The Summer Outfit Formula I Repeat Every Week
I didn’t set out to create a summer outfit formula.
Somewhere along the way, though, I realized I was reaching for the same combination over and over again. Whether I was walking around our historic district, grabbing lunch on the waterfront, running errands, or heading out for dinner, these were the pieces that kept earning their way back into rotation.
It wasn’t because they were the newest things in my closet. They were simply the ones that worked. They mixed together effortlessly, stayed comfortable in the summer heat, and made getting dressed feel almost automatic.
If you looked through photos from the past few months, you’d probably notice the same thing I did—I wasn’t wearing more clothes. I was just wearing better combinations.
Below is the exact outfit formula I wear on repeat and why every piece has earned a permanent place in my closet.
The Summer Outfit Formula
Base Layer
Almost every outfit starts with one of these two tops.
This is the top I reach for when it’s especially hot outside. The built-in support makes it easy to throw on without much thought, and it works just as well with shorts as it does with a skort.
If I’m only packing one basic white T-shirt, it’s usually this one. It’s soft, lightweight, and has just enough structure to look polished without feeling dressy. It’s one of those pieces that quietly goes with everything.
Bottoms
These are the two pairs I find myself rotating between all summer.
These have quietly become one of the hardest-working pieces in my closet. They’re comfortable enough to wear all day but still look put together, which means I never hesitate to grab them whether I’m heading out for the morning or staying out through dinner.
When I want something a little sportier, this is usually what I choose. It’s easy to walk in, comfortable enough for a full day out, and still polished enough that I don’t feel underdressed.
My Lightweight Layer
Even in the middle of summer, this almost always ends up in my tote. It’s perfect for walking along the waterfront, riding in the golf cart, spending time on the boat, or throwing on when the air conditioning inside restaurants is a little too enthusiastic.
Shoes
I’ve reached the point where I won’t keep shoes that aren’t comfortable enough to wear for hours.
These are the sandals I wear most often during the summer. They’re lightweight, comfortable right out of the box, and easy to pair with just about everything in this outfit formula.
These have become my go-to anytime I know I’ll be doing a lot of walking or spending time on the water. They feel a little more polished than a sneaker but are every bit as comfortable.
Everyday Accessories
There are only a couple accessories I use almost every day.
This tote has been everywhere with me. It’s durable, lightweight, and somehow always seems to hold more than I expect. It’s just as useful for a quick trip around town as it is for a day near the water.
Comfortable, lightweight, and easy to replace if something ever happens to them. I own much more expensive sunglasses, but these are the pair I actually find myself wearing the most.
Why This Formula Works
One of the biggest things I’ve learned over the past few years is that getting dressed doesn’t have to be complicated.
The outfits I wear the most aren’t the ones that felt exciting the day I bought them. They’re the ones that quietly earn their place because they make everyday life easier.
Every top works with every bottom. Every pair of shoes fits naturally into the rotation. I don’t spend much time standing in front of my closet wondering what goes together because I’ve slowly built a wardrobe where almost everything does.
That’s really what Looks More Expensive has always been about.
Buying fewer pieces. Wearing them more often. Choosing things that work in real life instead of just looking good on a hanger.
These aren’t just my favorite summer pieces.
They’re the ones I keep reaching for week after week—and I have a feeling they’ll still be earning their place next summer, too. -LME
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