Ah, summer - the season of sunny adventures, backyard barbecues, and impromptu beach trips. But let's be real. It can also bring sweat-inducing outdoor events, aircon-challenged offices, and after-hours get-togethers that leave you feeling like a melted popsicle. This year, let your style sizzle while you stay as cool as a cucumber. The secret? Choosing the right outfits and undergarments to beat the heat.
To inspire you, here are seven summer fashion outfits and the under-layer heroes, like panties and shaper shorts, that'll have you feeling fresh and fabulous, no matter how high the mercury rises.
1. Cotton and Linen Classic
The outfit: Choose tops made from breezy cotton and linen, the MVP fabrics of warm weather wardrobes. Their natural fibers offer breathability, keeping you cool as temperatures soar. These fabrics also excel in moisture-wicking, drawing sweat away from your skin to keep you dry.
Experiment with colors, patterns, and styles. A crisp, white linen button-down blouse is a classic choice that pairs well with virtually anything. For some casual fun, choose a patterned cotton t-shirt or colorful preppy polo. For a more polished look, tuck your top into your high-waisted shorts or skirt, and cinch with a belt to define your waist and add an extra touch of sophistication.
Stay confident underneath: Consider wearing a neutral color bra or cami shaper for support that won't distract from your lighter tops.
2. The Quintessential Summer Dress
The outfit: Summer calls for dresses in lively colors and prints made from fabrics like chiffon and linen that keep you cool. Whether you like strapless or spaghetti-strap mini-dress styles or prefer more coverage with a short-sleeve T-shirt, midi, or maxi dress, there's a silhouette for every preference. Be ready for a beachside drink or bistro brunch with accessories such as sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat, and espadrille wedges to complete your ensemble.
Stay confident underneath: Consider wearing shaper shorts under your dress. These sculpting garments serve dual purposes: they smooth your silhouette for a polished look and act as a barrier against thigh chafing under dresses by diminishing skin-on-skin friction.
The bra you wear depends on the dress style. Adhesive or backless bras are ideal for open-back dresses, providing support without visible straps. Strapless dresses call for a well-fitting strapless bra that stays in place. Dresses with intricate necklines or thin straps benefit from seamless, convertible bras that offer versatility without detracting from the dress's design.
3. Culottes and Crop Top Combo
The outfit: Culottes are back in a big way this year. This on-trend style offers the perfect balance between pants and skirts, giving you the freedom of movement with a more sophisticated edge. For summer, choose culottes in fabrics like rayon, linen, or viscose, which drape beautifully and are warm-weather friendly.
Pair them with a crop top for a modern, youthful look. Worn with sneakers or flat sandals, this combo is perfect for casual outings or a day exploring the city. For cooler evenings, add a denim or genuine or faux leather jacket.
Stay confident underneath: The proper undergarments or shapewear are key to complementing culottes and maintaining a sleek, comfortable silhouette. Seamless panties or thongs can help you avoid visible panty lines, especially helpful if your culottes are made of lighter fabrics.
For under your crop top, consider a smoothing bra that hugs without constriction or a lightly lined t-shirt bra that offers discreet support under your clothes. If your top is more fitted, a full-coverage wireless bra with no side boning in a neutral shade can provide the necessary support and maintain the outfit's clean lines.
4. Boho Vibes
The outfit: Head to outdoor concerts, beach parties, or the farmer's market in a flowy, bohemian maxi dress. This retro-inspired piece in lightweight fabrics will have you channeling that 1960's vibe. Wear neutral wedge sandals, adorn your wrists with mixed-metal bangles, and carry a woven tote.
Stay confident underneath: Wear a lace bralette that offers support without padding for a natural look. Let the straps show for a pretty, relaxed style. Or opt for a classic body shaper in comfy, ultra-light fabric for tummy control.
5. Enchanted Evening Elegance
The outfit: For balmy summer nights, a sleek, satin slip dress in a cool hue makes for an effortlessly elegant choice. Take the ensemble up a notch with minimalist, high-heeled sandals, delicate gold jewelry, and a chic clutch for carrying your evening essentials. This look is perfect for sipping cocktails on a rooftop bar, where the skyline is as stunning as your outfit.
Stay confident underneath: A smoothing, low-back shapewear piece ensures a flawless silhouette, while seamless thong underwear guarantees invisibility under the slinky fabric.
6. Urban Explorer
The outfit: Show off your street-style savvy by rocking high-rise denim shorts paired with a loose-fitting, off-the-shoulder blouse. Add gold hoop earrings and a simple gold chain to enhance your neck. Throw on a crossbody bag and step into sneakers that can carry you from morning coffee runs to impromptu city adventures.
Stay confident underneath: Opt for a strapless, stay-put contouring bra for support and keeping everything in place. On the bottom, consider a shaper short for sculpting your tummy, waist, and hips and giving your butt a little lift.
7. Flirty Romper Rendezvous
The outfit: Embrace your playful side in a flirty romper adorned with ruffles, cutouts, or a vibrant print. Elevate the look with strappy sandals and a statement belt cinching your waist. Accessorize with oversized shades and a crochet hat for some vintage charm.
Stay confident underneath: Wear a seamless, sculpting bodysuit to smooth and contour your silhouette. The built-in bra provides support, while the shorty bottoms give you a sleek, streamlined look under the romper's cuts and patterns.
Don't Let the Heat Cramp Your Style
Welcome summer's warm weather, longer days, and sunshine with a wardrobe that's ready for anything. With these outfit and shapewear combinations, you can make the most of the season in both style and comfort. Whether you're lounging by the pool, enjoying a picnic in the park, or exploring hidden gems around town, these pieces will keep you looking effortlessly cool no matter where your journeys take you.
