How to show off skin tastefully this summer: 14 Style Panel-approved tips

When it comes to summer, there’s no doubt we love to show a little skin, courtesy of shoulder-baring pieces, crop tops or leggy looks to help us keep cool this season. But it’s not exactly easy to beat the heat in a tasteful manner. Some days we just want to thrown on a tank and daisy dukes and call it a day. Thankfully, with the abundance of street style and red carpet inspo to look through, we don’t have to resort to the summer basics. But sometimes we just need some real girl advice. Enter: Style Panel. To make sure we keep our style in check and chic this summer, we rallied up our go-to bloggers to share their secrets on how to show skin tastefully this season. Flip through for 14 Style Panel-approved tips.

Question 162: How are you showing off skin this summer? Read the answers now! »

The hot summer days are finally here, so it’s about time to show some skin that has been hidden for such a long time. An off-the-shoulder top, a fave of the season, is actually the best way to show a bit of skin without exposing too much. It’s also appropriate at any age and suits any body shape. For summer, think light and airy, like this flirty floral top. To add an elegant but playful vibe to the shoulder-baring top, I paired it with a feminine white skirt and colourful chunky heel sandals.

Liat’s wearing: Top, Zara. Skirt, Club Monaco. Heels, Aldo. Bag, Michael Kors. Sunglasses, Italia Independent.

My go-to item for a hot summer day is a simple, lightweight slip dress. I love a good V-neck line and thigh slits, and this metallic, champagne-coloured Zara slip dress has everything. Showing a little bit of leg and décolletage is the perfect amount about of skin that I can show off without feeling too naked. I already started living in slip dresses and I love that tasteful sexy vibe it gives for summer.

Teresa’s wearing: Dress and jacket, Zara.

I love summer and especially love cute outfits to fit the weather, and for me that means baring a little extra skin. Given I tend to wear pants during all the other seasons, in the summer I most often opt for dresses that show off a little bit of leg. I’m also loving the cold shoulder trend lately, and this dress offers both of that for me.

Becky’s wearing: Dress, Zara. Bag, Rebecca Minkoff. Heels, Le Château.

I’m all over the off-the-shoulder trend as of late. Seriously loving every piece of clothing with this style. It’s not only a great way to keep cool in the summer months, but it’s also a tasteful way to bare some skin. The key here is to opt for a piece that isn’t too revealing. This particular dress that I am wearing does the job because it’s not too short, doesn’t show any cleavage and isn’t too tight. The dress also works for a nice cover up for the pool. With its lightweight material, it won’t be too heavy for the warmer days.

Krystin’s wearing: Dress and shoes, AMIClubwear. Jewellery, Standout Boutique. Sunglasses, Rayban. Bag, Chapters Indigo.

We definitely love to shed some layers in the summer, but I think the trick to keeping it tasteful is not to remove them all at the same time (there’s a word for this). If you’re going for a leggy look you might want to try and cover up slightly elsewhere (a bandana works nicely here, and is hugely on trend right now). Think about showcasing one area at a time, and of course, feel free to switch it up.

Kayla’s wearing, Jacket, Envy. Short, Aritzia. Top, Banana Republic. Shoes, Le Chateau. Sunglasses, Smart Buy Glasses. Watch, Christian Paul.

When I bare skin for summer, I always gravitate towards skirts and dresses. My favourite look is to team a crop top and high-waist skirt. I think it makes for a super girly and fun look, while keeping it very tasteful.

Mikayla’s wearing: Top, Cake for Breakfast. Skirt, Kittens Den. Sandals, Sears. Watch, Michael Kors. Bracelets, Forever 21. Headband, Ban.do.

I’m currently loving off-the shoulder tops. It’s possibly the easiest to style. There are tons of different options and ways you can incorporate this trend into your wardrobe. Pair it with some cute shorts, a skirt or jeans and you’ve got yourself a item that can be dressed up or down. It’s multi-functional and worth the purchase.

Crissy’s wearing: Top, Topshop. Jeans, Zara. Shoes, Steve Madden. Clutch, Coach.

I always like to try and find new ways to wear pieces and different silhouettes throughout the season. Summer is the perfect excuse to play with new cuts of clothing, including crop tops. I love wearing crops with A-line skirts in the warmer months. This gingham wrap crop top from Eloquii not only hits the vintage vibe, but is also a classy way to show a little skin.

I’m always a lover for high-neck tops but summer is the perfect time to show off some skin. Whenever I show skin, I love to either show off my legs, shoulders or back. For this particular outfit, I chose to wear gladiator sandals because it gives such a statement and draws the attention to your legs. As for the dress, there’s a nude slip underneath so it appears as if you’re showing more skin off but you really aren’t. (Sneaky, eh?) I love how the neckline isn’t so deep but shows the perfect amount of that area.

Adrienne’s wearing Dress, New Look. Sandals, Aldo. Bracelet, Cherry Pick. Sunglasses, EyeBuyDirect.

I have this rule that when one part of me is exposed, the other half needs to be covered up. I like the juxtaposition and I think it makes getting dressed in the summer easier. This jumpsuit strikes a perfect balance for showing some skin in the hot weather but still throwing off a chic and elegant vibe. The strapless, deep V neckline paired with an extra wide leg pant works for all sorts of events – from evening drinks out to a fancy wedding. Add a sweet jacket to cover up if you’re cold!

Alyssa’s wearing: Jumpsuit, Tobi. Shoes, Manolo Blahnik from TheRealReal.com. Sunglasses and bag, vintage.

Barbara Ann Solomon, 28
Toronto | Barbara Ann’s Style Blog

When dressing for the extremely hot weather, there are so many ways this season to show some skin while keeping your outfit classic. While I can’t get enough of crop tops and off-the-shoulder dresses, my favourite way to show skin during the seasons is going backless. An open-back is a great way to stay cool during those unbearable days outside and when paired with a full skirt, this look can truly take you from the office to a party with ease.

Barbara’s wearing: Top, Helmut Lang. Skirt, 424 Fifth at Hudson’s Bay. Glasses, Clearly.ca.

When it comes to showing skin, my first choice is the little black dress. My personal preference is a mini dress with long sleeves in a soft, stretchy fabric. Throw on a pair of heels or gladiator flats and you’re all set!

Carleton’s wearing: Dress, Runway Luxe. Heels, Oak + Fort.

In the summer I like to wear Bermuda shorts because my legs are so pale and they are easier to wear when riding my bike and playing frisbee. I can wear these shorts with pretty much everything, like this eyelet off-the-shoulder top from Chic Wish. I would say a comfortable pair of denim shorts that fit your needs is an excellent wardrobe staple. I also love off-the-shoulder tops this summer because they show a nice amount of skin and have a very feminine look to them. Pair your favourite off-the-shoulder piece with your fave denim shorts and you are good to go.
Laura’s wearing: Top, Chic Wish. Shorts, Old Navy. Sunglasses, Marc Jacobs. Bag, Elliot Lucca. Sandals, Cents of Style.

Showing skin this summer is all abut balance. If you are looking to show off a little more on top, keep it conservative with your bottom half and vice versa. My favourite way to show skin is with a crop top. I love this black crop top with a scoop neckline and front cut out. I paired it with a printed knee length skirt and black flats to keep things cool and comfortable when touring the sights.

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