31 Outfit Ideas for Every Day in July
We can practically smell the grill firing up, taste the ice-cold rosé cider and hear the splash of that unicorn float hitting the pool. We’ve reached peak summer and we’re ready to dress like it. We did the work for you and planned out 31 fabulous fresh outfits to wear throughout the month of July.
RELATED: The Surprising Menswear Trend Taking Over Women’s Closets This Summer
1. Keep It Simple in a White Tee and Sleeveless Dress
Protect your shoulders from that hot summer sun while simultaneously making your favorite strappy dress feel more daytime-appropriate.
Shop similar styles: BP T-shirt ($12); J.Crew dress ($128); Vince Camuto sandals ($100)
2. Try Breathable Long-Sleeves and Flowy Pants
Get some extra sun protection without overheating in super-breathable, sweat-wicking materials like linen or lightweight cotton in breezy silhouettes.
Shop similar styles: L.L. Bean shirt ($50); Glamorous pants ($48); Dagne Dover bag ($345); Havaianas sandals ($40)
3. Balance a Vibrant Dress with White Accessories
Let your rainbow-colored frock be the true star of your outfit by keeping your jewelry to a minimum and selecting sleek white accessories over intricate or multi-hued options.
Shop similar styles: Rhode dress ($425); Staud bag ($275); Sam Edelman sandals ($110)
4. Celebrate the 4th of July in Style
Turns out you can wear all the colors of the flag at once without looking like, well, the flag itself. Pair some mod ’60s boots with an easy shirtdress and you have yourself a supremely chic and festive ensemble.
Shop similar styles: Lush dress ($52); Tory Burch bag ($358); Everlane boots ($225; $135)
RELATED: How to Dress for July 4th Without Looking Like a 6-Year-Old
5. Pile on the Neutrals
An off-the-shoulder top with ruffled sleeves feels less intimidating or fiesta-ready when done in a simple beige and paired with tailored khakis. Yes, you can wear different neutral shades in the same outfit without looking boring.
Shop similar styles: A.L.C. top ($295); Banana Republic pants ($99); Loeffler Randall bag ($395)
6. Sport Head-to-Toe Brights
Instead of wilting away in the heat, why not re-energize with a super-bold “look at me” ensemble? Pile on the most vibrant shades you can find and show that white-hot sun who’s boss.
Shop similar styles: Ghost top ($109); Dries Van Noten pants ($565); Nordstrom clutch ($99; $60); Easy Street heels ($55)
7. Get Comfortable in a Caftan
Equal parts glamorous and easy, your go-to poolside caftan is more versatile than you think. Just add a pair of fabulous oversize earrings, a structured bag and luxe slides, like Coterie member Katie Sturino, and suddenly you’re red-carpet ready. Or at least ready for dinner and drinks with the girls.
Shop similar styles: Tory Burch caftan ($498); Deepa Gurnani earrings ($93); Dolce & Gabbana bag ($2,520; $1,250); Sam Edelman sandals ($80)
8. Give a Throwback Nod to ‘90s Overalls
If you’re still totally buggin’ over the awesome fashion on Clarissa Explains It All, then we have some good news for you: Overalls and oversize headbands are back in style. If it’s too hot for a button down, we suggest a sleeveless blouse, preferably with some ruffles or lace around the arms.
Shop similar styles: J.Crew shirt ($80); Pilcro overalls ($158); J.Crew scarf ($60; $48); Nike sneakers ($65)
9. Wear a Denim Skirt Like an Adult
Turns out, it can be done. Choose a white or black wash, then pair it with a pair of black heels and a classic button-down shirt.
Shop similar styles: Frank & Eileen shirt ($268); Gap skirt ($60); Frame heels ($395)
10. Let Loose in a Tent Dress
They’re easy, they’re breezy and surprisingly flattering, too. All you need in terms of accessories are a few gold bangles and some minimalist sandals. And maybe a chic scrunchie as well, in the case of Coterie member Coco Bassey.
Shop similar styles: New Look dress ($39); Sweaty Betty scrunchies ($18; $13 for set of three); Amber Sceats bracelets ($129 for set of five)
11. Embrace Nantucket Staples
Even if you can’t travel to a chic beach town this summer, that shouldn’t stop you from dressing like your weekend plans involve a clam bake and sailing around the Cape. Pair loose tailored trousers with a high-neck tank, both in stark white, then drape a navy-and-white stripe knit over your shoulders. Finish with classic sunnies and minimalist sandals.
Shop similar styles: Alex Mill sweater ($120); Bandier tank top ($68); Banana Republic pants ($99); Kurt Geiger London bag ($265); Madewell sandals ($60; $30)
12. Upgrade Your Beach Apparel
Give your denim cut-offs or shapeless cover-up a break and try a loose button-down and chic sarong instead. You can even add a cute bucket hat and colorful tote, like Coterie member Babba Canales, to really amp up the fun.
Shop similar styles: Hat Attack bucket hat ($70); Splendid shirt ($138); Farm Rio sarong ($175); btb Los Angeles bag ($194); Børn sandals ($85)
13. Try Summer’s Hottest Shoe Trend
Flatforms are back, baby! They’re a great way to add some height without stressing your poor feet and look great with pretty much all of your summer style favorites—wide-leg pants, denim shorts and floral frocks.
Shop similar styles: Maje dress ($445; $356); Simon Miller bag ($220); Paloma Barcelo shoes ($258)
14. Tone Down a Vibrant Tropical Print with Black Accessories
There’s no need to save your wildest tropical prints for vacation. Just wrap a black leather belt around your waist and slip your feet into a pair of black sandals (the chunkier the better, in our opinion) and you’ll no longer look out of place walking around the city instead of a resort.
Shop similar styles: Saloni dress ($465); Halogen belt ($29); Madewell sandals ($60)
15. Bring Back the Skort
Sporty skorts are majorly trending for 2021. Keep things simple but sleek by wearing them with easy basics—black or white crewneck tees and chunky white kicks—and accessories with just a hint of glam.
Shop similar styles: Everlane T-shirt ($18); Collusion skort ($40); Coach bag ($395); M.M. LaFleur x Koio sneakers ($268)
16. Wear Your Nightgown During the Day
Last year’s nap dress trend, aka nightgowns that also work for brunch, is still going strong, so if you’ve yet to hop on board we suggest you do so now. If you’re unsure how to make it work, try adding a pair of strappy neutral sandals and a classic straw tote, while keeping your jewelry to a minimum.
Shop similar styles: Sleeper dress ($250); Jenni Kayne bag ($155); Salvatore Ferragamo sandals ($630)
17. Try a Silk Slip Skirt
Ah, the slip skirt—they’re our new favorite go-to when we want to look polished and breezy all in one. Wear yours with a casual tank or button-down shirt and flat sandals and you'll be good to go.
Shop similar styles: Gap tank top ($30; $15); Ganni skirt ($370; $166); Olukai sandals ($90)
18. Add a Fancy Gold Belt
We love the ease of a simple top with loose jeans, but for those days when you want to add a little something extra to your ensemble take a cue from Coterie member Shanna Battle and slip a foxy gold chain through your belt loops.
Shop similar styles: Ann Taylor top ($55); DL1961 jeans ($198); Epifene belt ($45); Beach by Matisse sandals ($35)
19. Embrace the Rainbow Trend Without Being Too Literal
It may be a crossover from Pride Month in June, but rainbow items are still majorly trending. Look to Coterie member Grace Atwood and her gorgeous multi-hued dress for inspiration on how to rock the trend without looking too on the nose.
Shop similar styles: Playa Lucila dress ($150); Figs face mask ($25); Vince Camuto shoes ($100)
20. Don’t Assume Shorts Are Casual
Turns out shorts suits are major fashion chameleons, looking adorably cute for a casual Friday then super sexy for date night. Bottom line: You can wear one of these fabulous sets to basically every event on your calendar. Thanks for the inspo, Olivia Jeanette!
Shop similar styles: Nasty Gal jacket ($153; $58); Enza Costa top ($110); L’Agence shorts ($245); Calvin Klein heels ($70)
21. Dress Up a Simple Frock with Fancy Footwear
We love how Coterie member Ijeoma Kola took a casual white tent dress from beach-ready to date-night approved with the simple addition of some strappy lace-up sandals. Genius.
Shop similar styles: H&M dress ($35); Brahmin bag ($345); J.Crew sandals ($148; $133)
22. Try a Funky Pair of Sunnies
Which sounds more fun: a pair of classic wayfarers or rectangular frames in neon green? While you’re at it, you might as well add a matching mini handbag and a top in an equally vivid contrasting hue.
Shop similar styles: Poppy Lissiman sunglasses ($115); Wayf blazer ($110); x Karla T-shirt ($48); Paige shorts ($169); Chloé bag ($1,450; $1,015); Open Edit sandals ($40)
23. Knot a Scarf Around Your Head
Give your scalp some extra sun protection while covering the roots of your third-day blowout with a simple silk bandana.
Shop similar styles: Madewell scarf ($13); BaubleBar necklace ($44); Athleta T-shirt ($54); Lulus shorts ($48)
24. Wear Your Athletic Gear Outside the Gym
Real talk: When it’s 97 degrees out with 100 percent humidity, you are going to get sweaty. So throw on a sweat-wicking tank with your girly midi skirt and call it a (fashionable) day.
Shop similar styles: Nike top ($35; $23); MinkPink skirt ($109); Arizona Love sandals ($228)
25. Layer a Shirtdress Over A Midi Skirt
Unbutton the hem from the midriff to the bottom for a super-cool A-line silhouette.
Shop similar styles: We Dream In Colour necklace ($215); J.Crew shirtdress ($118; $80); Athleta skirt ($79); Kurt Geiger London bag ($275); J. Reneé heels ($89)
26. Hang Loose
On those days when you’re just too hot to function, reach for some loose linen shorts and a cute flowy tank top to create an outfit that will keep you cool while still looking cute.
Shop similar styles: Eri + Ali top ($118); Allbirds shorts ($58); Dear Frances sandals ($395)
27. Embrace the NYC Style Stereotype
Alternatively, you can wear black-on-black this summer without melting into a sweaty puddle. Just remember to choose breathable fabrics and avoid anything too form-fitting or constricting.
Shop similar styles: Everlane T-shirt ($18); Topshop skirt ($15); Teva sandals ($50)
RELATED: 7 Ways to Wear All Black This Summer Without Looking Boring
28. Mix Prints with Abandon
Throw all the “rules” you’ve ever read about which prints go with which and just go all out with your current favorite pieces. If you’re feeling a little nervous about how your patterns look right up next to each other, use Tyla-Lauren Gilmore as inspiration and add a neutral, like blue-wash denim or white linen, in between to break things up.
Shop similar styles: WeWoreWhat shirt ($125); Mother jeans ($268); Jenni Kayne sandals ($395)
29. Wear a Party Dress with Chunky Sandals
This summer is all about “revenge outfits” or dressing to the nines to make up for the fact that we spent all of 2020 in sweatpants. That said, not everyone wants to wear a full cocktail getup to grab a cup of coffee. Follow Monroe Steele’s example and tone down party dresses with the help of chunky, colorful sandals like Tevas or Birks.
Shop similar styles: Staud dress ($335); Teva sandals ($65)
30. Wear Summer's Two Hottest Hues
Why choose between white hot and red hot when they look so darn good together? Pull on the brightest whites you own and add plenty of red-orange accessories.
Shop similar styles: Alex Mill shirt ($115); Mother jeans ($198); Behno bag ($490); Reike Nen sandals ($320)
31. Pile on the Prints
Go big or go home and wear as many loud, oversize and punchy prints as your little heart desires. It’s summer, baby.
Shop similar styles: Grass-Fields scarf ($23) and top ($46); Farm Rio shorts ($75); Sam Edelman sneakers ($100)
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