While summer is often associated with casual outfits like T-shirts and denim shorts, there are times when you need to step up your style and create a dressy look. Whether it’s for a special occasion or just because you want to wear something different, putting together a stylish summer outfit doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are three simple steps to help you build the perfect dressy summer ensemble.

Step 1: Choose the Main Piece

When creating a dressy summer outfit, I always start by selecting the main piece of clothing. This is the item you want to highlight and build your outfit around. For this look, I chose a beautiful printed dress as the focal point. The dress serves as the largest piece in the outfit, naturally drawing attention and setting the tone for the rest of the look.

You could also start with a standout skirt or a chic blouse, depending on your preference. The key is to pick something that will be the star of your outfit. Once you’ve selected your focus item, it becomes much easier to add the other pieces around it.

Step 2: Add Complementary Layers

Now that you have your main piece, consider adding layers to complete the outfit. If you’ve chosen a dress, you might be done at this point. However, I added a light-wash denim jacket to my dress for two reasons: to keep warm in case the weather turns cool, and to add structure to the otherwise flowy dress. The contrast between the casual, thick denim and the soft, light silk of the dress creates an interesting and balanced look.

If you’ve chosen a skirt as your main piece, pair it with a blouse that complements both the skirt and the overall vibe of summer fashion. Lighter fabrics, such as cotton or silk, are ideal for summer, and the colors should either match or complement the plaid, floral, or solid print of the skirt. Keep the blouse simple and avoid anything too bold that might overpower the main focus of your outfit.

Step 3: Choose the Right Accessories and Shoes

Finally, the fun part—adding shoes and accessories! At this stage, your outfit is already coming together, so selecting accessories is straightforward. For my look, I paired the dress with a pair of brown wedge sandals, which are the perfect summer heel. I chose wedges instead of stilettos or pointed-toe heels because they’re more appropriate for a summer look, providing both style and comfort.

For accessories, I added bright, colorful bracelets that give the outfit a playful, summery vibe. Mixing different types of bracelets—beaded, fabric, and bangles—adds some fun texture and interest. To finish off the outfit, I selected a mini crossbody bag in a coordinating blue shade with gold hardware, tying the entire look together with a cohesive color scheme.

Final Thoughts

By following these three simple steps—choosing a main piece, adding complementary layers, and finishing off with the right accessories and shoes—you can easily create a stylish and dressy summer outfit. Whether it’s for a special event or just a day out, this process helps you build a look that’s both comfortable and chic. So go ahead, experiment with your favorite pieces and enjoy the process of putting together your perfect summer ensemble!