What To Wear When It’s Too Hot Outside: Top Picks for Your Summer Wardrobe Capsule Collection

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Reformation X Laura Harrier
Reformation

Mini and midi dresses, flowy skirts and pants, all in lightweight natural fabrics, will have your style quotient at 100.

While we all love summer, this year's heat waves seem never-ending. Looking like your most fashionable self while trying to stay cool can feel daunting. Summertime is for going out and enjoying the season, whether on holiday somewhere tropical or at outdoor restaurants and backyard parties closer to home. One thing is sure: Looking your best takes strategic planning when it's nearly 100 degrees (or hotter, depending on where you live), especially with sticky humidity. 

With many fast-fashion brands using fabrics like polyester, it may be worth springing for natural fabrics that allow skin to breathe, like organic cotton, poplin and bamboo. Consider timeless pieces to help build a summer wardrobe capsule collection that you look forward to unpacking every late spring. Neutral colors are best for not showing sweat, and bold accessories add style without weight. 

From dresses you'll want to wear daily to evening 'fits that might have jaws dropping, scroll through for some of the best pieces to wear everywhere this summer. Care of brands like Reformation to Lululemon, we've got your summer all-star lineup covered. 

House of Harlow 1960 X Revolve Thea Mesh Maxi Dress

House of Harlow 1960 X Revolve Thea Mesh Maxi Dress
Revolve

House of Harlow 1960 X Revolve Thea Mesh Maxi Dress

This sultry pick from Nicole Richie's House of Harlow line is soft and stretchy, perfect for going from the beach to dinner — and it's on sale right now.

$208 $94

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Reformation Etta Knit Dress

Reformation Etta Knit Dress
Reformation

Reformation Etta Knit Dress

Laura Harrier X Reformation offers the most stylish summer-ready capsule collection, like this midi dress in lightweight Tencel. 

x REVOLVE Fate Mini Dress

x REVOLVE Fate Mini Dress
Revolve

x REVOLVE Fate Mini Dress

This cotton crochet dress is perfect for the beach, vacation and beyond. 

Reformation Baker Knit Dress

Reformation Baker Knit Dress
Baker Knit Dress

Reformation Baker Knit Dress

This mini dress can be casual or dressy, and the lightweight cotton blend will feel almost like a second skin. 

Heartloom Silvie Vest

Heartloom Silvie Vest
Revolve

Heartloom Silvie Vest

A linen blend looks sharp in this on-trend vest.

Botanique Earrings

Botanique Earrings
Revolve

Botanique Earrings

Slick your hair back and throw on some statement earrings, like this floral-inspired gold pair.

Reformation Lea Knit Top

Reformation Lea Knit Top
Reformation

Reformation Lea Knit Top

Organic cotton with a touch of stretch and sweet detailing elevates your everyday tank top. 

Quince 100% Washable Silk Skirt

Quince 100% Washable Silk Skirt
Quince

Quince 100% Washable Silk Skirt

Silk is naturally thermoregulating but so much nicer when machine-washable. This skirt will pair with any top. 

8 Other Reasons Coastal Cowboy Hat

8 Other Reasons Coastal Cowboy Hat
Revolve

8 Other Reasons Coastal Cowboy Hat

A lightweight paper hat to shield you from the sun can also be a chic accessory. 

Peixoto Louisa Top

Peixoto Louisa Top
Revolve

Peixoto Louisa Top

Matching sets are a low-lift way to look polished, like with this crop top and long flowy skirt

Quince 100% European Linen Button Front Dress

Quince 100% European Linen Button Front Dress
Quince

Quince 100% European Linen Button Front Dress

A one-and-done linen dress is effortlessly pretty and cool. 

Lululemon Wundermost Ultra-Soft Nulu Super-High-Cut Bodysuit

Lululemon Wundermost Ultra-Soft Nulu Super-High-Cut Bodysuit
Lululemon

Lululemon Wundermost Ultra-Soft Nulu Super-High-Cut Bodysuit

Lululemon's foray into causal wear is stylish, like this wear-anywhere bodysuit. It features all the benefits of the brand's activewear with breathable, stretch fabric. 

Lululemon Swift Mid-Rise Wide-Leg Pant

Lululemon Swift Mid-Rise Wide-Leg Pant
Lululemon

Lululemon Swift Mid-Rise Wide-Leg Pant

These pants are made for summer with fabric that wicks sweat and dries fast, yet they look so cute no one will know they aren't designer. 

Skims Halter Mini Dress

Skims Halter Mini Dress
Skims

Skims Halter Mini Dress

Skims is known for comfort, but the brand's cotton pieces stand out as breathable and won't wrinkle like linen for travel. Mini-dresses match every kind of footwear, making them incredibly versatile. 

$68 $48

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Dae Cactus Fruit 3-in-1 Styling Cream with Taming Wand

Dae Cactus Fruit 3-in-1 Styling Cream with Taming Wand
Sephora

Dae Cactus Fruit 3-in-1 Styling Cream with Taming Wand

This citrus-scented styling cream has a little mascara wand-type applicator to smooth flyaways and baby edges, making it a summer hair hero. 

Molasus Womens Cotton Boxer Shorts Underwear Anti Chafing Bike Shorts, 4-Pack

Molasus Womens Cotton Boxer Shorts Underwear Anti Chafing Bike Shorts, 4-Pack
Amazon

Molasus Womens Cotton Boxer Shorts Underwear Anti Chafing Bike Shorts, 4-Pack

If chafing is bringing you down, these lightweight cotton-blend shorts get rave reviews for under skirts or lounging. 

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