“I don’t like summer style.” I hear this a lot (I’ve even heard it come out of my own mouth!). Because, for some reason, getting dressed just feels more difficult in summer. It’s too hot for some of your favorite pieces. You can’t layer. You’re suddenly showing more skin. And you just don’t feel like yourself.

You may also feel like style totally shifts in the summer. Everyone is wearing bright colors and tiered dresses and barely-there tops. And if that doesn’t align with your vibe, you may feel left out. Or like you’re doing something wrong. But you’re not.

You can totally embrace your unique personal style at any time of year – including summer. It’s all about how you interpret what you like to wear as temperatures rise. So, before you write off the entire season, here are a few ways you can enjoy your summer style.

“I DON’T LIKE SHOWING SKIN”

This is the comment I hear the most. You may have body parts that you prefer to cover. Or you might just prefer a less exposed style. Whatever the reason, you can still enjoy summer style without showing too much skin. Here’s the secret – shift your fabrics. Trade out heavier weight, non-breathable fabrics for lightweight, easy breezy options like linen and poplin and seersucker. Opt for fabrics with built in air conditioning (because they let air pass through), like eyelet and crochet and other open weaves. You’ll still get the coverage you want, but you’re not boiling in the heat.

My favorite fabric for summer is gauze – it’s super lightweight and it has a crinkly texture (so you don’t need to worry about wrinkles). And another way to keep your cool is by choosing looser styles (like wide leg linen pants), as opposed to slim, tight silhouettes.

But before I go on, I have one thing to say. If you’re hesitating to wear styles that show skin because you’re concerned about what others may think – screw what other people think. Wear what you like. And if you’re ready to try something as a ‘test’, here are 4 low commitment ways to try something new.

“I DON’T LIKE TO WEAR SHORTS”

I hear this one a lot, too (it’s actually a variation on the first point). And luckily, there are a bunch of options to shorts if you’re not into them. But first – have you tried longer shorts? When you think of shorts, you may be only picturing tight, cuffed denim shorts that come to the top of your thighs. But there are bermuda-length shorts that stop a few inches above your knees. There are looser denim shorts with more coverage. And this season, there are tons of options in trouser shorts, with a fuller cut and longer length that might be right up your alley.

If you’re not into shorts at all, go for cropped pants (in a light fabric). Or skirts and skorts. And when all else fails, dresses are a never-fail summer option (here’s my favorite dress to take on vacation).

“I PREFER LAYERS”

My response to this is “I do, too!” So, if you want to wear layers in warm weather, you need to lighten up. Literally. Like I said before – shift to lighter fabrics. And also rethink your layers. The lightweight button-down shirt that you wear under sweaters becomes a third piece when you wear it unbuttoned over a tank. The vest that you wore under a blazer in fall works great with just a t-shirt underneath. The sweater that’s a mid-layer in cool weather becomes the piece you grab when the air conditioning is on overdrive. (Click here for a few more ways to feel stylish when it’s hot.)

“I DON’T LIKE BRIGHT COLORS”

Some people shift to bright colors in summertime – whether it’s on vacation or just for every day. But if that’s not your thing, don’t force it. You can stick with your favorite colors, but pair them with white for a fresh take (read this for why I’m obsessed with white for summer). Or play with your favorite lighter neutrals. Or go for an easy, light monochromatic look.

And if dark colors are more in your comfort zone, you can still feel totally summer-right. Keep the fabrics light, show a little skin, play with open textures and add metallic accessories.

“I LIKE SWEATERS”

Ok, it might be just me that says this – but I love sweaters year round. So, when summer hits, I once again focus on lighter weights. Linen and linen-blend sweaters are great. There are super thin, tissue-weight sweaters (for when you want coverage without warmth). And crocheted and open stitch sweaters are the perfect ‘throw over a t-shirt & shorts’ option when warm days become cool nights.

If it’s the texture of sweaters that you love, sweater tanks and short sleeve sweaters are ideal – as the more elevated versions of a simple cotton tank or t-shirt.

So, have I changed your mind? Do you like summer style a little more now? If you have any specific questions, feel free to ask them in the comments.

If you’re less concerned with your summer style and more with your style in general, I can be your partner in the process. We’ll work together to figure out what makes you feel good – and then we’ll build a wardrobe to get you there. Read this to learn about the framework I’ve used with hundreds of clients. And click here if you want to set up a free consultation to chat about working together.