Can you hear that? It’s summer calling, and she’s ready for you to be outside. May has officially made its way here, and after what has felt like a never-ending tug-and-pull between the seasonal weather, we’re finally getting some true-blue warmer days back-to-back. Which means it’s time to make plans with everyone you know and show off the cute spring outfits you’ve been saving to your Pinterest boards.
Now, while the days are starting to get warmer, we can still expect a small breeze in the air, so it’s important to make summer layering a part of your sartorial vocabulary. A light cardigan and button-down shirts will be your best friends this month. But basics aside, the warmer weather is the perfect time to tackle those eccentric trends, like neon and print-mixing. If you've been wondering how to make them feel not only dynamic, but intentional and custom to you, we've got the answers.
Take a look at the combos below for the inspiration you need to step into May dressing in the chicest outfit possible.
A colour pop and animal print
This is a quintessential May outfit, especially for those working girls. This matcha green mid-length skirt with leopard print kitten heels is a fun way to be bold with your fashion. Balance the colour and print with a muted grey, loose-fitted collared shirt. Meanwhile, adding in that striped shirt tied around the waist is a perfect layering trick.
A simple tank top and crochet skirt
Leaning into a crochet moment (no matter the location) is the best way to elicit those summer vacation vibes, even before you get on the plane. Using a crochet midi skirt as the centrepiece of your look with a basic tank top is a fun outfit choice for May that shows a little personality and flair while balancing the practicalities of day-to-day life closer to home.
A floaty co-ord
You can't go wrong with a flowy coordinated top and bottom. These sheer, white balloon pants paired with a matching spaghetti strap top with lace trim is the perfect ‘beginning of summer’ look. Woven ballet flats complete the full see-through-esque moment – something I plan to recreate ASAP!
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Tailoring on top, sporty on the bottom
Now I know you’re probably thinking: “Why would I pair a button-up shirt with athletic shorts” – but hear me out. It's actually a fun way to mix-and-match aesthetics without one feeling overwhelming. This oversized shirt paired with sports shorts, thong kitten heels, and a jumper draped across the shoulders (for vibes) is such a fun summer look. It feels elevated, but fun. Accidental, yet purposeful. It’s not trying too hard, but it still feels calculated. I, for one, plan to style a few looks this May with this combo.
Anything gingham
You cannot call it summer without gingham, and this matching set moment is a prime look. When struggling to put together an outfit, the easiest thing to do is opt for a throw-on-and-go look, either a two-piece co-ord or an easy-to-wear dress. Whether you choose to tap into the micro shorts trend or keep it classic in a summer dress, going for gingham is a no-brainer.
Cool and casual
You know these girls. When you see them walking down the street, you think, “Wow, she looks cool!” I know I do, at least. Side-stripe track pants are an edgy alternative to tailored trousers or jeans and allow you to mix in other fun trends like neon colour pops.
A layered skirt and satin staples
Everyone could use a little sparkle in their life, and this tonal moment is the perfect way to incorporate it for summer. Layering a sequin skirt with a satin set is a fashion moment we all should be tapping into now that the weather is warming up.
A linen moment with western flair
Linen is a go-to during the summer months, so you might as well kick off the warmer weather with full commitment in a coordinating shirt and shorts set. Finish with a cowboy boot to stop it look too much like pyjamas.
Mix and match preppy plaids
Now, I for one believe in the collegiate aesthetic all year-round. But getting a jump start on autumn's favourite print with a full plaid look in May might be just what needs to happen. Paired with a fun bag and Mary Janes, this look scratches the preppy itch nicely.
An elevated take on ‘jeans and a t-shirt’
Sometimes, life can get a little hectic and you don’t want to, nor have the time, to think about your outfit. So, when in doubt, the classic model-off-duty look (jeans and a tight tee being the uniform) is your go-to. A nice pair of jeans with a white top is easy enough, with most people owning these staples. If you want to take the look up a level, you can make that white shirt cropped and lean even deeper into a boyfriend or baggy jean moment, like Ella Emhoff here. Add a bright coloured jumper around the waist and you have a fashion look!
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).
