"My unpopular opinion is that summer is the best time for dating, period. That said, the challenge of dressing for a date persists, but there’s certainly more room to experiment with color and style. After a long spring and extended seasons of grey, we’ll gladly swap out our jeans and boots for printed mini skirts, strappy sandals, and linen pieces that make heading out for a date feel more exciting than nerve-wracking.
It’s cheesy, but the key to dressing up for any kind of date is confidence. Meeting a stranger is already stressful enough—consider your outfit a conversation starter, a confidence booster, and an avenue to make a first impression. Summer makes finding the outfit that strikes this balance easy. Bright summer shades like butter-yellow, reds, and blues and breezy silhouettes bring a bit of vibrancy and easygoingness to summer date looks that can’t compare with fall or winter.
Enough said: Keep scrolling to find six summer outfits to take inspiration from the next time you go on a date—no matter what you’re doing.
For a Sunset Dinner
Embrace this season’s most delicious color with a butter-yellow slip dress. I’ll admit, as much as I talk about bold colors, I am far from having the brightest closet, but incorporating butter-yellow in my wardrobe has been a breeze. For neutral lovers, try on the shade in a dress and pair it with strappy sandals for a sunset dinner date.
For a Casual Date
The most difficult date to dress for is the casual one. Going for coffee sounds chill, but is it really? Don’t overthink it—opt for laidback denim shorts and dress them up with a mature button-up in a color of your choice (I personally love a classic baby blue shade). You have the option to layer it with a tank top underneath, or wear it buttoned and tucked in. Pair it with ballet flats that are equal parts girly and sophisticated and you’ll feel put-together in an outfit that you can re-wear on an everyday basis.
For a Happy Hour Date
I imagine a happy hour date happening on a Summer Friday just before the weekend hits, and sitting outside on a sunny patio, which calls for something playful. When I want to feel dressed up but still casual, I opt for a midi skirt. I’m obsessed with everything Tyler McGillivary right now, and think this skirt would look so cool paired with a tank top. The polka-dot mini skirt offering is also a cool choice for those who prefer something more muted.
For a Date by the Water
Beach dates call for summer go-tos like lightweight linen and breezy sundresses. Throw on a linen button-up and pants over a bathing suit just in case you head toward the water. Planning on spending time in the sun and sand? Accessorize with a hat for sun protection and keep it simple with a pair of black flip-flops.
For a Picnic in the Park
Summer picnic dates might be the best part of the warmer season. They’re straightforward and slightly casual, which means you don’t have to stray far from your daily essentials. Opt for jeans (and if it’s too hot, shorts) and a simple tank top that you can layer with a button-up or wear on its own. Accessorize with a fun belt, earrings, and sunnies.
For a Sporty Date
The most challenging date to dress for of them all is an activity-centered one. Sporty dates can be daunting on the outfit front, but thankfully, we’ve come far from working out attire being an old T-shirt and gym shorts (although it remains the most comfortable). A workout dress is flirty but also practical and our favorite styles come from Abercrombie’s YPB line and Girlfriend Collective. Add a hat for some personal flair (and to protect yourself from the sun), and finish the look with functional but cute sneakers.
