The end of the summer is near, and while we’re not quite ready to pack up the rosé and pool floats just yet, we are pretty tired of our same-old, same-old outfits (aka the dreaded summer style rut). The solution: Let these 31 fashionable gals inspire your August wardrobe so you can go back to focusing on that beach-read thriller. Here are the best styling ideas to try every day this month.
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If there was ever a time for a massive maxi, it’s peak summer. Make it feel more polished with a ladylike crossbody and kitten heels.
Shop similar styles: Y.A.S. dress ($131); Tory Burch bag ($358); Sam Edelman heels ($120; $72)
Give your warm-weather wardrobe a major color boost by wearing fall’s richest shades like marigold, emerald and fuchsia. As long as you stick to summery silhouettes, you’ll still look seasonally appropriate.
Shop similar styles: Eileen Fisher T-shirt ($78; $30); Figue skirt ($595; $298); Topshop bag ($35); Nike sneakers ($110)
Test out this surprisingly fresh match-up: tennies and a flouncy romper.
Shop similar styles: Amanda Uprichard romper ($207); Veja sneakers ($150)
One of the only benefits of working from home and generally being confined to your own neighborhood means you aren’t carrying your entire life with you to and from the office, school or out for errands. Test drive a petite satchel, crossbody or tote that fits the essentials—keys, wallet, your mask—and only those essentials.
Shop similar styles: The Row bag ($990); By Far bag ($478); Manu Atelier bag ($340; $136); Reclaimed Vintage bag ($45); ASOS dress ($51); Sam Edelman sandals ($80)
Pairing a black top with black pants? Always sleek. But finishing an all-black outfit with a tropical topper? Much more interesting.
Shop similar styles: Johnny Was robe ($275); Caslon top ($25); Nic + Zoe pants ($128; $50); Olga Berg clutch ($110); Alohas shoes ($130; $91)
Go big or go home in a top with super-exaggerated sleeves styled with wide-leg trousers, like Coterie member Olivia Jeanette.
Shop similar styles: ASOS top ($45); Gap jeans ($70; $42); Senreve bag ($795); Naturalizer shoes ($110)
Make a mashup of patterns look totally cohesive by selecting just one color family (i.e., varying shades of blue).
Shop similar styles: Tommy Hilfiger shirt ($60; $45); LOFT skirt ($70; $60)
A simple beige midi could easily look super blah, but you don’t need to pile on lots of bold or colorful accessories to shake things up. Take a cue from Coterie member Grace Atwood and add just a few luxe extras, like gold-tone sandals, a sleek, structured net handbag and a silk metallic face mask (or headband post Covid-19).
Shop similar styles: Moon River dress ($146); Discover Night face mask ($55); AllSaints bag ($198); Birkenstock sandals ($135)
Just as versatile as your favorite wardrobe staple, but with a bit of a fancier vibe.
Shop similar styles: Banana Republic Factory top ($75; $45); Misa Los Angeles skirt ($282); Patrizia by Spring Step sandals ($40)
Who says bold makeup should be reserved for nights out or special occasions? A bright blue shadow offers the perfect contrast to a delicate green frock.
Shop similar styles: Make Up For Ever Artist Color Eye Shadow ($17); Kenzo dress ($445; $223); ASOS bag ($40); Jack Rogers sandals ($138)
Open back dresses are majorly trending right now, both because they’re subtly sexy and great for beating the heat.
Shop similar styles: Chinti and Parker ($361; $144); LPA ($218); Stine Goya ($390)
A pair of tailored wide-leg pants and a simple balloon-sleeve blouse have just enough of that relaxed hippie vibe to feel casual without looking too unkempt.
Shop similar styles: Rag & Bone top ($325); Athleta pants ($89); Mehry Mu bag ($498); Sarto by Franco Sarto flats ($99; $60)
Tuck a pretty lace top into a pair of brightly-colored or printed shorts to strike a gorgeous balance between dressed up and casual.
Shop similar styles: Topshop blouse ($68); Miu Miu shorts ($490; $254); Manu Atelier bag ($240); Daisy London necklace ($155) AUrate necklace ($300)
Birkenstocks, Tevas and other chunky-yet-supportive styles may have been considered dorky a few years ago, but right now they’re some of the trendiest footwear styles on the market. Pair them with minimalist silhouettes in bright colors to keep that sporty vibe going.
Shop similar styles: Puma ($65); Teva ($70); Villa Rouge ($125)
Problem: It’s too hot to wear normal clothes but you still have errands you need to run and people you need to see. Solution: Opt for loose, airy pieces in professional cuts to keep cool while still looking totally put together.
Shop similar styles: Aday top ($145); Silk Laundry pants ($325); Clare V. clutch ($325); Jeffrey Campbell shoes ($120; $72)
So you like pink, huh? * Pulls out every pink item from the closet* Fabulous.
Shop similar styles: Local Heroes T-shirt ($56); Ganni pants ($235); Nordstrom bag ($99); Converse sneakers ($50)
Rather than tuck just one side of your button-down shirt into your waistband, simply leave the bottom few buttons undone to show off a little triangle of midriff. So easy, so chic, so what are you waiting for?
Shop similar styles: Everlane shirt ($55); Lovers + Friends skirt ($148; $89); Dr. Scholl’s sandals ($88)
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We’re not just talking big, we’re talking shoulder-grazing ginormous. The trick is to find a pair that is light enough to wear all day.
Shop similar styles: Ana Luisa ($89); Cass Dickson ($100); Lele Sadoughi ($198; $139); Lina Hernandez ($195); Monica Sordo ($395)
Gray sweatpants but make them metallic.
Shop similar styles: Vince shirt ($320; $192); Express pants ($88; $70); Nacre watch ($270); Nike sneakers ($100)
Yellow gets a bad rap, but a marigold shade is rich enough to be universally flattering, no matter what skin tone you’re working with.
Shop similar styles: ASOS dress ($72); Mix No. 6 heels ($40)
So much of our faces are already covered by protective masks, why not protect your eyes from the sun without covering them entirely? Try a pair of colorful lens that block UV rays and reduce glare without rendering your totally anonymous.
Shop similar styles: Komono ($119); Illesteva ($240); Flatlist ($285); Oliver Peoples ($393)
When it comes to leopard print pants, take a note from Coterie member Tiffany Jais and keep the rest of your outfit simple with a black tee, net bag and flat neutral sandals.
Shop similar styles: The North Face T-shirt ($25); Baum und Pferdgarten pants ($203); Flit bag (starting at $48 for set of two); Beek sandals ($240)
Yes, you absolutely can rock a sweater dress mid-August. The key is to look for fabrics that are soft, lightweight and breathable and avoid overly cozy winter materials, like chunky wool.
Shop similar styles: Naadam ($150; $90); Line and Dot ($92); Banana Republic ($139; $97); Tularosa ($215); Sandro ($370)
Yep, we’re talking about your worn-in college tees and now “vintage” vacation souvenirs. They’re an easy, comfortable way to make a crisp midi skirt and heels feel weekend-ready.
Shop similar styles: American Eagle Outfitters T-shirt ($25); Proenza Schouler skirt ($425); Naturalizer heels ($110)
Give your outfit a summer glow to match your skin by selecting pieces with a hint of shine or sparkle to them. Think satin joggers, silky camis and metallic accessories (bonus points if they’re not the expected shades of gold, silver or bronze.)
Shop similar styles: Etica jacket ($175); Ted Baker top ($95); Silk Laundry pants ($285); The Attico bag ($497; $248)
We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: The shorts suit is our favorite summer outfit (and we love it in any color).
Shop similar styles: Rag & Bone blazer ($495) and shorts ($250); J.Crew top ($30); Naturalizer heels ($110)
Some days we’re just too hot to function. And on those days we wear shorts and a silky tank that won’t show our inevitable sweat stains.
Shop similar styles: Cami NYC top ($162); Aday shorts ($135)
Exaggerated sleeves are one of 2020’s biggest trends. And while the most prominent version is definitely the puff sleeve, but T-shirts with padded shoulders are experiencing their own mini moment in the sun. Take inspiration from Coterie member Monroe Steele and wear yours with elegant staples to balance out any linebacker connotations.
Shop similar styles: Storets T-shirt ($35); Vince skirt ($265; $186); Louis Vuitton crossbody ($1,860); BCBGeneration heels ($99; $80)
Who, moi? Breton stripes, clean-cut denim, two-tone shoes… très Parisienne.
Shop similar styles: Old Navy T-shirt ($15; $10); Agolde jeans ($178); Wicker Wings bag ($370; $172); ASOS shoes ($51; $41)
Pair it with a bright marigold minidress and ankle booties. You’ve got yourself a transitional look that will look fabulous all the way through October.
Shop similar styles: Alex Mill blazer ($270; $135); ASOS dress ($72); Brahmin bag ($225); Lucky Brand boots ($65)
Transform this easy staple from gas station-ready to cocktail hour-approved with the addition of crystal adorned heels, eye-catching jewelry and a fresh blowout.
Shop similar styles: Agolde jumpsuit ($300; $120); Area heels ($854; $342)
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