air conditioning indoors. Coming in a variety of prints ranging from florals to fun and quirky, kimonos give an extra fashion kick to just about any outfit. Oversized button-up shirts are another simple and effortless option that can be worn unbuttoned or buttoned, half tucked or fully tucked. If you’re on the run, lightweight scarves are an easy grab-n-go accessory that covers up your décolletage.
RELATED:
- How to Dress Light for Summer without Showing Too Much Skin
- What is “Skinimalism”? (HINT: Less is More!)
- How to Dress for Wide Hips