Although the summer solstice technically happens in late June, we liken the season to a state of mind — one that begins, well, right about now. And we have our holiday cal to thank for that: Memorial Day has long been our annual initiation into a glorious few months of weekend getaways, lounging by the water, and — most exciting — showing some skin. With this momentous occasion on the horizon, we finally have permission to ditch sleeves, closed-toe shoes, and pants altogether (if that's your thing) and start planning the off-duty looks we'll be wearing all season long.
Whether you'll be doing some spontaneous adventuring or hitting up the wedding circuit, we've created outfits you can look to for quick inspiration. Peppered in are easy tips on incorporating the summer's biggest trends, along with the essential Sunglass Hut frames to complete each look. From a striped sack dress (it'll let in all those much-wanted breezes) to wearing swimwear on dry land, there's plenty to warm up to in not-so-typical ways. Click on to get your summer on.
The Oceanside Chiller
A beach trip is often a whole-day excursion, leaving you without much time to change before dinner and drinks. So ride the never-ending athleisure wave, and wear a quick-dry mesh top over a racerback swim set that can also pose as a sports bra. Cinch-waist denim pants and crisscross pool slides toe the line between IRL outfit and beach cover-up, making it even easier to go with the flow.
Ray-Ban, $200.00, available at Sunglass HutBikyni, $50.00, available at BikyniBikyni, $50.00, available at Madewelladidas by Stella McCartney, $50.02, available at FarfetchMango, $69.99, available at MangoOpening Ceremony, $195.00, available at Opening Ceremony
The Artsy Hopper
An afternoon of perusing art galleries can quickly take a lot out of you — if you're not properly outfitted for the occasion, that is. A loose T-shirt dress will keep you comfy for hours on end, as will a pair of sturdy sneakers. Punctuate the rest of the look with fun geometric-shaped accessories like a vintage-inspired pair of oversized ombré-lens sunnies and an adorable mini box purse.
Versace, $230.00, available at Sunglass HutCollette Ishiyama, $130.00, available at Collette Ishiyama& Other Stories, $195.00, available at & Other StoriesThe Great, $185.00, available at Net-A-PorterNew Balance, $68.00, available at Athleta
The Bicycle Babe
The warm weather is made for cruisin' on your beloved two-wheeler, and the activity calls for an equally easy, breezy outfit. Make like a bandit with a no-fuss jumpsuit and a backpack to keep both arms free for the ride. Don't forget a pair of versatile sunglasses (these also have nose pads, to help avoid that whole sliding-off-the-face annoyance) and a pretty helmet to protect that noggin of yours.
Exclusive For Sunglass Hut, $160.00, available at Sunglass HutFjällräven, $75.00, available at FjällrävenTopshop, $85.00, available at TopshopInkwell Helmets, $185.00, available at Inkwell HelmetsVans, $80.00, available at Vans
The Happy-Hour Queen
The phrase "TGIF" has a whole new meaning when long-awaited summer Fridays are reinstated again — and there's no better way to celebrate early work dismissal than happy hour. If you're the kind of boss who goes straight from work to play, look no further than of-the-moment trends like the off-the-shoulder top, wide-legged culottes, and espadrilles.
Burberry, $240.00, available at Sunglass HutH&M, $14.99, available at H&MZara, $69.90, available at ZaraMarie Turnor, $220.00, available at ShopbopSplendid, $117.95, available at Nordstrom
The Wedding-Weekend Warrior
Make no mistake: "Wedding season" actually includes all of spring and summer, plus some of the cooler months. For a fancy outfit idea that works year-round, try a fluttery dress with flattering details like a wrap-tie front, asymmetrical hemline, and palatable colorblocking. A simple pair of black-framed sunglasses will literally go with everything, which means you can go bolder on the jewelry, shoes, and bag selection, if you choose to bling out.
Burberry, $245.00, available at Sunglass HutPreen Line, $590.00, available at MatchesFashion.com3.1 Phillip Lim, $457.00, available at Blue & CreamMarchesa, $50.00, available at Moda OperandiCarvela, $178.00, available at ASOSLike what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
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