15 Style Panel-approved summer outfit ideas when you have nothing to wear
As devastating as it sounds, we’re already about halfway through summer. Womp womp. Though we can look at it as a glass half-full scenario, we can’t deny the fact that many of us are already hitting the summer sartorial slump. Who isn’t getting a little tired of resorting to the same ol’ LWD for every occasion? Your dress probably feels the same way. As much as we love overusing the phrase “I have nothing to wear,” chances are, you are just in need of a mid-summer pick-me-up in the wardrobe department. Don’t worry – your credit card doesn’t need to be summoned.
So if you’re running low on steam in terms of wardrobe choices, fear not. Our Style Panel is here to share their go-to summer looks for a little inspo. Flip through to see tips and tricks on how to update your basic summer pieces and get more wear out of them this season.
Question 163: What is your go-to summer look? Read the answers now! »
Adrienne Naval, 21
Toronto | Adrienne Naval
My go-to summer look is mainly wearing this lace top. I love the details in the lace, especially its stunning pattern. It can be worn both casually and dressed up, which is why it’s considered my go-to top when it comes to summer.
Adrienne’s wearing: Top, Zara. Shorts, American Eagle. Shoes, Aldo. Sunglasses, EyeBuyDirect.
Lee Vosburgh, 28
Guelph | Style Bee
Whenever I’m looking at my closet, feeling stumped about what to wear I opt for a fail-proof little black number that is sure to do the trick. This simple A-line dress is comfy, flattering and just the effortless chic piece for any occasion. I keep the look sleek and sophisticated with a pair of contemporary clogs, add a touch of texture with a perforated black bag and some soft waves in my hair. Then I’m all set for whatever the day or night throws my way!
Lee’s wearing: Dress, Brass. Clogs, Bryr. Bag, Opelle. Watch, Cluse.
Alyssa Beltempo, 30
Ottawa | Ms. Beltempo
When it feels like I’ve got nothing to wear, a romper in the summer always hits the spot. It looks put together like a dress, but is a little more playful. Add a pair of heels and it takes you from day to night with little effort – bonus!
Alyssa’s wearing: Romper, H&M. Shoes, Winners. Sunglasses, Fendi.
Katie Rose Decoeli, 29
Halifax | Wild Rosebuds
Having a newborn clinged to me and a few extra pounds from the pregnancy, summer dressing hasn’t been easy. My go-to for these hot summer months is a great shirtdress with a button front and a pair of sandals for those daytime adventures with my family. But take that same dress and pair it with a great wedge or heel, and you’ve got the perfect date night look. What else is great with shirtdresses, they look good on all shapes and sizes and you can find them at any price point.
Katie’s wearing: Dress, Banana Republic. Sandals, Aldo. Watch, Nixon.
Barbara Ann Solomon, 28
Toronto | Barbara Ann’s Style Blog
My go-to summer look will always be made to handle the heat and the office environment. Lately I’ve been investing in linen and silk dresses, as these materials will help you stay cool in the humid temperatures. Wearing light colours will help too, as darker shades absorb the heat quicker.
When I found this linen maxi dress by H Halston, I fell in love, and didn’t take it off for three days. Cut at a slight angle, it’s the perfect length to wear with either flats or any heel. The easy and effortless fabric is also complimented by an abstract pastel print that hides the wrinkles that are naturally found in linen.
Barbara’s wearing: Dress, H Halson from Hudson’s Bay. Mules, Zara, Hat, Kensington Market. Glasses, Clearly.ca.
Kayla Short, 29
Halifax | Short Presents
Truth be told I actually wear a lot of the same pieces over and over, and one of them is this printed skirt. It’s so full of life that you can literally pull any color out and go with it. Whether it’s black, pink, green or white, this skirt offers no limits. Swapping out the shoes and accessories obviously makes a big difference too, so get yourself a fun printed skirt, and you’ve got yourself a plethora of summer outfit options.
Kayla’s wearing: Skirt, tank top, sweater and bag, Bench. Shoes, Forever 21. Necklace, Le Château.
Kira Paran, 29
Edmonton | Northern Style Exposure
When the going gets hot, my maxi dresses start playing double duty. I love a good dress. It’s an easy look to pull together. Zero thought has to go into matching a top and bottom. It’s effortless and helps you stay cool in the summer heat.
Kira’s wearing: Dress, Elizabeth and James. Hat, Holt Renfrew. Bag, Valentino. Sandals, Birkenstock.
Crissy Fundaro, 36
Montreal | Some Velvet Morning
When I’m having a “I have nothing to wear” moment, I usually go with my foolproof outfit combination that will always save the day – a tank dress and sneakers. It’s casual and endlessly chic, with the perfect amount of stretch.
Crissy’s wearing: Jacket, H&M. Dress, Wilfred Free. Sneakers, Adidas. Bag, Kate Spade.
Jameela Ghann, 25
Calgary | Jam and Tea
Just when I think I have run out of options, my go-to summer look is always a flowy, printed dress. I pull a dress from out of my closet, add some arm candy, a great pair of heels, and am instantly in summer mode. This effortless look can take me from brunch with the girls to a dinner date with hubby. There is nothing better than a simple easy look for summer.
Jameela’s wearing: Dress, Twiss and Weber. Jewellery, Alora Boutique. Shoes, Bella Maas.
Laura Mitbrodt, 31
Victoria | Laura Jane Atelier
My go-to summer look is a floral maxi dress because it is easy to throw on and you can dress it up or down depending on how you style it. In the evening I can pair it with a denim jacket or a cardigan. I love dresses in the summer because they are one complete look and you don’t have to worry about coordinating an entire outfit.
Laura’s wearing: Dress, Highline Collective. Sunglasses, Marc by Marc Jacobs.
Liat Neuman, 39
Toronto | YomanChic
My go-to summer look is the little white dress. Like an LBD, it’s versatile and essential to every wardrobe, especially during the hot summer days. Whenever I feel like I have nothing to wear, I just throw one on.
I chose this Club Monaco dress because it beautifully balances between polished and effortless and it’s also easy to dress up for a night look. For a more casual weekend look, I would pair it with a cross-body bag and floral sneakers for a colourful and playful outfit.
Liat’s wearing: Dress, Club Monaco. Bag, Coach. Sneakers, Adidas. Choker, Urban Outfitters. Sunglasses, Prada
Conni Jespersen, 35
Toronto | Art in the Find
In my opinion, every gal needs a great summer dress – one that can be utilized for a bunch of different purposes. Qualifications for a great summer dress? First, it can be folded up and packed into a vacation bag or suitcase. Second, it has a timeless pattern (a simple print or possibly none at all). Third, it is comfortable and lastly, it can be dressed up or down for day and night. Nothing’s better than finding a great piece that makes you feel comfortable in your own skin.
Sarmistha Goswami, 35
Ahmedabad, India | Style Over Coffee
I live in a hot and humid city where summer weather can be really harsh at times. Therefore my go-to summer look is always about mixing style with comfort. Denim shorts are my all-time summer favourite. For a “I have nothing to wear” summer day I reach for my denim shorts and team them with something pretty and feminine. Print is another fashion item I tend to wear a lot, especially in summer. The footwear choice is usually a pair of flats for the ease of walking around without ending up with aching legs. I have a huge bag fetish and I complete my summer look with a chic bag that is also functional to carry all my belongings.
Sarmistha’s wearing: Top, Vero Moda. Shorts, Mango. Bag, Miss Bennett London. Shoes, Carlton London. Hat, Forever 21. Earrings, local shops in India.
Ana Vicioso, 28
Edmonton | Ana Vicioso
I’m currently nursing and find that a good amount of my clothes can’t be worn while I’m nursing. Dresses for obvious reasons, as I don’t exactly want to lift up my dress and flash my whole body. My formula for a summer outfit is still keeping it basic, adding texture or prints and accessories, this has been my go-to outfit as it’s easy to throw on and perfect for nursing.
Ana’s wearing: Sungasses, Polette. Skirt, QLMD. Sandals, American Eagle.
Mikayla Kuehn, 19
Toronto | MakStyle.ca
My go-to summer look when I think I have nothing to wear would be a casual summer dress. It’s an easy single piece that I can just throw on. I gravitate towards fun prints, florals, and anything super feminine.
Mikayla’s wearing: Dress, Kittens Den. Sandals, Sears. Watch, Michael Kors.
