For all the joys that summer brings into your life again — later sunsets, outdoor dinners, weekend road trips — there is that one thing that can put a wrench in a fashion girl's good mood: your summer outfit. When it's real hot outside and any fabric thicker than a tissue feels like a goose down comforter, it can be hard to break outside of your T-shirt-and-shorts mold. But what happens when that combo starts to feel oppressive in its sameness? Rock, meet hard place. We've got your ticket out of there.
There are creative ways to pull off summer layering without succumbing to heat stroke. It just takes some understanding of sequence, knowing which fabrics work best, and a willingness to switch it up. If you're in the need of a sartorial jump start, check out the women ahead who've switched things up.
A miniskirt worn over a breezier skirt can add a bit of depth to an outfit. For really hot days, swap out the leather and long sleeves for lightweight cotton and a slip.
Photographed by Christian Vierig.
When you stick to one color, it can be easy to layer like a rockstar. Tie a shirt over a shirtdress for an easy two-step trick.
Photographed by Christian Vierig.
Nude bike shorts under a dress (under a boxy top, at that) are Kanye approved.
Photographed by Christian Vierig.
A longer-length tunic over a maxi skirt creates a cinched-at-the-butt shape that feels really fresh right now.
Photographed by Christian Vierig.
Wear a blouse underneath a unbuttoned button-up for a unique layered look. Go for both in the same color for bonus style points.
Photographed by Christian Vierig.
The white T-shirt is the ultimate summer layering tool. Wear it under strappy — or strap less — summer dresses.
Photographed by Christian Vierig.
If you've got a too-tight miniskirt, take a pair of scissors to it and cut out the front. Wear a pair of shorts underneath for a clever DIY skort-set.
Photographed by Christian Vierig.Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
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