How to Look Cute in the Summer

Last Updated: March 10, 2021 References

Summer is a fun time to experiment with new styles that you don’t normally get to wear when it’s colder. You can choose some new wardrobe pieces, go for a new summer hair style, or accessorize for summer however you like to look cute during the warm weather months.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Choosing Summer Outfits

1
Try a loose printed maxi dress for a comfortable style. A flowing, patterned maxi dress is a popular choice for women to stay cool and look stylish in the summer. Try a floral print, polka dots, or stripes in your favorite bright colors to look cute at any dressy or casual event.^{[1]
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- Keep this look casual by choosing a cotton dress with a bold pattern and wearing flat sandals or canvas sneakers with your dress.
- You can make this outfit dressier by choosing a dress that’s made from silkier materials and is in a solid color. Add heeled sandals or ballet flats and some jewelry to finish off the look.
2
Find polo shirts that fit well. Aim to find a polo with sleeves that fall halfway to three-quarters down your bicep and aren’t baggy or tight. Your sleeve seam should fall right at the edge of your shoulder, and the body of the shirt should be slim against you but not tight.^{[2]
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- Wear an untucked polo with cargo or denim shorts for a cute casual summer look.
- To dress up your polo, wear it with dress pants or a skirt and loafers or dressy sandals.
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3
Choose a romper for any casual occasion. A colorful romper is a perfect choice for women to look cute in hot weather because there are no buttons or zippers rubbing against your sweaty skin. Find one that’s loose but short, with the legs ending at your upper thigh.^{[3]
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- Wear your romper with a pair of flat sandals to any casual summer event.
4
Try fitted button-down linen shirts as a classy choice. Look for striped or plaid patterns in short-sleeved linen shirts to stay cool in the summer. Wear them untucked with a pair of cargo or denim shorts to wear to any casual summer event.^{[4]
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- Dress these shirts up by pairing them with a pair of thin twill dress pants and wear them on a date or to a business event.
5
Pick a babydoll dress as an extra feminine choice. Babydoll dresses are short with either spaghetti straps or short sleeves and are made of thin fabric with an empire waistband. Their lightness makes them a perfect summer choice, and they look cute worn over a lacy bralette and sandals, flats, or heels.^{[5]
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- These dresses can be either dressy or casual; wear them with heels and jewelry for a dressy occasion, or a pair of flat sandals or canvas sneakers for a more casual event.
6
Buy fitted shorts to wear anywhere. Men can find fitted flat-front shorts with inseams ranging from 5–10 in (13–25 cm) depending on their height and personal comfort level for length. For women, there is a range of shorts styles to choose from like boyfriend shorts, high-waisted cutoffs, lace shorts, or runners.^{[6]
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- Boyfriend shorts, which are usually denim, sit low on your hips and come to about mid-thigh, and you can cuff them to suit your preference. High-waisted cutoffs are denim shorts with a high waist, very short cut, and fringe at the thighs.^{[7]
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- Lace shorts and runners are available in many colors, either solid or patterned. Both usually look best when fitted in length to the mid-to-upper thigh.
EXPERT TIP

"I like loose-fitting, casual shorts, because they're comfortable, but you can also put on a jacket to dress them up."

Tannya Bernadette
Professional Stylist
Tannya Bernadette is the Founder of The Closet Edit, a Seattle-based personal styling service. She has been in the fashion industry for over 10 years and has been recognized as Ann Taylor’s LOFT brand ambassador and Seattle Southside’s official Rockstar Stylist. Tannya received her BA in Fashion Marketing and Business from The Art Institutes.

Tannya Bernadette
Professional Stylist
7
Try an off-the-shoulder blouse instead of a tank top. While tank tops are always in style for summer, women can make an extra effort to look cute by trying an off-the-shoulder blouse instead. Look for one made from light, flowy material and bright or pastel colors for your next summer event.^{[8]
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- Wear these blouses with a skirt and heels or ballet flats for a dressier occasion, or with cutoffs and flat sandals or sneakers to a casual event.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Styling Your Hair for Summer

1
Try a ballerina bun to stay cool. Pull your long hair up into a high ponytail and secure it with an elastic hairband. Twist the ponytail around the base and secure it with bobby pins that match your hair color. For an extra sleek look, do this when your hair is damp and spray it with a texturizing spray before pulling it up.^{[9]
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- If your hair isn’t quite long enough to twist into a bun, achieve the look with the help of a hair donut, available at accessory and beauty supply stores.
2
Slick back your semi-short hair. Guys can stay cool and look cute without committing to a super short buzzcut by slicking their hair back. Comb your damp hair back and to the sides, and keep it in place by rubbing a quarter-size dollop of pomade through it. This works best on haircuts that are around 2 in (5.1 cm) on top and 1 in (2.5 cm) on the sides.^{[10]
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- This look also works well for women with pixie cuts who are looking to change up their style.
3
Try double boho braids for a cute feminine look. Part your hair down the middle from your forehead to the nape of your neck. Make a dutch braid on each side, and pull it all back into a low messy bun at the nape of your neck. Secure the bun loosely with bobby pins or barrettes.^{[11]
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- This look is best when messy; you don’t even need to use a mirror. Keep the braids and bun loose, and don’t worry too much about making an even part.
4
Go for a crewcut to stay the coolest in hot weather. Guys who are willing to commit to super short hair can stay cool all summer by asking their barber for a crewcut, which is the same short length on all parts of your head. A setting of 1 on the clippers will be the shortest and very close to your scalp, while a 4 will give you about ¹⁄₂ in (1.3 cm) of hair.^{[12]
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- It’s a good idea to check in with your barber to make sure you have a good head shape for this cut before committing to it.
5
Pin your bob up with cute clips and barrettes. If you have a haircut that’s too long to slick back but too short to put in braids or a bun, invest in some cute clips or barrettes. Experiment with how to wear them by clipping the sides of your hair up and away from your face, or twisting small sections from all around your head up and against your head then securing them with bobby pins and a few strategically placed clips.^{[13]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Accessorizing for Summer

1
Invest in comfortable sandals. There are hundreds of sandal options to choose from for both men and women, but you will want to find ones with enough support to wear them out for various lengths of time. Consider sports sliders or hiking sandals for casual wear, or Greek style sandals for dressier events.^{[14]
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- Women can look extra cute by pairing sparkly or flowered sandals with their favorite romper or maxi dress. Sandals with a slight heel can also make any outfit look dressier.
2
Try canvas sneakers to wear anywhere. Keep it casual in summer by wearing simple white or black low-top canvas sneakers. These shoes can go with any summer outfit for either men or women and are a great option for days that you don’t feel like wearing sandals.^{[15]
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- Ballet flats are another great option for a slightly more polished, casual summer look.
3
Buy aviator or oversized sunglasses. Sunglasses are the ultimate summer accessory, and aviators are always in style. Try them with colored lenses or mirrored lenses for the cutest effect.^{[16]
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- Women can also try oversized cat eye or round sunglasses with colored as an alternate stylish option.
4
Get a summer manicure. Head to your favorite nail salon and ask for summer nails in bright neon colors or elegant pastels. Or if you’re feeling more adventurous, ask your artist to give you a floral print, rainbow nails, a fruit pattern, ice cream drips, or a holographic manicure.
- Ask your artist about summer designs they can do or search online for images to bring to your artist as inspiration.
5
Keep the sun off your face with a cute wide-brimmed hat. Lightweight summer hats with wide brims come in a variety of styles and colors. Try a light tan or black one to go with any summer outfit or to wear at the beach.^{[17]
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6
Carry a tropical-themed handbag. To tote all your summer essentials, try a small brightly colored handbag with palm tree or tropical fruit print. Bright animal prints and neon colors also tend to be popular in the hot months.^{[18]
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Community Q&A

Question

What can you do if you do not have any makeup?

Community Answer

Makeup is not an essential for summer. Easy and carefree is a great strategy. Just take care of your skin and perfect your beachy hair.
Question

What do I do if someone sees me in ugly clothing?

Community Answer

Don't leave the house in clothes you don't feel good in. If you do, just feign confidence and brush it off.
Question

I'm not allowed to wear things that show my skin, such as shorts, skirts and dresses. What should I wear to school to look cute?

Community Answer

Try a cute jean jacket, leggings or ripped jeans. Look at fashion magazines to see what is fashionable.