There are a few key wardrobe staples to have on hand to make the most of your summer. GH suggests a relaxed oversized Breton shirt, which elevates linen trousers for evening and can be styled over a silk tank during the day.
And when it comes to body image, remember that everyone else is more focused on their own butt sweat than assessing yours. Focus on grooming, personal style, and fitness.
1. You’re not going to love how your clothes fit.
Summer dressing can be a body image minefield. Whether you’re showing off skin or hiding under layers, there are plenty of ways to fall into a self-loathing spiral when it comes to putting together a cute outfit. And that goes double for when the slew of shorts and swimsuits come out — they are a guaranteed way to trigger all kinds of insecurities and body-related fears.
This is why it’s important to set intentions for the season that put negative body thoughts in their place. Konsky suggests focusing on things like adventures you want to go on, ways you want to feel, and people you want to spend time with, instead of what your outfit looks like. “Once you focus on these bigger things, the clothes will follow suit,” she says.
In the case of your summer wardrobe, this means finding items that are breathable, lightweight, and versatile. The best place to start is with a few summer staples that are easy to style and fit well, regardless of your body type.
Start with a simple white shirt, which can be worn over a bikini top during the day and tucked into jeans or linen pants for evening wear. A Breton button-down also works, especially if you opt for one in a fun color — Cos has a gorgeous pistachio green option, while Jigsaw’s style can elevate a pair of wide-leg linen trousers and strappy sandals for a chic brunch date look.
A great pair of linen shorts are also a must, as they’re a summertime staple that looks just as good with a tee and sneakers for running errands as it does with a silk blouse and denim jacket for date night. A pair in a neutral tone such as white or light beige will work for just about everyone, and it’s also a good idea to opt for a pair that’s a bit longer to keep you cool in hot weather.
When it comes to a summer dress, opt for something with a soft, flowing silhouette in a light, breezy fabric such as cotton or silk. You can never go wrong with a floral print, which is both summery and feminine, or try out a pastel color for a brighter aesthetic.
2. You’re not going to love how you look.
Trying on clothes can be a body image minefield at any time of year, but summertime makes things even more complicated. The influx of shorts, dresses and tank tops can trigger your insecurities, especially if you have parts of your body that are difficult to cover up or just don’t like showing skin.
Rather than immediately writing off your summer wardrobe, give yourself a chance to work through the process of discovering what you do and don’t feel comfortable with. The key is to take a deep dive into your closet, put your winter coats and heavy layers aside and get to work on building a more sustainable summer capsule wardrobe.
It may be time to get rid of some pieces that aren’t going to make the cut for the warmer weather, so consider holding a clothing swap with friends and roommates to sift through each other’s closets and find something new. Alternatively, check out the thrift stores in your area or jump on one of the many second hand apps or websites to browse pre-loved clothes and accessories that will help you build your perfect summer look.
Another great tip to keep in mind is to switch out your cotton or polyester tees for linen ones that are more breathable, as they’re more heat-wicking and will allow sweat to evaporate. Lighter colours are also a better choice to help you stay cool as they reflect sunlight, while dark hues absorb it instead.
A simple, lightweight linen button down can be worn as a dress or layered over a sleeveless top for extra arm coverage in hot weather. A sheer kimono jacket is another easy way to add some extra coverage to your outfit without feeling too heavy or too sexy.
Adding some bright accessories is an easy way to elevate your look and embrace the season. Gold hoops and a dainty watch are classic options that can be worn with every ensemble, or you could opt for a statement necklace that’s a little bolder and more playful. No matter what your style is, a good pair of sunglasses and a big, spacious handbag are must-haves for any summer wardrobe.
3. You’re not going to love how everyone else looks.
If you’re someone who struggles with body image, you might find that summer is a particularly trying season for you. It’s hard to feel comfortable slipping into a crop top when everyone else is wearing as little as society deems acceptable, or even less than that. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to keep your outfits looking chic this summer while still allowing you to feel good about what you’re wearing.
One easy way to do this is to shift the fabrics you’re using in your wardrobe. Instead of opting for heavier, non-breathable fabrics like polyester (which will make you boil), swap them out for lighter cotton and linen options that will allow your skin to breathe. This will help you avoid sweating all over your clothes, which can be a total mood killer in the heat.
Another way to keep your outfits feeling fresh is by adding more colour to your wardrobe. This might feel daunting at first, but it’s actually a really fun and easy way to spice up your look this summer. Try experimenting with a few bold colours that you might not have tried before, and see how they look when worn together.
You can also add a lot of interest to your outfits this summer by simply adding a couple of key accessories. Investing in some new jewellery can elevate any look, and there are so many great options on the market right now that you’re sure to find something that you love. Lastly, don’t forget to invest in some sunglasses and a bag that will keep all of your essentials organized and together.
While it’s important to reevaluate your wardrobe during the summer, don’t be too hard on yourself. If you end up donating that strapless dress or a swimsuit that’s a bit too small in certain places, you can be happy knowing that it’s going to help somebody else feel confident and beautiful. In the end, that’s what it’s all about. And if you’re looking for more style inspiration, check out this Instagram playlist from Brandy Melville that includes everything from classic denim shorts to floral maxis.
4. You’re not going to love how you feel.
The onset of summer can bring out the insecurities in the best of us. After all, you’ve been covered up for eight months of the year, and the sight of a bikini or a short sundress may send you into a body-image spiral. Trying on clothes during the summer can feel like a minefield—and it only gets worse when you see everybody else splashing around in their swimwear, soaking up the rays, and enjoying their freedom.
Getting to know your True Summer colouring, which is the colour palette that aligns with your natural light, can help you get over this hump. Since your natural colouring has medium contrast, you’ll want to look for patterns with a similar contrast level, Konsky says. If a pattern has too much of a disharmonious colour, such as black (which is a Winter colour), it will be jarring to your complexion and look harsh against your skin.
In addition to your colour palette, Konsky recommends avoiding any fabrics that can overheat you and wearing lighter textures in the warmer weather. “For example, if you find yourself reaching for the cotton tank and shorts that you love so much during the fall and winter, opt for lighter linens or a lightweight silk. If you prefer the warmth of wool or cashmere, opt for a light knit sweater,” she advises.
Finally, Konsky says to avoid embellishments and oversized accessories that can be overbearing on you during the summer. Instead, stick to simple pieces that complement your outfits, such as a denim jacket that works well with both dresses and shorts.
If you find yourself dreading the upcoming season, try to shift your mindset to focus on the adventures you’ll have, ways you’ll feel, and people you’ll be spending time with. Then, you’ll have a reason to get out there and enjoy the heat!