Comfortable Summer Clothing That Takes You from Morning To Evening in Style
With the right wardrobe staples, you can create summer outfits that go from morning to evening without a hitch. These day-to-night essentials come in sizes to fit every body, and there are many styles from which to choose. Read on to learn about wardrobe basics for summer and how to combine them for maximum fashion versatility.
Sundresses
No summer wardrobe is complete without one or more sundresses. These dresses come in different materials, colors, prints, and lengths—so you can find one or more that work for you. There are lightweight cotton dresses that keep you cool, along with flowy jersey knits with a fit-and-flare design.
A tiered maxi dress is one summer clothing item that can go from a.m. to p.m. During the day, maxi dresses can be worn on their own with casual shoes such as sandals or slides. It’s easy to take this dress style into the evening hours simply by adding a sweater or jacket.
Jean jackets give summer dresses an evening-worthy touch without being too formal. If you want something dressier, slip on a blazer. Women’s sweaters are another apparel item you can wear over a summer dress—especially the open long cardigan. They come in lightweight knits to cut the chill of a cool evening or climate-controlled environment without being too warm.
T-Shirts
Women’s T-shirts are another wardrobe basic that’s easy to take from day to night. For maximum softness and durability, look for a tee crafted from organic Supima cotton. If you’re wondering what makes this cotton species so special, the secret is in its long-staple fiber. Supima cotton is colorfast for lasting vibrancy and holds its shape through repeated wear and washing.
There are so many ways to take a T-shirt from morning until evening. During the day, wear a solid-color or graphic tee with a midi skirt for a cute, casual look. For evening, add a cropped jacket for on-trend style. A blazer is another must-have that can elevate your tee-and-skirt look to the next level. If you prefer pants over a skirt, skinny jeans go with any tee and work with sweaters, blazers, or denim jackets for evening.
Sweaters
The short-sleeve sweater is a daytime summer staple that you can wear with everything from shorts to slacks. There are short-sleeve sweaters made from textured cotton-modal, which are easy to dress up for the evening with accessories or a jacket.
Performance fabrics such as acrylic/nylon blends are a good choice when shopping for a summer sweater, as they’re light, soft, and machine washable. Women’s cardigans are another type of sweater you'll want on hand for all seasons.
Skirts
Skirts are one of those wardrobe items you can mix and match with virtually any top. Wear a midi skirt with a tee for the day, then add dress shoes and a cashmere cardigan for the night. Women’s tunics with a maxi skirt is another look that’s easy to dress up for the evening. Balance the flowy look of the tunic and skirt with a slim-fitting blazer for a look that’s casual and elegant.
Capri Pants
This versatile pant style is good for morning or evening, depending on the type of top and shoes you wear. Capris have a classic, retro-inspired look and come in a variety of fabrics, including those with plenty of stretch for comfort. Wear a tunic top with capri pants for the day and dress it up for the night with jewelry and a cute jacket.
Capris also go with dressy blouses, which is a look that you can wear day-to-night and not change a thing. Keyhole-neck blouses with capri pants are one outfit idea that falls between casual and dressy; slip into heeled wedge sandals for an on-trend finishing touch.
Shorts
Another essential for a day-to-night summer wardrobe is a pair of women’s shorts. They come in different fits and lengths, including Bermuda shorts that fall to the knees. Shorts can be worn with shoe styles ranging from flat slides to heels, depending on the look you’re going for. T-shirts impart a casual look to any shorts-based outfit, while women’s polo shirts have a slightly dressier look. When dressing up an outfit with shorts for the evening, think of the basics. Add a few pieces of sparkling jewelry, or slip a jacket or sweater over your tank, tee, or blouse.
Putting Outfits Together
Experiment with different top-and-bottom pairings to find outfits that can go from day to night. If you’re going to be away from home for that time period, pack evening jewelry in a zippered case that fits in your handbag. A lightweight sweater or jacket can be carried in a tote bag, along with any other apparel pieces you plan to add for the evening.
The most important factor when creating morning-to-evening outfits is your personal preference. Wear what makes you feel best—with so many options available, it’s easy to put together a summer wardrobe that fits your aesthetic and lifestyle.