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My Top 3 Go-to Summer Outfits

Last Updated on February 27, 2019 by Leah - University of Georgia
This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you purchase through our links. Please read our full disclosure here.

Summer is my favorite time of the year. I love the warm weather, and I love, love, love having a more relaxed schedule. But, I confess that I have fallen into the lazy summer clothes sinkhole. You know, the one where you find yourself wearing giant, loose t-shirts to hide the sweat, plus ultra-comfy running shorts. All day. Every day.

While that combo might be acceptable at the gym, it’s not really boosting my self confidence anywhere else. So lately I’ve been stepping it up, fashion-wise. In case you have found yourself in a similar summer rut, here are three fun, comfy summer outfits for three entirely different occasions – worn by me!

 1. “Tell Me I’m Your National Anthem”

Leah American Flag Shorts Outfit

Perfect for sporting events, picnics, parks, and outdoor festivities.

It’s pretty much impossible for me to look at these American flag shorts and not get Lana Del Rey’s song “National Anthem” stuck in my head! Maybe you have a pair of American flag shorts left over from the 4th of July – that doesn’t mean you can’t wear them again. In order to tone down the patriotic feel, and make the shorts look more appropriate for the rest of the summer, I suggest not wearing anything red, white, or blue with them, and sticking to neutrals. I chose rose gold accessories and brown leather flats.

My shorts are high-waisted, and since high-waisted things have a tendency to be tight on the lower abs and hips, I wore a loose, flouncy, sheer pocket shirt. Since it is super sheer, I paired it with a secret neutral camisole underneath. If you don’t have a neutral cami, buy one now! These things are unbelievably useful and look so much better under lighter clothes than a black one would.

2. The Formal Seahorse

Leah Wearing Seahorse Dress

Fitting for yacht parties (do those actually exist?), work parties, interviews, family reunions, and any formal-yet-summery occasions.

I have a serious problem with buying anything covered in animals. It just makes me ridiculously happy to look down and see a bunch of miniature seahorses swimming around on my torso. Like almost all dresses, this seahorse print dress is a tad long on me (I’m 5 foot 1 1/2″), but I loved the very subtle high-low hemline and the tie on the waist. Not to mention the pockets!

As far as accessories go, I am all about the cross-body purses. Who wants to deal with massive bags and only one free arm? Once again, I’m doubling a watch as a bracelet. I have on pearl earrings and some strappy gold sandals, but wedges or flats would look good, too. Red lipstick wouldn’t hurt either.

3. Seaside Crochet

Leah’s Crochet Top Beach Outfit

Cool enough for beaches, pools, and music festivals.

The main star of this outfit is texture. Crochet tops are so great for adding some texture, dimension, and an unexpected twist to what would otherwise be a very basic outfit. These tops are wonderful for layering your swimsuit underneath. I wouldn’t wear them the whole time you’re at the beach, however, unless you want some crazy tan lines!

Leah’s Beach Outfit Accessories

Now it’s time for the accessories! Starting at the top left, we’ve got some crazy gold Grecian sandals. Next to those are my Ray-Bans, which are the best sunglasses I have ever worn. They are the only glasses I can leave on all day without hurting the area behind my ears. Mine were a total steal at TJMaxx. My beach bag is multi-colored geometric print, which is great since it matches everything.

Inspired by our article on orange lipsticks, I’m wearing an orangey-coral lipstick, which is Kate Moss for Rimmel’s Lasting Finish in #109. My psychedelic floral swimsuit is – surprise, surprise – from Target. Target’s swimsuits fit well, come in a ton of different styles, and are very inexpensive – perfect for college students.

Your thoughts?

Have you fallen into the lazy summer clothes sinkhole yet? Which of these outfits is your favorite? Tell me what looks you want to see next! Maybe some involving crochet tops or American flag shorts? Let me know in the comments!

Tags : Budget Fashion, Clothes for Hot Weather, Clothing, OOTD, Outfit Ideas

13 Comments
Originally published on July 14, 2013
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Comments

  1. Farah says

    May 29, 2019 at 5:36 pm

    Omg this girl is beautiful

    Reply
  2. Joanna says

    May 29, 2019 at 5:36 pm

    Where did you get that picnic basket?!?!

    Reply
    • Leah - University of Georgia says

      May 29, 2019 at 5:36 pm

      Isn’t it awesome? I’m not sure where it’s from–it was a gift! There’s no tag or label on it anywhere. Sorry ‘bout that!

      Reply
  3. Mk says

    May 29, 2019 at 5:35 pm

    This is such a great post! I love how it shows what the outfit looks like on you, as opposed to an amalgamation of pieces that one can’t really visualize together. I love the dress, the beachy feel of the third outfit, and all the accessories! You look gorgeous too:)

    Reply
    • Leah - University of Georgia says

      May 29, 2019 at 5:36 pm

      I’m glad you like it this way! I thought it was more personal and easier to visualize, too. Thanks for the feedback!

      Reply
  4. Taylor says

    May 29, 2019 at 5:36 pm

    I agree with Mk. It helps a lot to see people wearing the outfits!

    Reply
  5. Reema says

    May 29, 2019 at 5:36 pm

    That dress looks great on you. Perfect length!

    Still stuck in the sinkhole.

    Reply
  6. Becky says

    May 29, 2019 at 5:35 pm

    You look gorgeous in these photos. I love this layout that you did for the outfits. It does help I think to see the outfits visually. Sometimes I see outfits but I can’t picture them on me with the accessories altogether.

    Reply
  7. victoria says

    May 29, 2019 at 5:36 pm

    wonderful post! You look beautiful in all of your outfits. 🙂 Where oh where did you get that seahorse dress?!

    Reply
  8. Judy Campbell says

    April 15, 2019 at 11:26 am

    Really nice article! Love that I could see the outfits on you.

    Reply
  9. Jess says

    May 29, 2019 at 5:35 pm

    Wehre is that bag from? so cute! it looks like rebecca minkoff

    Reply
  10. Leah - University of Georgia says

    May 29, 2019 at 5:35 pm

    It’s from my usual stomping ground, TJ Maxx. I hadn’t thought about it before, but it definitely does resembles the Rebecca Minkoff ones!

    Reply
  11. beth says

    May 29, 2019 at 5:35 pm

    Agree with everything MK said. I love the first look so much and that picnic basket is so cool. Also the seahorse dress with the pockets is very cute 🙂

    Reply

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