We are officially dipping into the dog days of summer! Which means I am on the hunt for some major July outfit inspiration that’ll make me look cool, even if the weather is unbearably hot. Whether you’re heading to the airport for your Euro Summer, heading home for family time, or. staying put and trying to beat the heat, staying chic is always top of mind.
There are so many styles to tap into once the weather reaches 90-plus degrees. And don’t think just because temps are soaring you need to ditch the layers! Below, I’ve gathered up some must-try outfits for July that need to be on your mood board.
Peplum Tops With Sequined Skirts
Peplum silhouettes will always be in style. This look is one of my favorite, very on-trend outfits to piece together. From the deep-v top, to the sequined mini skirt, crochet bag, and coordinating suede kitten heel, it’s a look that is clearly paying attention to what’s in right now.
Cropped Vest With a Pop of Color
Vests are an easy go-to in the summer months. Not only are they stylish, but they’re also comfortable, even on warmer days. Pairing them with a fun pop-of-color pant is ideal and so chic.
Sheer Layers and a Pair of Mary Janes
Now I know when planning out your July looks, layering isn’t top of mind. But might point you in the direction of layering sheer pieces? Keeping everything very light and airy, throwing together a thin, sheer, long-sleeved top with with a sleeveless v-neck underneath is the look your summer is begging for. All the joys of a fall outfit without any of the overheating.
Bermuda Shorts and a Party Top
Bermuda shorts have been all the rage lately. And summer is the perfect time to expand how you wear them. If you’re looking to make shorts a bit more upscale, pairing them with a party top like this will do just the trick.
Lace-Trim Shorts With a Simple Tee
Lace is one trend that refuses to die out. And I, personally, am glad it isn’t going anywhere. Lace-trim shorts are very popular right now and they honestly steal the show. Pairing them with a simple tee and thong sandals and you’re out the door.
Denim on Denim
I love a good denim-on-denim moment. While jeans can feel a bit heavy for summer, pairing them with a matching spaghetti strapped top like this one is such a fun, fashion-forward approach that no one should say no to.
All-White With a Casual Flip-Flop
For the chill, cool girls an outfit like this all-white one is perfect on a hot summer day. Turning a typical white t-shirt into a cropped moment and pairing it with white Bermuda shorts and a basic beach flip-flop means you’re serving summer vibes exponentially.
Boatneck Top With a Pair of Capri Pants
There’s been an influx of capri pants lately and I’m not mad at that. If you own a pair, throw on a boatneck top with the look and you’ll instantly have a very fashion girl look on your hands.
One-Stop-Shop Maxi Dress
Though I’ve been preaching the art of summer layering throughout this article, I am, in fact, a woman of few layers. When in doubt, throw on a maxi dress and you’re ready for the day. This green halter top version is the perfect look during July—one of the hottest months of the year. Pairing it with a simple sandal and bag makes for a great all-day outfit. Throw on a pair of heels and you’re ready for the night, too.
Aiyana Ishmael is the style editor at Cosmopolitan magazine. In her work, Aiyana focuses on the culture of fashion and how it intertwines and shapes the zeitgeist. She is an award-winning journalist from Miami, Florida, and a graduate of the historically Black university, Florida A&M. She is a 2024 Forbes 30 Under 30: Media honoree, and her debut romance novella PASSING GAME is set to release March of 2027 (831 Stories/Simon & Schuster).
