12 Outfits to Wear in the Heat of August

Feeling sweaty and unmotivated? We have the outfit ideas you need this month.

Depending on where you live, August can be the hottest month of the year, which can make it even more challenging to get dressed. On top of that, you may have already worn a bunch of your summer outfits in June and July, so your closet might start to feel a little...boring, if we're being honest. But it doesn't have to mean that you need a whole new wardrobe: you might just need some fresh ideas to keep your outfits interesting.

This is the moment to play around with pieces that you've struggled to wear in the past and bring together outfit combinations that feel a little daring or unexpected. This can also be a good opportunity to push the envelope a bit, showing a little skin, for example, or re-purposing a long shirt as a dress. There are a multitude of ways to break out of a style rut by adding a dose of energy to your clothing choices.

If you're feeling unmotivated and want to get creative with your warm-weather outfits, or if you just want to figure out how to dress well in the August heat, keep scrolling.

Slouchy Fabrics

The potential downside of linen or satin, which are known to wrinkle easily and look less formal than other fabrics, can actually be turned into a strength. When you lean in with a loose, asymmetrical, wrap style like the one above, it already looks a bit wrinkled and folded, and as you wear it throughout the day, it will look more lived-in without ever becoming messy.

Getting Wild with Color

If there's a bold shirt that you've been dying to wear but just never found the right context for it, this is the moment. This is particularly relevant if you're a bit hesitant to deploy color in your wardrobe but you have something in your wardrobe that feels daring. Let's make August the month of "screw it" sartorial moments by really going there with color.

Elevate With a Dress

If you have to head into the office on a hot August day and aren't especially looking forward to it, just go for a one-and-done outfit. Opting for something you can throw on (technically, this is a matching set, but a dress would work just as well) will save you some time and ensure you'll still be balancing comfort with decorum. Swap the clutch for a tote that can fit a cardigan in case the office AC is cold.

Some (Very Light) Pants

We might not normally suggest pants in August, but it all depends on the context. If there's a cooler-than-average day and you have a pant in a light fabric (this is cotton cargo denim, but you could try a light silk or linen too), give it a go. Make sure it's on the looser side for improved breathability. Note that you can add a chic belt to keep it from slipping down your waist.

Grab a Surprising Bag

If you've ever looked at your closet and thought to yourself, "I'm not inspired by any of this," just know that's a relatable sentiment at the end of summer. It doesn't necessarily mean you have to go buy something. Instead, opt for a bag that you haven't used yet or wouldn't normally think to pair with your outfit. A woven tote is a great choice for a bag because it makes your outfit more casual and adds texture without ever feeling sloppy.

A Tiny Bit of Chaos

Now is the moment to really play with your wardrobe. Do you have a vest that you normally pair with matching pants or throw on over T-shirts? Wear it as a top. Do you have shoes that you usually use as a statement piece? Match them with a contrasting bag and see if it works. Making counterintuitive choices to put together an outfit requires some trial and error, but it makes for some really awesome combinations.

Coordinate With a Pal

Matching outfits with a friend doesn't have to just be a middle school thing. Notice how each of the above outfits is distinct in their own way. They don't look too coordinated, but do share similarities in the color story. Moreover, wearing red is thematic for the heat of August. This is a great way to find joy in dressing and still look awesome.

Layer Creatively

By the time August rolls around, your creativity might be a little low. If you've already worn all the outfits you planned out, and things are feeling a little stale, mix things up a bit. Add a scarf in a contrasting pattern. Pair your white sneakers with black socks, just for fun. And don't forget to throw on your biggest earrings.

Wear a Shirt as a Mini

This is perhaps not for the faint of heart. But taking a long tunic-style shirt and wearing it by itself is a great styling tip for hot summer days. You can even wear short shorts underneath if you want a bit more coverage. This Adidas jersey makes for a surprisingly cute mini dress, particularly when paired with chunky black heels. If you don't want to wear a scarf in the heat, go for a long, chunky necklace.

Capital-C Casual Friday

In a similar way, this is context-specific. If your workplace doesn't mind a little skin showing, get creative on a casual Friday. We love how the pieces are still a bit elevated: the pinstripe denim is evocative of a more formal pant, while the corset is structured. But this is still daring in an exciting way, particularly for an office.

Super-Size It

When it's hot and gross and you still have to leave the house, opt for oversized clothing. Contrary to popular belief, you don't have to pair a roomier piece with something more fitted. The outfit above, for example, features a chic oversized shirt-and-shorts combo, contrasted with the chunky leather shoe and sharp sunglasses. Think of this as the more formal version of a loose caftan dress.

When in Doubt, Go White

When you just want to feel breezy and cool, go tonal in a light color. White reflects the light, and you can add contrast in your bag, sunnies, and shoes. If white feels too traditional, mix your light colors together. Try adding together cream, stone, and beige pieces to see what combinations you can make.

For more InStyle news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!

Read the original article on InStyle.