What do your August plans (and adjoining August outfits) look like? The surprise of a mid-July heatwave took my wardrobe off-kilter and, clearly feeling satisfied with the amount of sun I’ve had for one British summer, my mind has been tricked into autumn mode—but summer’s not over yet!
To begin with, there are still holidays to pack for. Many of my colleagues are on a countdown for a long overdue adventure in Greece, Italy or the south of France. Me? I’ll be staycationing and enjoying the best beaches (read: pebbles) Sussex has to offer. But there are parties, weddings, office days, festivals, work events, BBQs and so many more G-cal moments in-between that a little August outfit planning isn’t such a bad idea. The month is looking busy, so having an arsenal of trusty, easy, throw-on looks that work for multiple occasions is a smart move. Many of the Instagrammed looks I’ve documented below won’t require anything new—for example, I think it’s highly likely you have a fabulous dress hanging in your wardrobe and a pair of simple flat sandals that you turn to time and again. Maybe you’ve already invested in a pair of wide-leg tailored trousers and just need an excuse to keep on wearing them over and over again—permission granted.
Keep scrolling to see what to wear in August, inspired by the coolest fashion people we know and with a few handy shopping picks for your reference.
Style Notes: It’s as simple as it gets, but it just works! A white vest and slouchy black trousers will never not look chic.
Reformation’s basics are just as good as their dresses.
Don’t even get me started on how great COS’s trousers are.
Style Notes: White and blue is a classic summer combination. The additional of tan and black accessories here gives a cool spin and an autumnal nod.
This style comes in lots of different colours.
A unique take on a basic idea.
Style Notes: What could be more joyful than a (Ganni) rainbow dress? Nothing! All you need to finish this look of is a pair of comfy sandals. Done.
The kind of dress that works just as well for a wedding as it does for the beach.
Wear with… EVERYTHING!
Style Notes: A “wow” dress like this knitted Dodo Bar Or number speaks for itself—simply combine the plainest of accessories and go.
Very impressive for a high street dress.
Staud accessories never fail to impress me.
Style Notes: Co-ords have become a staple part of our summer and winter wardrobes over the past few years and they’re still a strong zero-effort outfit idea.
Knot this for a switch-up one day.
You can easily mix and match linen pieces from different stores, especially in these neutral hues.
Style Notes: This Arket set has been doing the rounds on IG, brightening up feeds across the globe.
The red is all but sold out, however, this fun green set has just landed.
These would also look good with a plain white tee.
Style Notes: Bandeaus are back and especially in slinky dress form. Great with gold jewellery.
For something that feels party-ready, this H&M style is perfect.
Black sandals + black dress = no brainer.
Style Notes: Tube styles are such an easy win for looking chic and feeling very comfortable. Don’t forget to check out our edit of the best strapless bras.
Before Kim Kardashian designed Skims, she wore Wolford.
The fanciest chunky black sandals we’ve seen.
Style Notes: Denim pencil skrits have been quietly returning to fashion wardrobes over the past few months. The French set are wearing them instead of cut-off shorts for a more demure look.
It’s adorable.
Style Notes: But your denim skirt doesn’t have to be overly girlish—you can easily make one feel sporty and relaxed with canvas sneaks.
DIY this into your own scarf top.
This comes in two different washes and I love them both.
Style Notes: There’s something about a printed co-ord top and skirt that always looks romantic and joyful to wear.
This is making me change my mind about a staycation…
This faded print is just so pretty.
Style Notes: You can bring extra personality to a set with unexpected accessories.
This is so elegant.
Wear to work with a white shirt and flats.
Style Notes: Pleated, draped and normally in shades of white, these goddess dresses are simply divine.
I swear I dream about this dress!
These M&S pumps have become an office-wide obsession.
Style Notes: You can bring yours into the city with strappy sandals and a cross-body bag.
The satin finish on this would actually lend itself well to being a low-key bridal dress.
I would wear these on repeat for many summers to come. Up next, 30 forever pieces we love.
