Elegant summer outfits in vintage style: tips and inspiration
When temperatures are high, we long for light materials that, if possible, do not heat us up any further. But even in summer we can dress elegantly without sweating. This works particularly well when we are inspired by the style of the 30s to 50s. The classic cuts of this time simply look incredibly elegant and are perfect for summer. In this post you will find inspiration for elegant summer outfits in vintage style that also work wonderfully in everyday life.
Summery, light fabrics
The key to an elegant summer outfit is choosing the right fabrics. Linen, cotton, silk and crepe fabrics are ideal for the warm season as they are breathable and light. These materials not only make you look good, but also feel comfortable on the skin. By the way: In my opinion, Son de Flor* has particularly beautiful linen dresses in its range.
Lace can also be worn in summer. The slightly translucent skin also makes the elegant summer outfit look seductive.
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Elegant colors for your summer outfit
Bright colors like white, pastels and soft earth tones reflect sunlight and add a fresh touch to your look. A light, white dress or a light blue cotton blouse, for example, are perfect basics for an elegant summer look.
But even the little black dress is suitable for warm summer days. Just make sure you use light fabrics. If you like it more colorful, I recommend summer tones like coral or yellow. When it comes to patterns, flowers and lemon patterns are particularly elegant choices.
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Length matters: Midi & Maxi
Longer is better, at least if you like it elegant. Midi-length skirts, for example, look particularly classic and elegant. Maxi dresses are also a great choice in summer. Sandals or wedges as well as subtle jewelry go well with this.
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Classic cuts for an elegant summer outfit
Classic cuts are the first choice if you want to create an elegant summer outfit. Particularly figure-hugging but not too tight cuts with an accentuated waist look elegant and stylish. Whether the skirt is narrow or flared doesn’t matter much. From HeartmyCloset via Etsy* you can even find a great dress that combines both types of skirts.
Wrap dresses and skirts are a slightly more casual but no less elegant choice for summer. Tip: Also look around in vintage shops. With a bit of luck you can find really stylish and, above all, unique bargains here.
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The classy & stylish jumpsuit
Dresses and skirts are great, but sometimes you want a little variety. A really wonderful alternative is a jumpsuit (e.g. via TopVintage*). Not only does it look super chic and elegant, it also just looks super cool. The only disadvantage: Going to the toilet is much more complicated in a jumpsuit than in a dress. 😉 You can style it very differently depending on the occasion. Whether with flat shoes like ballet flats in everyday life, or with high heels for dinner.
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Stylish summer fashion: airy blouses and elegant shorts
If you like to show off your legs but still prefer elegant looks, choose an airy blouse combined with elegant shorts. I recommend shorts made of high-quality materials such as linen or silk with a wide cut, paired with an elegant blouse in a neutral color. This look is ideal for informal meetings, vacation or a day in town.
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Stylish & elegant Accessories
Accessories are the icing on the cake of every outfit. Large sun hats, chic sunglasses and delicate scarves can give your look that certain something. A straw hat not only protects you from the sun, but also adds an elegant touch to your outfit.
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Shoes – The perfect finishing touch
Choosing the right shoes can completely transform an outfit. In summer, sandals, espadrilles and ballet flats are a particularly elegant choice. For evening occasions, you can also wear elegant strappy sandals with heels that are not too high. Just make sure that the shoes are still comfortable so that you can enjoy the summer to the fullest.
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Less is more: My recipe for an elegant summer outfit
In summer, less is more. Opt for minimalist and well-thought-out outfits. A simple but perfectly fitting ensemble of skirt and top, a light summer suit or a simple dress with the right accessories can often have more effect than an overly overloaded look. Less jewelry, but selected and high quality, underlines the elegance of your look.
Elegant summer outfits are characterized by light fabrics, bright colors and stylish cuts. With the right combination of clothing and the right accessories, you can always look stylish, even in the warm season. Just remember that comfort is just as important as style – just as Coco Chanel already knew. After all, we want to be able to really enjoy the beautiful summer days.
Tip: Are you interested in timeless, elegant fashion? Then you will definitely like Audrey Hepburn’s style. In this style guide you will find out her style secrets.