As a shopping writer, I understand the importance of adhering to a dress code while navigating the Midwest’s fluctuating weather. But getting dressed this summer has been a confusing experience. The heat and humidity work together to often sabotage my outfits, and even layering leaves me feeling like I’m suffocating.
Since I get to spend eight hours a day shopping, I recently used my time to narrow down the perfect outfit formulas for specific summer occasions. I sifted through thousands of Amazon fashion styles and narrowed all of the options down to these five outfits that I’ll be wearing over and over again.
For Date Night
I obviously want to look my best on date night, but I also need to ensure I keep calm, cool, and collected. A dress is an easy piece you can throw on and dress up or down, based on where you’re heading for the evening. Plus, if the nights get a lot cooler for you, you can always bring along a cardigan. You really can’t go wrong with this cotton maxi dress from Chouyatou, paired with some platform sandals and a sleek faux-leather shoulder bag. Whether you’re heading out to dinner and a movie or a low-key trivia night, you’ll be comfortable and won’t have to worry about sweating.
Chouyatou Striped Maxi Dress
Amazon
Crocs Getaway Platform H-Strap Sandals
Amazon
Cyhtwsdj Shoulder Bag
Amazon
For a Weekend Lounging
Who doesn’t love a breezy weekend? I usually spend mine either running errands that I ignored during the week, or enjoying a relaxed day at home with my husband and dogs. Either way, I like to change out of my typical pajamas, but I still want to remain comfortable. A matching set is my trick to feeling dressed up, even for a lazy weekend. You can combine the Exlura skort matching set with simple strappy sandals, like the Crocs Miami Toe Loop sandal, and laid-back accessories, like Sherlove’s gold-plated knot earrings and Kalidi’s mesh tote bag.
Exlura 2-Piece Skort Matching Set
Amazon
Crocs Miami Toe Loop Sandal
Amazon
Sherlove Gold-Plated Knot Earrings
Amazon
Kalidi Mesh Tote Bag
Amazon
For an Alfresco Dinner Party
Our friends and I enjoy taking turns hosting dinner parties followed by a casual evening of board games. A one-and-done piece like Anrabess’ linen and rayon blend wide-leg jumpsuit can carry you through a long afternoon and evening of fun without sacrificing style. All you need is Emprier’s dumpling-inspired straw clutch and Rocket Dog’s super comfy Cheery sneakers, and you’re all set.
Anrabess Wide-Leg Jumpsuit
Amazon
Emprier Straw Clutch
Amazon
Rocket Dog Cheery Sneaker
Amazon
For the Farmers Market
Whenever the farmers market is open, I’m right there. I love walking from stall to stall, checking out all of the wonderful local goods and shopping for my week’s fresh produce. However, the severe summer weather calls for breezy materials, so Faleave’s linen-cotton palazzo pants and Artfish’s scoop-neck ribbed tank are the perfect basic combo. You’ll certainly need Sojos’ aviator sunglasses to protect you from the sun and the comfy Cushionaire Luna cork footbed sandal for spending hours on your feet.
Faleave Palazzo Pants
Amazon
Artfish Scoop-Neck Ribbed Tank Top
Amazon
Cushionaire Luna Cork Footbed Sandal
Amazon
Sojos Aviator Sunglasses
Amazon
For a Day at the Beach, Lake, or Pool
A hot summer day by the water is the perfect way to cool off. Of course, you’ll want to ensure you’re wearing your favorite bathing suit and have the Anrabess crochet cover-up to throw over it. You’ll also be thankful to have Qogir’s oversized neoprene beach tote to store your keys, wallet, towel, book, and snacks in, all organized. Plus, you can leave your fancy shoes at home and opt for Project Cloud’s casual and cushy flip-flops.
Anrabess Crochet Cover-Up
Amazon
Project Cloud Flip-Flops
Amazon
Qogir Neoprene Beach Tote
Amazon