Summer fashion means light-weight, fresh, easy and casual. I’m a Pacific Northwest girl and our summer temperatures typically max out around the high 80’s, so I switch between jeans (forever my favorite), shorts (not my fave, but I’m learning to embrace them), basic dresses (always an easy go-to) and a few simple tees + tanks to round things out.
Since we can all use a few new outfit ideas, I’ve put together 7 favorite outfits for summer.
Big shocker: the pieces fit nicely into my go-to color palette of neutrals + blues.
My go-to outfits are always casual, comfortable and I try to keep things cute. I do my best to fill my closet with classic, basic pieces that are easy to wear and can be mixed and matched again and again. Most of the items in this collection of outfits are currently available online, so I’ve linked them all below to make shopping easier.
It always feels so silly taking pictures of myself for these posts, but I do it for you. I know how helpful it is to see how others put outfits together – especially casual, everyday outfits. My hope is that you can use this as a great shopping list for basics and layering pieces, and maybe a few outfits will spark some ideas of how you can mix items you already have in your closet.
Let’s get started!
SUMMER OUTFIT NO. 1
Friends. Before we get any further, can I just acknowledge that my knees are weird? They are strangely turned in (I blame ballet!) and bumpy. And carrying my four children caused unsightly veins to pop out on my already pale legs. Perhaps this is why I am not a fan of shorts, but as I mentioned above, I’m learning to embrace them. We all have our insecurities, right? I’m putting my funky legs out there for all the internet to see. Enjoy.
Okay, let’s talk instead about the cute chambray cami and easy shorts (with an elastic waistband!). This combo is super comfortable and still looks pulled together. If you’re in need of a new strapless bra, give this one a try. It is smooth and works great under a top like this.
chambray tank | linen shorts | sandals (similar)
SUMMER OUTFIT NO. 2
I’m a fan of anything gingham/buffalo check and these shorts caught my eye. They fit a little large, so I recommend ordering a size down. And this shirt is the best. It is a linen blend, so it’s lightweight and has a nice, flattering fit. It is currently on major clearance, so grab one before they are gone.
You’ll may notice I wear the same sandals again and again. These are a year old, which replaced a pair almost identical that I wore for a few years before. I just like a cognac leather shoe with almost any outfit. The sandals I linked to are the most current version.
gingham shorts | linen capsleeve tee | sandals (similar) | sunglasses
SUMMER OUTFIT NO. 3
This outfit is my ‘going to the beach’ look. Cuffed denim shorts that are not super short because I just can’t, a super soft tank, the perfect flip flops and a cute hat. Throw it all on over a swim suit and you’re ready to go.
tank | denim shorts | flip flops | hat
SUMMER OUTFIT NO. 4
This is for sure my most go-to look for this time of year. I know, all you ladies who live anywhere but up here are thinking I’m crazy for wearing jeans in the summer, but we have a lovely temperate climate where jeans are still comfortable on the average 70’s summer day. I kept seeing frayed hem jeans and so I bought this pair. They are not expensive and fit great.
jeans | shirt (I can not find it online. Bought it last week at Target) | sandals
SUMMER OUTFIT NO. 5
All last summer while traveling around the country, I reached for breezy dresses. I like an a-line, with pockets, please. I just picked this one up at Target last week and it will be regularly worn this summer.
dress | sandals (similar) | sunglasses
SUMMER OUTFIT NO. 6
I know, it’s a funny pose. But I wanted you to see how cute the back of this tank is! It’s a little shorter in the front and has those fun tiers in the back. Ryan told me once that he loves me in this blue color and so I keep adding more to my wardrobe.
tank | jeans | shoes (these would be a cute alternative)
SUMMER OUTFIT NO. 7
A good white tshirt goes with everything. This one has a fun twist detail in the front. It runs a little big (I’m wearing a small and it’s very roomy). The scallop shorts feel nautical and sweet.
twist front shirt | scallop shorts | sandals
So there you go. Seven favorite outfits to wear this summer. I hope these outfits help inspire you to try new combinations of things you already own and maybe add in a few new pieces that you love!
Do you have a favorite?
Gap update. I went directly to their site and see the new promo word today is TODAY. It worked – 40% off.
I love the denim shorts. Tried to enter the promo code DEAL, but it said invalid and it wanted a numeric code. Any suggestions? Thank you!!
Love these — you look so classic yet modern! And, thank you for being budget conscious…it’s refreshing!
I love your style and how you did your hair in each of them–such variety!! :)
From one Emily to another, embrace your legs :) Those legs carried not only you, but you and another human being around for 36 months aka 3 years! We’re used to our legs carrying us around, but how amazing is it that your legs were strong enough to carry you AND someone else around for three years of your life. Not everyone can say that :) Rock those strong, amazing legs!
You are so precious. I’ve never commented before, but I read your blog regularly. Thanks for being genuine and the great content. Keep it up!
I’m so glad I’m not the only (previous ballet dancer) who dislikes her knees! I’m also a pale redhead from the PacNW and now living in south Texas my love of jeans is hard to justify in the heat and humidity so I’ve been trying to embrace my knees/legs for comfort purposes :) I love that you show the outfits together and picked some very comfy looking shorts. Thanks for the inspiration!!
In no particular order:
A) These posts are fun
B) I wear jeans all year long. Even in hot and humid TN. I am not a shorts fan.
C) I loved that you said you can’t do short shorts. Whatever the reason, I wish more people would wear longer shorts. They don’t have to be long shorts. Just not short, short shorts.
D) The knotted hem top is super cute. It is similar to one I sometimes see on the Instagram of a local boutique. I was just on their website and they had one I hadn’t seen before that had a longer hem in the back and the knotted hem in the front. Super cute. They have a ton of cute tops and some have sweet ruffles or layered hems like your blue tank. https://shopvalsboutique.com/collections/tops?page=1
I love these posts! They are so inspirational. Any chance you could do a similar post on all your cute hairstyles? I love your casual but put together styles, but have no idea how to replicate them.
I’d love to put something together!
cute cute cute! i especially love the outfit with the hat. and those frayed jeans are so great!
Such cute, and practical outfit ideas! I saw that dress at Target thkd week and might have to go back for it!
As a former PNW resident, now in the Midwest, I so miss being able to wear jeans in the Summer! This Midwest humidity is too much!
Thanks for sharing this post! I’ve been watching for it! :) Love all these outfits. Question: Would you say that the blue Loft tank in outfit 6 runs true to size? I’m normally a small but often end up buying XS at Loft. Thanks!
I would say true to size. It is roomy, but not overly so. I am wearing a small in the photo.
Just wanted to say “thank you!’ Because although you may not feel 100% great about your legs, the fact that you posted these pics says a whole lot. It gives others who have bulging veins, “weird” knees and just imperfect bodies the confidence to have more freedom in what we wear. You are beautiful! And the fact that you have imperfections and are not afraid to show them makes you that much more lovely. Thank you for being authentic and real.
Thank you, Cara! We can be so hard on ourselves, but the insecurities are real!
Kudos Cara!! Ditto ditto ditto my friend! And Emily, you are adorable. Thank you much for your posts!
Thank you for these great outfits. Its so hot here in Qatar and we definitely need these :)
E-
Thank you for these posts. You look lovely in each one. Your hair, in your first outfit picture, which you just got cut, as you mentioned in your coffee chat, looks FABULOUS!!! Change is hard for all,of,us but your hair is gorgeous and be SO very glad it’s thick!
Thank you, Tara. I’m trying to figure out how to style it :)
Cute!! I love your style! :))
All the outfits are darling. However, I want to say something about the leg business. I’m almost 69 years old. Pretty old, eh? I still wear clothes like this however. I’m not perfect, body-wise. Far, far from it. My knees have always been fat with a “bulge” on the insides. The tops of my thighs touch. I wear shorts. I have that very wiggly upper arm problem. I wear tank tops and sleeveless. Maybe when you get to be as old as I am you look at things differently. I’m not out to impress anyone with how I dress. I dress for comfort. If it’s 85-90 degrees here in MN with humidity, I don’t care what my legs and arms look like, I’m not wearing jeans and sleeves. The way I look at it is I’m not perfect, nor is anyone else. If someone has a problem with my body, that’s their problem. They don’t have to look at me, talk to me or be my friend. I’m fine with who I am and certainly know how I look in clothes, but that’s fine too. At least I’m not sweating my butt off! Be proud. You were a ballet dancer. If that’s what caused whatever problem you think you have with your knees, so what. Not many can say they danced ballet. You’ve earned whatever legs you have. And PS – I think your legs are lovely.
Thank you, Jo :) Your words are very true. I hope I will gain the same confidence!
I was just at Target today and didn’t see that striped shirt. I may have to go back tomorrow.
I have a different vein issue (spider veins) that I’ve had repaired since having kids. You might consider seeing a vascular doctor. For me it was worth it to be able to wear shorts again and not be self-conscious about my veins.
#1 & #6 are my favourites on you, and I love the pose in #6, you look sexy 😉
I wish we had high 80s. We’ve had it this week but are going back down at the weekend. We generally have a rotten summer in the UK.
Does Loft clothing run true to size or larger?
I think it runs pretty true to size. The gingham shorts, however, were super big.
No. 3 is so you! I love the simplicity and that hat is the perfect “Emily” touch. It really suits you. I agree your braid in no. 2 is adorable. Always love these posts. Happy Summer!!!
I just bought that striped blue & cream shirt from Target too! so cute & very comfortable! I love your casual, cute & simple looks! Thanks for the inspiration!
Love them all!!! Outfit 3 is my favorite! Possibly a tutorial in the future for braid in outfit #2?
your outfit posts are my favorite! I always come back to each season’s outfit post to find the perfect outfit/piece. You look great, don’t even think twice about leg issues mamma- you have your beautiful babies and strong legs that carried them (and many people would kill for your legs!)! Just saw the striped tee at Target last night- and so excited to go shop your links ;)
I absolutely think your legs are lovely, but if they bother you they can be fixed! A lot of times veins can be fixed in-office and insurance will cover the cost if it’s not just cosmetic (spider veins.). I get it though. I have very white legs with some stretch marks and I hate to wear shorts because of it. Love the outfits!
LOVE your fashion posts!! Thx for sharing! Classic yet casual pieces that are super cute!!
Emily these are great! And we have solidarity with the turned in knees! You look amazing and I love every one of these outfits!
Living out here, I’ve embraced the cropped jeans and linen pants in the summertime. For me it’s hard to justify shorts, when I really will only wear them a few weeks out of the year. I prefer dresses too, you can always wear them year round, 😝
As always, love these the posts. Fashion bloggers (while they have great outfits) are not very real world (at least not my world). As a working mom of 3 on a limited clothing budget and no need to teeter around in heels everywhere I go, I so appreciate this. I too, lean toward classic hard working pieces that are cute and comfy. I want to look put together and not just grab yoga pants and go. You always seem to have that perfect balance in your style of comfort yet looking great. These are all super cute outfits. Hope you have a great summer! :)
I love all of your outfits Emily! I’m definitely a jeans girl too. Thanks for sharing & inspiring us with outfit ideas!!
After 3 kids I have very similar legs so I feel ya! Learning to embrace them too and rock the shorts. I love all these outfits!
Gah! I saw the Target shirt in outfit 5 and got so excited that you might have a link to it! I bought a red stripe one and wanted the solid olive one too, but they didn’t have it in my size. I spent at least a half hour, using every search term I could think of and every number on the tag and couldn’t find it 😭
Me, too! Why is this not online?! It’s such a great shirt.
All of the outfits are really cute, but I also especially love that striped tee, which doesn’t seem to be available. I did find a somewhat similar one at Madewell though (smaller stripes and no pocket) and it’s actually not too pricey: https://www.madewell.com/madewell_category/TEESANDMORE/shortsleeve/PRDOVR~G5742/G5742.jsp
I have been coveting your leather t-strap sandals for a few years and was ecstatic when I saw a very similar pair in the spring. I picked them up and had a chuckle this morning as they are the exact ones you linked to! I am already totally in love with them and expect they will end up just as worn out as yours are now. Thanks for all of the great style inspiration!
Love your style! It is so classic and fun. What brand is the striped shirt from Target?
It is Merona.
Thanks Emily!! I really look forward to your fashion posts. It makes things so easy for me to get ready in the morning. And even as a Texas girl I wear jeans during the summer because I just don’t like shorts.
Kindred spirit :)
Love that Target chambray cami – so fun and versatile.