It's True–Fashion People Will Basically Live in These 7 Outfits This August

What do your August plans (and adjoining August outfits) look like? The surprise of an early June heatwave took my wardrobe off-kilter, and I'm not satisfied with the amount of sun I've had this Great British summer (my mind has been tricked into autumn mode)—but summer's not over quite 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, so a little August outfit planning isn't such a bad idea. The month is looking busy, so having an arsenal of trusty 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 I know and with a few handy shopping picks for your reference.

1. WIDE-LEG TROUSERS + BASIC TOP

What to wear in August: tank top and wide leg trousers

Photo:

@louisahatt

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.

SHOP THE LOOK:

Reformation's basics are just as good as its dresses.

Style Notes: White and blue is a classic summer combination. The addition of tan and black accessories here gives a cool spin and an autumnal nod.

SHOP THE LOOK:

This style comes in lots of different colours.

2. "WOW" DRESS + FLAT SANDALS

Style Notes: What could be more joyful than a (Ganni) rainbow dress? Nothing! All you need to finish this look is a pair of comfy sandals. Done.

SHOP THE LOOK:

The kind of dress that works just as well for a wedding as it does for the beach. 

Style Notes: A "wow" dress like this knitted Dodo Bar Or number speaks for itself—simply combine the plainest of accessories and go.

SHOP THE LOOK:

Staud accessories never fail to impress me.

3. COTTON CO-ORDS

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.

SHOP THE LOOK:

Knot this for a switch-up one day.

They might not be PJs, but they're just as comfortable. 

what to wear in August: cotton co-ord

Photo:

@smythsisters

Style Notes: This Arket set did the rounds on IG last summer, brightening up feeds across the globe.

SHOP THE LOOK:

The Arket set is long since sold out, but With Nothing Underneath's cute pink set is irresistible. 

4. BANDEAU LBD + HEELS

what to wear in August: bandeau dress

Photo:

@sasha.mei

Style Notes: Bandeaus are back, especially in slinky-dress form. They're great with gold jewellery.

SHOP THE LOOK:

For something that feels party-ready, this River Island style is perfect.

Black sandals + black dress = no-brainer.

what to wear in August: bandeau dress

Photo:

@pomelokiwie

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.

SHOP THE LOOK:

Before Kim Kardashian designed Skims, she wore Wolford.

5. DENIM PENCIL SKIRT + CUTE TOP

what to wear in August: denim skirt

Photo:

@vikilefevre

Style Notes: Denim skirts have been quietly returning to fashion wardrobes over the past few months. The French set is wearing pencil skirts instead of cut-off shorts for a more demure look.

what to wear in August: denim skirt

Photo:

@marenschia

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.

SHOP THE LOOK:

This comes in two different washes, and I love them both.

6. MATCHING PRINTED SKIRT + TOP

what to wear in August: printed skirt and top

Photo:

@saraloura

Style Notes: There's something about a printed co-ord top and skirt that always looks romantic and joyful to wear.

SHOP THE LOOK:
what to wear in August: printed skirt and top

Photo:

@monamali_

Style Notes: You can bring extra personality to a set with unexpected accessories.

Wear to work with a black tee and flats.

8. GODDESS DRESS + FLATS

what to wear in August: white dress

Photo:

@sarennya

Style Notes: Pleated, draped and normally in shades of white, these goddess dresses are simply divine.

These M&S pumps have become an office-wide obsession.

Style Notes: You can bring yours into the city with strappy sandals and a crossbody bag.

SHOP THE LOOK: