Simple Summer Style When It is Too Hot Outside

When it is hot, good fashion sense can go right out the window. It's not that anyone wants to look bad or not pulled together, it's just too warm to worry about the components of a good look. Who wants to think about layers, a scarf, too many accessories or a topper piece? Sure, once you get inside, these elements can be helpful, but if a day is to spent primarily outdoors you can forget it.

Simple Summer Style When it is Too Hot Outside

So how do you make an outfit look complete and polished when you don't want to add too many layers to it? I am sharing my tips today on simple summer style to give you some ideas on making a summer outfit look complete without a lot of effort.

Simple Summer Style Tip #1- Prints

Prints become more popular in the summer. They can make an outfit look done without a lot of work. I used these printed Ted Baker cropped palazzo pants to create this easy look that is done with a basic navy t-shirt from J. Crew, a pair of gold flat sandals from Sam Edelman, ivory handbag from Elleme and tassel drop earrings from Panacea.

Simple Summer Style Tip #2- Color Combining

Creating sophisticated summer color combinations is another way to make the most basic of outfits look more interesting. When it is hot, playing with color is a way to make less look like more. You an see an example of this in a post from last week when I shared some outfit photos from a client session. While these were work looks, you can see that my client's basic outfits for the office looked exciting because of the colors that we combined, not the pieces themselves.

In the outfit above, I styled these terra cotta pants from Theory with a yellow and brick red top from Tory Burch. I finished the outfit with mustard colored sandals from Sole Society, burgundy bag from Louise et Cie and palm drop earrings from The Sak.

Simple Summer Style Tip #3- Statement Shoes and

Jewelry

You have to wear shoes. Why not make them interesting? Statement shoes and jewelry can be game changers when it comes to make the simplest of summer outfits look stylish. Take, for example, this basic t-shirt dress from Madewell. It is easy and breezy for a hot summer day but it isn't exactly anything all that exciting. To make the dress stylish without adding a lot of layers or complication, these rose gold sandals from Lucky Brand and statement pendant from Nordstrom make a huge difference. The outfit stays hot weather friendly but looks more exciting. To complete the look I used this black bag from Zappos.

Simple Summer Style Tip #4- Wear standalone pieces

Lastly, choose pieces that can standalone without a lot of extra effort. Styles with interesting seam details or novelty finishes don't need a lot of accessorizing or layers to look done. This dress from Banana Republic is a perfect example. The belt and origami looking details create more interest without the addition of much more. I styled the dress with a pair of wedge sandals from Lucky Brand, cognac tote from Frye and tortoise necklace.

During these final dog days of summer, I hope these simple summer style tips help you look cool and chic.