If we had to pick, "keep it casual" would probably be our August outfit motto. That's not to say there's no room for dressing up this month, but if you live anywhere with sky-high temperatures (and equally as high humidity), it's likely your end-of-summer wardrobe is dominated by lightweight fabrics, super-thin tees, and breezy skirts and dresses...rather than your typical layers.
And we get it: With 31 days (hopefully) filled with sunshine, it's not easy to create a sweat-proof look. Between office ACs and sticky commutes, your outfit has a LOT of work to do. And that type of pressure can make getting dressed in the morning pretty damn hard. Thankfully, Instagram is filled with poolside, beachside, and yes, even work-appropriate pieces, giving our styling brains that much-needed recharge. Let the pairings ahead take you through Labor Day without a hitch. The final days of summer may be approaching, but when it comes to nailing seasonal dressing? Well, we're just getting started.
Whether or not you actually need them, a pair of '80s-style frames can add an extra oomph to any look.
Fashion Nova Curve jeans, Adidas sneakers.
Photo via @breekish.
Swap your studs for some dangly hoops.
Photo via @vbiancav.
If it were up to us, the majority of August would be spent poolside. Regardless of how many days we'll actually get to lounge near the water, you'll need a fool-proof look to match. Try a printed T-shirt instead of your conventional dress cover-up; it's unexpected, and still lets you show off your bathing suit.
Céline sunglasses.
Photo via @blancamiro.
A striped button-up is a classic wardrobe staple, but have you considered a longer-line version you can wear now with shorts, and later over jeans or trousers?
Nois New York top.
Photo via @alyssainthecity.
Tie a neck scarf on for size. It's easier than you might think.
Zady top, Madewell bottoms, Ray shoes, Minoux Jewelry bracelet, Trifecta Los Angeles scarf.
Photo via @taylranne.
Come August, you're likely going to want to wear shorts to work. And while Bermudas may get a bad rep, they're the perfect office-appropriate silhouette to pull off (oh, and they're pretty damn cool, too).
H&M top, Mango shorts, Topshop shoes, Quay Australia sunglasses.
Photo via @awynterstyle.
If you hopped on the celebrity-approved metallic skirt trend last winter, don't let the piece go to waste in the back of your closet. Revive it for summer by pairing it with a graphic tee and some comfy, lightweight kicks.
Ganni top, H&M skirt, Superga shoes.
Photo via @brittanybathgate.
It's not too late to get on the ultimate summer '16 trend: tour merch.
Rihanna Anti Tour top.
Photo via @chiara_grazia_it.
Proof today's tie-dye isn't anything like the kind you used to wear at summer camp.
Thrasher top, & Other Stories bottoms, Saint Laurent shoes and bag.
Photo via @theserenagoh.
When it's too hot to deal, you may find yourself wearing the same sundresses over and over again. Try giving your separates a chance by wearing a blouse and skirt of the same color, creating the illusion of a one-piece, even though it's actually two.
H&M top, C/MEO Collective skirt, Mango shoes.
Photo via @deborabrosa.
Jean shorts and a white tee are the ultimate summer wardrobe pairing for a reason.
Olderbrother top, Vans shoes.
Photo via @double3xposure.
You know those track shorts you sometimes wear to the gym? Swap out the workout top for a structured button-up blouse, and the running sneakers for some ballet flats, and you've got a look you can wear basically anywhere.
Repetto shoes.
Photo via @elizcardinal.
Here's how you do summer grunge.
Ganni dress, Céline boots, Oliver Peoples x The Row sunglasses.
Photo via @pandorasykes.
Sometimes, all you need is a versatile floral dress and some comfortable slides.
Zara dress.
Photo via @emilisindlev.
What better time than the end of summer to experiment with prints? With a simple top, the louder the shorts, skirt, or trousers, the better.
Vintage shorts.
Photo via @asos_debbie.
Proof a great pair of shoes can transform even the simplest of looks.
Miu Miu shoes.
Photo via @lisafolawiyo.
How to do all-black everything, even in 95-degree heat.
Isabel Marant skirt, Rough Studios bag, Miu Miu sunglasses.
Photo via @lizzyvdligt.
An example that sheer clothing doesn't have to be scary.
ASOS dress and bra, vintage skirt.
Photo via @hannahandersonn.
Denim, two ways: On the left, a classic throw-on-and-go dress; on the right, a layered look for those who like to mix-and-match like crazy.
Photo via @hannahriles.
Amp up your look with a dad hat (it's cool, and helps protect your face from the sun).
Missguided dress.
Photo via @hannahlouisef.
To go from pool to pool side, let your bikini top double as a crop top, and simply add a pair of pants.
ASOS bathing suit top, pants, and shoes, Celine sunglasses.
Photo via @asos_paloma.
Pattern-clashing never looked so good.
Vintage top, Miu Miu skirt, Converse shoes.
Photo via @jennymwalton.
We're calling it now: Crochet is the fabric for August. Embrace the style with a full-on dress, or integrate it subtly into your wardrobe with some fun accessories.
Vintage dress.
Photo via @jxxsy.
Break up that pajama-style matching set by wearing the top with mom jeans, or the bottom with a ribbed tank or crop top.
Lack of Color hats, Chanel shoes.
Photo via @latelyivebeenme.
Step 1: Find the perfect white T-shirt. Step 2: Wear it with any and everything you'd like.
L'Intervalle shoes, vintage bag.
Photo via @maria_bernad.
When your bathing suit doubles as a body suit, well, we couldn't think of anything better (or easier, TBH).
Solid & Striped bathing suit, Levi's shorts.
Photo via @lucywilliams02.
When it's legitimately too hot for clothes, you can always try underwear as outerwear.
Celine top, Dallin Chase shorts, Prada shoes, Rosie Assoulin earrings.
Photo via @manrepeller.
Running sneakers and a floral dress may not seem like a match. Well, here's proof they totally are.
Nike shoes.
Photo via @felicityasargent.
Track pants! Kitten heels! This is personal style at its finest.
Carven top, Adidas pants.
Photo via @stephaniebroek.
Oh hello, Angelina Jolie-esque slit and A Cinderella Story-style Converse. Talk about an unexpected combination that surprisingly works.
ASOS dress, Converse sneakers.
Photo via @naomishimada.Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
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