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- The lazy, hazy days of summer in August can pose a sartorial challenge when deciding what to wear.
- From Y2K wardrobe staples to soft, baggy jeans, here’s how to refresh your warm-weather wardrobe without breaking a sweat.
The lazy, hazy days of summer in August can prove to be a sartorial challenge. In the final stretches of the hot season, the days are long and the temperature doesn’t seem to be letting up. You’ve lost count of how many times you’ve worn your linen short sets, and your standby floral dress looks a little tired.
So, what is there to wear in the languid heat of August to feel refreshed? Perhaps a new perspective on your summer wardrobe favorites is in order. This is the time of year when it’s best not to think too hard on what to wear. There’s still summer sun to soak up, and the last thing you want is to be fretting over how to stay cool while actually looking cool as a cucumber.
Wearing the least amount of clothes while still abiding by public decency laws is the name of the game in the hot days of August, which means keeping things simple and not overthinking it. Easy outfit combos will keep you feeling fresh as we make it through to the end of summer (sigh).
Below are 10 of our favorite outfit formulas for sipping in those bright rays of sunshine without breaking too much of a sweat and looking effortlessly airy.
Layers! Yes, Layers
Anna Winter in Munich in June 2025.
Moritz Scholz/Getty Images
Wearing more clothes sounds counterintuitive when putting together a summer look. However, you can still work with layering in unexpected ways to keep your outfit interesting. A simple white baby doll tee and long denim shorts look much cooler and more intentional with a plaid button-up wrapped around your waist. No need to actually wear your layering piece, and the added punch of color and pattern takes the look to the next level. It’s a win-win!
Simple, Clean Lines
Sonia Lyson in Berline in July 2025.
Christian Vierig/Getty Images
Minimalistic lines keep your look sharp and easygoing. A camisole with an interesting neckline paired with long trouser shorts looks put together and ready to face the hot August rays. And if you haven’t invested in a pair of kitten-heeled sandals, let this be the sign you need! They’re sleek, comfortable and give your look the right amount of polish.
Throw It Back
Nana Abramova in New York City in July 2025.
305pics/GC Images
A cotton cami and slip skirt combo in ditsy floral patterns brings to mind early 2000s fashion, but looks absolutely modern and fresh for the sun-drenched days of August. Y2K style is still very much in heavy rotation, and this lightweight look makes getting dressed a breeze. For some shade, a page boy cap keeps you covered and completes the early aughts aesthetic.
Looking Sharp
Katya Tolstova in New York City in June 2025.
Daniel Zuchnik/Getty Images
It’s easy to want to reach for soft, structureless pieces when getting ready in the summer – anything to feel comfortable. And while there is definitely a place for those warm weather pieces, I would argue a sharp fitted look feels equally airy in the deep summer month. A graphic fitted tank with a white midiskirt is slimming and breathable. The high slit provides optimal airflow and continues the streamlined silhouette down to a pair of patent leather sandals. A simple color palette of black and white keep the whole look unfussy and sleek.
A Handy Handerkercheif
Gili Biegun in Paris in July 2025.
Moritz Scholz/Getty Images
Punch up your white cotton dress with new accessories, like tying a scarf around your waist. Seen on many street style stars, a printed scarf wrapped around the waist is an easy addition to any outfit that needs a style boost. If your white cotton dress has seen a lot of mileage this summer, give it some added energy for the last leg of the season with a silk handkerchief.
Embrace Cool Tones
Passerby seen in Paris July 2025.
Valentina Frugiuele/Getty Images
Sometimes it’s all a state of mind – if you want to feel cool, then dress cool. Icy blue tones in billowy fabrics that bring to mind cooler temperatures can be just as refreshing as a cold glass of ice water. Choosing lightweight cotton or linen will help you actually stay cool, but the frosty hue of blue is the key to looking chilled.
I Dream of Genie
Christine Wuerfel-Stauss in Paris in July 2025.
Christian Vierig/Getty Images
Sure, they’re pants, but balloon pants are everywhere this summer, and it’s easy to see why. They’re a fun, breezy alternative to shorts to keep cool and play into the wide-leg pant trend. Why not play the part of a retro genie with a cropped halter top to match and a gold armband for added sparkle and shine?
Break Out the LBD
Sarah Franco in Paris in July 2025.
Edward Berthelot/Getty Images
When August rolls around, you’ve probably run through your floral and brightly colored summer pieces. This is when you can always turn to your summer black dress. A shoulder-bearing flowy dress makes for a great alternative to summer colors when you need a little break. Plus, you can always count on black to look put together. Let your accessories play the part of summertime with a crochet handbag and woven leather flats for some levity.
Surf’s Up
Elena Kolisnichenko in Kazakhstan in May 2025.
Raimonda Kulikauskiene/Getty Images
If you can’t be at the beach, then bring the beach to you! Arguably, the best part about summer is a trip to the beach and the outfits that come with it. A swim top layered under a gauzy cover-up brings the beachy feels without the added sand. Keep things simple and casual with soft, baggy jeans and a crochet clutch for a cool, beach-bum look. Now close your eyes and listen to the waves.
Semi-Sheer Layering
Passerby seen in Paris in June 2025.
Claudio Lavenia/Getty Images
Sheer doesn’t seem to be going anywhere anytime soon, and August couldn’t be a more perfect month to wear something see-through. To keep things a little more covered, layering a t-shirt dress or a shorter dress over a sheer skirt creates a cool and lofty look. A jacket to cinch the waist and a pair of colored slides give the look a finishing touch.
