Summer Fashion | Pacer Graphic / Mekenzie Coleman
Summer’s not quite over yet! As our summers get scorchingly more dangerous, many are looking for fashion tips that keep them looking and feeling cool. It’s easy to throw on a T-shirt and a pair of shorts, but what if you want to elevate your style this semester? If you’re curious, you’ve come to the right place!
Materials
A key part of dressing for warmer seasons is to pay attention to the materials you’re wearing. Ideally, you’ll want to avoid thicker materials like fleece, wool, corduroy, and in some cases, leather. These can be heavy as they are more suitable for winter when you’re trying to bundle up and generate heat. To limit as much perspiration as possible, try lighter or more absorbent fabrics like denim, cotton, linen, and chiffon. As crocheting has grown trendy, creators and influencers have been seen sporting hot, crocheted summer outfits all over our timelines. Something as plain and simple as yarn can be manipulated to create something stunningly fashionable.
Bottoms
When it comes to bottoms, capris are an excellent choice for the summer. These aren’t made solely for middle aged women. Think of them as pants that didn’t quite commit, leaving half your calves and ankles exposed to the faint breeze. Capris come in different styles, colors, and textures. To spice the fit up even more, consider getting a cargo or distressed pair.
“Jorts” (jean shorts) on the baggier side have also become increasingly more popular over the past year or two in attempt to bring back the 1990s. This piece can conveniently serve as a sustainable DIY project. If you enjoy thrifting, I recommend visiting the nearest Goodwill, purchasing a pair of loose-fitting jeans, and cutting them to your desired length. You could also upcycle a pair of jeans you already own to save money.
Micro and mini skirts have been making their rounds on social media. These skirts are extremely versatile and can be styled to fit nearly any aesthetic whether you’re drawn to Y2K, kawaii or dark academia. The same can be said about ruffle hem and split maxi skirts. These skirts typically fall under an earthy, ethereal way of dressing and can also fit cottagecore, boho, and gothic looks.
Tops
For shirts, crop tops are a go-to in hot weather. If you own a shirt that you’re tired of, consider cropping it at a comfortable length or cutting the sleeves off to give it new life. You could also cut it into an off-shoulder top. If you’d rather dress more modestly, go for a baggy graphic tee. You could wear it loose or tucked in. Either way, a nice cotton t-shirt will allow the air to flow through and cool you off.
If you watched the Barbie movie, you’ll know that halter tops are a staple to a cute summer wardrobe. They come in different cuts and patterns, allowing you to choose what works best for your body and style. The good thing about this clothing item is that they haven’t gone out of style since they were popularized in the 1960s, so it’s safe to say this piece is timeless.
Tube tops are also a nice basic to have in your closet. A black or white one can go a long way as far as styling is concerned. Not only is it nice by itself, but it can also be layered underneath a short sleeved button-down shirt to give the outfit a brand new look.
Accessories
Hats are some of the most important summer accessories to have, especially ones that protect your face when the sun is out. Bucket hats, ball caps and floppy, wide brim hats can be styled in a large variety of ways. Other headwear like bandanas and hair clips can keep hair out of your face and off your neck all while being stylish. Decorate your hats with pins, patches, buttons or ribbons to make them more personal to you and your style. You can also customize them with paint!
Jewelry is an essential with any outfit. If you feel that a certain part of your body looks bare or you’re noticing an empty space somewhere, you can fill it with a bracelet, necklace or anklet. Layered belt chains are also fun to play around with. If you are unsure about whether gold or silver looks better on you, there are online quizzes that’ll match you with either metal based on your undertones. However, this is not a rule you must follow. Just have fun, and mix and match if you dare!
Bags come in all shapes, colors and sizes. Depending on what’s comfortable for you, you might carry a purse, fanny pack, crossbody bag, tote bag or mini backpack. There are also bags shaped like some of your favorite cartoon and game characters or wacky shapes that catch people’s eye. Some bags are translucent, holographic or glittery, and can add an element of surprise that elevates your overall look.
Fashion is about having fun and showing off your personality through clothing. This proves to be more difficult in the warmer seasons when we’re trying not to pass out from heat exhaustion, but it’s not impossible. As we finish out the summer, stay cool and keep your style hot!
