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31 Fabulous Outfit Ideas to Wear Every Day in August

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The end of the summer is near, and while we’re not quite ready to pack up the rosé and pool floats just yet, we are pretty tired of our same-old, same-old outfits (aka the dreaded summer style rut). The solution: Let these 31 fashionable gals inspire your August wardrobe so you can go back to focusing on that thrilling beach read. Here are the best styling ideas to try every day this month.

Here’s What Everyone in Northern California Is Wearing Right Now


woman wearing a linen dress
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1. Embrace All Things Linen

Yes, the lightweight fabric does tend to rumple easily, but with summer’s heat reaching its peak mid-August, we’ll gladly take a few wrinkles in exchange for linen’s superior breathability and sweat-wicking properties. (Pro tip: Flowy linen dresses wrinkle less than slim-fit shorts or trousers.)

Shop similar styles: Reformation Marianne Dress ($218); FEED Canvas Work Bag ($168); Charlotte Stone Aurora Sandals ($248)

flirty romper and sneakers august style ideas
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2. Wear Sneakers With Mini Lengths

Test out this surprisingly fresh match-up: plain white kicks and a flouncy romper.

Shop similar styles: Black Halo Sanibel Romper ($375); Veja Campo Sneakers ($165)

carry a mini bag
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3. Carry A Mini Bag

We got so used to carrying the bare minimum around with us during quarantine, and we fully plan to keep that minimalist streak going with petite bags that fit all (and only) the essentials—keys, wallet, mask.

Shop similar styles: ASOS Satin Bag ($26); Wayf Rae Dress ($89); Seychelles Nice Try Sandals ($65)

4. Add At Least One Printed Item

Pairing a black top with black pants? Always sleek. But finishing an all-black outfit with a tropical topper? Much more interesting.

Shop similar styles: Chico’s Damask Robe ($149); Halogen Surplus Top ($49); Nic + Zoe Wonderstretch Pants ($128); Kayu Cassia Clutch ($265); Hobbs Vespa Espadrilles ($190)

woman wearing a silk tank and jeans
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5. Ease Your Way Back Into Wearing Heels

Heels are slowly but surely making their way back into our regular shoe rotation, but for now we plan to stick with walkable platforms over stilettos. Plus, they work equally well with casual white jeans and a simple silk tank as they do with a date night frock, so you can wear them twice as often.

Shop similar styles: J.Crew Washable Silk Cami ($198); Levi’s Ribcage Straight Ankle Jeans ($98); Coach Pebbled Leather Crossbody Bag ($150; $100); Reformation Magda Sandals ($248)

woman wearing a yellow t shirt and printed skirt
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6. Swap Pastels For Deeper Hues

Give your warm-weather wardrobe a major color boost by wearing fall's richest shades like marigold, emerald and fuchsia. As long as you stick to summery silhouettes, you'll still look seasonally appropriate.

Shop similar styles: Uniqlo Crewneck T-shirt ($15); Reformation Bea Skirt ($148); Brahmin Duxbury Bag ($295); Cariuma Canvas Sneakers ($79)

7. Pair Boho Frocks With Sporty Sandals

Not sure how to wear those chunky, Velcro sandals this summer? Follow Coterie member Babba Canales and play up the idea that opposites attract with a floaty boho maxi in complementary hues.

Shop similar styles: Brixton Joanna Hat ($59); Carolina K Valeria Dress ($375; $181); Neous Leather Bag ($435; $195); Alohas Harper Sandals ($167; $142)

wear loose clothing
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8. Loosen Up To Beat The Heat

Problem: It's too hot to wear normal clothes but you still have errands you need to run and people you need to see. Solution: Opt for loose, airy pieces in professional cuts to keep cool while still looking totally put together.

Shop similar styles: Aday Somethign Borrowed Top ($145); Cami NYC Brenda Pants ($352); Olga Berg Lia Clutch ($90); Birdies The Lark Slides ($120)

august outfit ideas 2022 rainbow skirt
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9. Go All In On Color

Say buh-bye to neutral hues, and hello to tropical rainbow shades. Summer is the best time of year to rock bold colors, so why not wear them all at once? Start with one vibrant patterned piece, then choose a few solid colors to pull from the batch and try not to repeat so you can pack the maximum amount in.

Shop similar styles: Frame Knit Tank Top ($298); Farm Rio Dancing Stripes Skirt ($200); Dagne Dover Landon Extra Small Bag ($110); Staud Pippa Sandals ($325; $228)

10. Rock A Billowing Silhouette With Confidence

If there was ever a time for a flowy caftan, it’s peak summer. Make it feel more polished with a puffed-up headband, oversize earrings and a platform sandal, just like Coterie member Katie Sturino.

Shop similar styles: La DoubleJ Magnifico Caftan ($1,265); Rinvee Braided Headband ($8); Journee Collection Rosey Sandals ($45)

woman wearing a blazer ans shorts
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11. Pair Workwear With Weekend Staples

Break out your old go-to office blazer and layer it over an easy tank or tee and shorts for a fresh transitional ’fit. Stick with sleek and minimalist accessories—simple pearl studs, dainty gold hoops, a chain-link crossbody bag—to keep your ensemble looking elevated.

Shop similar styles: Amanda Uprichard Blazer ($264); Monrow Cotton Top ($98); Lilly Pulitzer Jayne Shorts ($78)

woman wearing a tank top and silk skirt
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12. Go Back To The (sweat-proof) Basics

Some days we’re just too hot to function. And on those days we wear tank tops and breezy slip skirts that facilitate air flow while still looking polished and put together.

Shop similar styles: Everlane Organic Cotton Tank Top ($30); ASOS Satin Slip Skirt ($48); Kate Spade New York Little Better Sam Bag ($178; $125)

woman wearing all pink
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13. Stick To A Theme

So you like pink, huh? *Pulls out every pink item from the closet* Fabulous.

Shop similar styles: Lacoste x Minecraft T-shirt ($98); Stradivarius Wide-Leg Pants ($30); Rebecca Minkoff Darren Bag ($198); Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Sneakers ($60)


august outfit ideas 2022 crochet dress
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14. Try A Summer-weight Knit

Yes, you absolutely can rock a sweater dress mid-August. The key is to look for fabrics that are soft, lightweight and breathable and avoid overly cozy winter materials, like chunky wool.

Shop similar styles: Spell Knit Dress ($229; $138); JW Pei Ruby Bag ($90); Kelly & Katie Blair Loafers ($50)

wear an open back dress
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15. Go Backless

Open back dresses are majorly trending right now, both because they’re subtly sexy and great for beating the heat.

Shop similar styles: Farm Rio Flying Toucans Dress ($215); J.Crew Linen Dress ($178; $140); Lulus Ruffled Mini Dress ($58); Glamorous Open-Back Dress ($95)

woman wearing a white shirt and orange skirt
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16. Rock The New French Tuck

Rather than tuck just one side of your button-down shirt into your waistband, simply leave the bottom few buttons undone to show off a little triangle of midriff. So easy, so chic, so what are you waiting for?

Shop similar styles: AYR The Deep End Shirt ($135); Alice + Olivia Rubi Skirt ($225); Dr. Scholl's Original Sandals ($120)


a woman wearing a marigold yellow dress
Edward Berthelot/Getty Images

17. Give A Tricky Color A Try

Yellow gets a bad rap, but a marigold shade is rich enough to be universally flattering, no matter what skin tone you’re working with.

Shop similar styles: Farm Rio Circle Midi Dress ($230; $161); Kelly & Katie Misha Heels ($40)

august outfit ideas 2022 denim shorts
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18. Update Your Denim Shorts

Swap those raw-hem Daisy Dukes for a more posh pair of jean shorts. Longer hems, looser legs and cleaner washes are all trending this year and, as a bonus, are much easier to make feel grown-up than cheeky, festival-ready styles.

Shop similar styles: J.Crew Classic Denim Jacket ($118; $85); Cider Rib Knit Tank Top ($18); Rag & Bone Maya Shorts ($195; $135)

woman wearing a matching shirt and shorts set
Edward Berthelot/Getty Images

19. Try A Trendy Shirt-and-boxer Set

This menswear-inspired combo is a fabulous summer uniform that’s as easy to wear as it is stylish. Add strappy sandals and or some colorful jewelry to give your ensemble a more feminine edge, or go all in on the sporty vibes with sneakers and a baseball cap.

Shop similar styles: AYR The Deep End Shirt ($135) and Staycation Shorts ($125); OluKai Upena Sandals ($90)

20. Tie Your Scarf Top In A New Way

We love the classic triangle style, but sometimes we just need to shake things up. Follow Monroe Steele’s very chic lead and try a halter look with white jeans and some ‘70s sunnies, instead.

Shop similar styles: Jeepers Peppers Oversize Square Sunglasses ($33); Echo Fantastica 36” Silk Square Scarf ($149); Citizens of Humanity Annina Trouser Jeans ($228); M.Gemi The Emma Sandals ($248; $125)

woman wearing a white lace top and red skirt
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21. Replace Your White Tee With A Lace Version

Just as versatile as your favorite wardrobe staple, but with a fancier vibe.

Shop similar styles: Generation Love Isella Lace Blouse ($195); Misa Marion Skirt ($260); BP Cat Eye Sunglasses ($15); Steve Madden Melinda Sandals ($80)

woman wearing metallic silver pants
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22. Jazz Up Your Joggers

A sneaky way to make your beloved quarantine sweatpants more work appropriate? Swap them for a metallic jogger instead of tailored trousers. Still super comfy, just much more chic.

Shop similar styles: Quince Silk Shirt ($148; $70); Stella McCartney Pants ($995; $597); Nacre Lune 48 Watch ($270); New Balance 928v3 Sneakers ($145)

august outfit ideas 2022 floral dress
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23. Balance Long Sleeves With Short Hems

If you love a good crewneck or long-sleeve silhouette, balance it out by opting for a shorter hemline to keep your legs cool. On the flip side, if you’d rather sport a midi or maxi, go for a spaghetti strap or deep V-neck.

Shop similar styles: Rhode Ella Dress ($435); Botkier Ludlow Leather Bag ($328; $197); Schutz Arissa Ballet Flats ($88)

woman wearing a pink shorts suit
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24. Try A Cropped Suit

Shorts suits were a major trend heading into 2020, but no was was interested in wearing such structured staples while working from home. Now, however, we’re ready to bring these beauties back out of the closet to help ease our way back into regular office vists.

Shop similar styles: Rag & Bone Charles Linen Blazer ($550) and Ivy Linen Shorts ($225); J.Crew Slim Perfect T-shirt ($37); Marc Fisher Hadais Heels ($70)

august outfit ideas 2022 mini skirt
Christian Vierig/Getty Image

25. Style A Mini To Feel All Grown Up

Be sure to choose a skirt that doesn’t feature school-girl pleats and opt for fabrics with a luxe vibe, like faux suede, silk or embroidered cotton. Add a neat button-down shirt (both short and long sleeves will work), a ladylike bag and some sleek sandals and voilà!

Shop similar styles: Everlane Relaxed Oxford Shirt ($80; Topshop Button-Front Skirt ($49); Cleobella Morgan Bag ($358); Dr. Scholl’s Original Sandals ($120)

26. Embrace Your Inner Frenchwoman

Who, moi? Breton stripes, clean-cut denim, two-tone shoes… très Parisienne.

Shop similar styles: Kule The Modern T-shirt ($68); Madewell The Perfect Vintage Jeans ($138); Mango Raffia Bag ($60; $40); French Sole Baton Heels ($198)

woman wearing metallic tank and denim jacket
Matthew Sperzel / Getty Images

27. Try A Subtle Shine All Over

Give your outfit a summer glow to match your skin by selecting pieces with a hint of shine or sparkle to them. Think satin joggers, silky camis and metallic accessories (bonus points if they’re not the expected shades of gold, silver or bronze).

Shop similar styles: Madewell The Jean Jacket ($128); Cinq à Sept Marta Cami ($245; $172); Silk Laundry Pants ($320); Bene Samuel Bag ($315)

28. Wear An Autumnal Dress With Summery Accessories

Take inspiration from Coterie member Liz Teich and pair together your new long-sleeve, maxi-length fall dresses with high-summer staples, like a straw tote and strappy white sandals, for a gorgeous transitional look.

Shop similar styles: Scotch & Soda Maxi Dress ($248); btb Los Angeles Jules Tote ($150); Naturalizer Vera Sandals ($120)

woman wearing a tshirt and midi skirt
Christian Vierig/Getty Images

29. Break Out Those Old T-shirts

Yep, we're talking about your worn-in college tees and now "vintage" vacation souvenirs. They're an easy, comfortable way to make a crisp midi skirt and heels feel weekend-ready.

Shop similar styles: Junk Food Miller T-shirt ($40); Nasty Gal Midi Skirt ($166; $33); Bellini Fuss Sandals ($70)

30. Give One Last Cheers To Barbiecore Summer

Truth be told, we expect the Barbiecore trend to continue well into fall, just in more autumnal silhouettes, like jeans, oversize button-ups and cardigan sets. So give your hot pink summer silhouettes one last hurrah, matching cocktail (or mocktail) in hand just like Coterie member Caroline Juen.

Shop similar styles: Przene Cat-Eye Sunglasses ($11); Velvet by Graham & Spencer Poppy Slip Dress ($216); Lovestrength Chain Belt ($70); Beek Rhea Sandals ($280)

woman wearing a white boilersuit and red heels
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31. Make A Boilersuit Feel Fancy

Transform this easy staple from gas station-ready to cocktail hour-approved with the addition of crystal adorned heels, eye-catching jewelry and a fresh blowout.

Shop similar styles: Anthropologie Monogram Pendant Necklace ($38); Alex Mill Standard Jumpsuit ($198); Kelly & Katie Blaken Heels ($60)


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Editor

Abby Hepworth is an RRCA-certified running coach who has worked in fashion for over 10 years. Want to know what shoes are in this season? She's got you. Need recommendations on...