How to Dress for Summer If You Have Classic Style

As over the moon as I am about all the fun summer style inspiration I'm seeing now that the sun is out in full force, there's a bit of a storm cloud that inevitably rustles its way to the fore this time of year. It's not always easy for me to dress for warm months without sacrificing my classic style. I like clean, structured pieces and timeless silhouettes, such as pieces that could take me from the beach to brunch. This time of year, however, a lot of the tank tops, lightweight dresses and skirts on offer tend to be designed with different trends in mind, a more free-flowing, beachy vibe. While many vacationers may be in heaven with all these options, I struggle to find breezy, summer-friendly clothes that still fit my classic aesthetic.

I'm not alone. One of Who What Wear's readers recently shared this same style struggle in our Facebook group (if you haven't joined already, what are you waiting for?). "Over the past year I've really developed my personal style," Claudia Anne posted. "I love classic looks like skinny jeans, loafers and a turtleneck. As spring rolls around, I am at a loss for what to wear. When I search 'classic spring style' on Pinterest, I find the photos to be outdated styles or just not my taste."

We hear you, Claudia, which is why we set out to bring anyone who shares this struggle our guide to classic, summer-friendly staples. Armed with the following eight items, you'll keep cool all summer while staying true to your style.

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Relaxed Button-Down Shirt
(Image credit: @thefashionmedley)

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White Trousers
(Image credit: @shelleymokoena)

Related: Zara Just Launched the Perfect Strappy Sandals in Time for Wedding Season

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Breezy Midi Dress
(Image credit: @minamigessel)

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Simple Bodysuit
(Image credit: @sabinasocol)

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Paperbag Pants
(Image credit: @mcristinastyling)

Related: The Trending Dresses at ASOS, COS and John Lewis All Have One Thing in Common

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Denim Skirt
(Image credit: @claire_most)

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Woven Shoes
(Image credit: @jeannedamas)

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Cropped Cardigan
(Image credit: @emmaleger)

Next up, all the spring/summer 2019 fashion trends you need to know. 

This was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.

Editor

Anna is an editor on the fashion team at Who What Wear and has been at the company for over five years, having begun her career in the Los Angeles office before relocating to New York, where she's currently based. Having always been passionate about pursuing a career in fashion, she built up her experience interning at the likes of Michael Kors, A.L.C., and College Fashionista before joining the team as a post-graduate assistant editor. Anna has penned a number of interviews with Who What Wear's cover stars over the years, including A-listers Megan Fox, Issa Rae, and Emma Chamberlain. She's earned a reputation for scouting new and emerging brands from across the globe and championing them to our audience of millions. While fashion is her main wheelhouse, Anna led the launch of WWW Travels last year, a new lifestyle vertical that highlights all things travel through a fashion-person lens. She is passionate about shopping vintage, whether it be at a favorite local outpost or an on-the-road discovery, and has amassed a wardrobe full of unique finds. When she's not writing, you can find her shooting street imagery on her film camera, attempting to learn a fourth or fifth language, or planning her next trip across the globe.