Top 6 Clothing Items to Add to Your Late Summer Wardrobe
Refresh your wardrobe for late summer with versatile tops and bottoms. You can combine these six pieces with summer clothes you already own to create multiple outfits:
1. Tunic Tops
One of the most practical—and stylish—tops you can own is the tunic. Women’s tunic tops come in short- and long-sleeve styles for all seasons, and both can work for late summer. Short-sleeve tunics are great for hot days, while long-sleeve tunics provide lightweight warmth on cool evenings and in air-conditioned environments. Split the difference with 3/4-sleeve tops in summery prints, such as rainbow-hued stripes or floral motifs.
When it comes to fabrics, keep things light. Crinkle cotton is a breathable fabric with a breezy look for hot summer days or evenings. Supima cotton in a smooth knit is always a good choice—this type of cotton layers beautifully and has excellent color-retention properties. It’s also twice as strong as regular cotton, thanks to its long-staple fiber. Supima cotton tunic tops come in solid colors and prints for plenty of fashion possibilities.
2. Mock Necks
Mock necks are another late summer top style you can wear with many types of bottoms. Plus, the classic mock neck is great for layering, whether you opt for a sleeveless style or one with short- or long-sleeves. Sleeveless mock-neck tops made from smooth Supima cotton are cool for late summer; plus, if you do get chilly, you can slip on a hoodie or lightweight sweater. No matter which sleeve length you prefer, a mock-neck blouse is easy to dress up or down, depending on what you wear it with.
If you want a mock-neck top that goes with everything, choose one in white or black. Both can be adapted to your late-summer wardrobe and accessorized in a myriad of ways. You can supplement your neutral-toned summer capsule wardrobe with a few mock-neck tops in vibrant colors and eye-catching prints to brighten things up a bit.
3. Jeans
If you’ve strayed from your usual denim during summer, you can reintroduce jeans to your wardrobe as the season comes to a close. Jeans are always stylish, whether you prefer a classic straight-leg style or skinny jeans with stretch. For a retro-inspired and on-trend look, choose high-rise jeans with a classic T-shirt or a summery cold-shoulder top. Jeggings are another option, especially if you love the comfort of leggings but want the look of jeans.
Adapting jeans to your late-summer wardrobe is as easy as wearing them with summer tops and shoes. For example, you could pair the previously mentioned sleeveless mock-neck top with jeans and complete the look with wedge sandals. Even black jeans can be worn in the summer when you also wear summer shoes and a lightweight top, such as a white cotton tank or relaxed-fit, button-front shirt.
4. Leggings
Leggings are another wardrobe staple that you can wear in late summer. Slip into soft, stretchy leggings and top with a tunic or untucked dress shirt, then add simple heeled pumps or sandals. A tank-style tunic with leggings can be worn to the gym or for running errands. Top it with a long, open-front cardigan in a lightweight fabric for evening wear.
5. Sweaters
Short-sleeve sweaters in Supima cotton and other lightweight knits are good for late summer. You can wear a short-sleeve sweater to the office with dress pants or dress it down with your favorite jeans and casual shoes. Cardigans are a year-round must-have, as you can wear them over midi and maxi dresses for women and with short-sleeve or sleeveless tops and jeans. A long cardigan over a summer blouse with capri pants works for almost any semi-casual occasion.
6. Jackets
You might not think of jackets when you think of late summer apparel, but a few jacket styles are ideal for this time of year. For example, the classic blazer is light enough for mild late-summer evenings and lends a dressy look to casualwear. Slip a blazer on over a women’s white blouse with skinny jeans for a date-night look or wear one with flat-front slacks and a pullover blouse in a silky fabric for office-ready style. Jean jackets are another option—they have a casual, on-trend look that pairs well with almost any summer dress or top-and-skirt combo.
Accessorizing Your Late-Summer Look
Along with these apparel pieces, you can update your late-summer wardrobe with some new accessories. Oversized hoop earrings impart flair to casual and dressy summer outfits and never go out of style. If you prefer an understated look, add a touch of sparkle with stud earrings or a delicate necklace. Dress up a sleeveless top and skirt or pants with bangle bracelets or a statement ring. Lightweight fashion scarves are another option to wear with collared shirts or even as a hair accessory.
With a few new pieces and a little creativity, you can extend your summer wardrobe while gearing up for fall. Many of the same pieces mentioned here can be worn well into the autumn season and even beyond. Experiment with different outfits to find your late-summer faves and have fun with them.