Summer is here and so are my go-to summer outfit combos for 2024. It’s gets super hot and humid in Nashville— so summer outfits, and honestly pool days, are a must to survive in the southern heat. When it comes to outfit making, the hot weather can feel limiting. We are not layering. We are not wearing heavy fabrics. We are hot. We want to feel good in our outfits. We want to like how they look. But ultimately— we are hot. : )
So what’s the solution?
My number one tip for making great summer outfits is utilizing accessories. In other seasons, it’s easy to throw on a layer as a third piece that makes an outfit look complete. Instead of thinking about a top layer, think about accessories. A belt, a baseball cap, sunglasses, jewelry, an interesting handbag, interesting shoes. For the most part, these items don’t alter your temperature, but they bring interest to your summer outfits.
Secondly, create style juxtaposition in your summer outfits. I personally do this in every season, as it feels very true to my style, but mixing pieces that are different styles ups the interest in the outfit because it’s unexpected vs one note.
Lastly, play with shapes and silhouettes. Let’s look at a quintessential summer piece, the tank top. It could be high neck, square neck, strapless, spaghetti strap, ribbed, smooth, cropped, full length, assymetical with one sleeve, a solid color, a print, etc. Aim for a variety in your summer wardrobe.
How to Discover Your Go-To Seasonal Outfit Combos:
If you want to discover your go-to seasonal outfit combos, I recommend taking photos of your outfits (just a quick mirror selfie) and/or writing down what you wear. Then you can go over your photos/notes to find repeated combinations. Or, you can do the reverse— start with a list of combinations that you have seen and like, then create your outfits from there.
Benefits of Go-To Seasonal Outfit Combos:
- They un-complicate getting dressed and allow you to quickly make outfits you love.
- You can easily repeat them. It won’t get boring because you can still be creative within the combination— it’s just a framework!
- They help you better identify and understand your personal style.
Go-To Summer Outfit Combos for 2024:
My Everyday Jewelry: Lou Puff Heart Necklace, Mia Coin Necklace, Ophelia Ring, Pia Flat Band, Rove Twisted Ring – all pr products, code: TOMCZAK10 for $10 off your first order.
If you see something you like you can shop for the item(s) and support my blog at the same time by purchasing through the affiliate links in this post, at no extra cost to you. As always, I’m so grateful for your support! Items are true to size unless noted and * notes pr products.
1.) Tee + Denim Shorts
LEFT: Shirt // Bag // Belt* // Sunglasses // Shorts (AGOLDE Reese shorts, almost identical to this current style) // Shoes* (size down 1/2)
RIGHT: Shirt (sold out from Sézane – similar, similar) // Bag (similar for less) // Sunglasses // Shorts // Sneakers
Let’s jump right in with an easy, quintessential summer outfit combo— a t-shirt and denim shorts. Sounds basic, but it doesn’t have to be. Always comfy, and you can make it as plain or interesting as you want. In the look on the left, I started out with a cream, ribbed, cropped tee and paired it up with denim cut-offs. I added a suede belt with a gold buckle and immediately the outfit looked more elevated and put together. From there I stuck with an easy, neutral sandal, my everyday sunnies, and grabbed a green rattan sling bag for additional interest. The end result is mostly neutral and approachable, but not boring at all. Meanwhile, the look on the right is giving full 70’s vibes with the ringer tee, patch pocket denim shorts, and brown retro running sneakers. Same basic outfit combo, but the outfits look very different.
2.) Dress + Sneakers
LEFT: Espresso Dress* (code: MICHELLET for 15% off) // Bag* (code: MICHELLE15 for 15% off your first order) // Bag Strap // Sneakers (code: MICHELLE15 for 15% off your first order)
RIGHT: Boardwalk Dress* (code: MICHELLET for 15% off) // Bag & Strap // Sunglasses // Sneakers
This second outfit combo is one that I’ve been wearing for years. It feels great to throw on a dress when the days are super hot, and we have a lot of those in Nashville. Sneakers add style juxtaposition— bringing a casual and sporty feeling against a flowy, feminine dress. Not only that, but they’re ultra comfy and they align with my casual style. I like to finish this combo off with an interesting handbag to take it all up a notch.
3.) Oversized Button Up Shirt + Denim Mini Skirt
LEFT: Matter of Fact Color Block Shirt* (I sized down, code: MICHELLET for 15% off) // Skirt // Bag* (similar for less) // Shoes*
RIGHT: Shirt // Hat* // Sunglasses // Skirt // Bag* // Sneakers
This is a new combo that I have been super into wearing. Have you heard that audio on instagram that talks about little shirt big pants and big shirt little pants? This is big shirt little pants. : ) I like the contrast of the mini skirt with the oversized shirt. The pairing feels really laid back. Shoes, bags, and other accessories take this combo from good to great. If you’re not into denim mini skirts, you can easily swap and wear denim shorts. I’ve worn the outfit on the right with denim shorts and I loved it that way too.
4.) Romper/Jumpsuit & Sandals
LEFT: Jumpsuit* (code: MICHELLET15 for 15% off) // Tote (got it free with a Sézane purchase) // Sandals* (code: MICHELLE15 for 15% off your first order)
RIGHT: Romper (I’m 5’7″ and got the tall) // Bag* & Strap* (code: MICHELLE15 for 15% off your first order) // Sandals* (code: MICHELLE15 for 15% off your first order
I love rompers and jumpsuits for their one-and-done ease. Your shoe choice and accessories will steer the feeling of the finished look. Sandals and a sling or tote bag are what I’ve been reaching for.
5.) Tee + Summer Pants + Sandals
LEFT: Jacket* // Tee // Bag* // Journey Easy Pants* (I sized down one, check measurements on site) code: MICHELLET for 15% off) // Sandals* (Size down 1/2)
RIGHT: Shirt // Pants (size down one) // Bag* // Shoes (whole sizes only, I wear a half and sized down)
This next combo is for all of you who don’t live in the crazy heat, ha! I do love this combo, and I wear it if we are blessed with a dip in temps, or at the beginning or end of summer. What are summer pants? For me they have one or all of these qualities: lightweight, cropped or ankle length, a light color.
6.) Tank Top + Non-Denim Shorts + Sandals
LEFT: Tank // Bag // Fauna Shorts* (code: MICHELLE15 for 15% off) // Sandals
RIGHT: Tank (old from H&M – similar) // Bag* & Strap* (code: MICHELLE15 for 15% off your first order) // Sunglasses // Shorts (new version) // Sandals* (code: MICHELLE15 for 15% off your first order)
This last outfit combo is based off another simple, quintessential summer pairing— a tank top and shorts. For this combo, wearing a simple tank allows the shorts to be the focal point of the outfit. I like to keep it summery by adding a pair or sandals. Sunnies add chic-ness, and I wear whatever bag I am feeling that day.
Thanks for checking out my go-to summer outfit combos for 2024! I hope these ideas can inspire you in your summer outfit-making. What are you wearing on repeat this summer? Let me know in the comments below!
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