10 Ways to Elevate Simple Summer Outfits

It’s summertime. And the key word when it comes to fashion is easy. But just because we’re leaning into easy breezy styles with no muss, no fuss, doesn’t mean we can’t pull together outfits that are sharp and sophisticated. Today I’m teaming up with my favorite watch brand, Nordgreen, to share with you ten ways to elevate simple summer outfits from ho hum to oh honey!

This post contains affiliate links. When you shop through my links I potentially earn a commission on your purchases, but at no additional cost to you. Thank you so much for supporting my work here by shopping my links.

I’m so pleased to work with Nordgreen on this style tips post because this Danish watch brand truly resonates with my personal modern classic style aesthetic. And I know many of my readers also prefer to wear classic clothing with a modern vibe. In a day when some people are opting to refer to their cell phones for the time, Nordgreen embraces the classic appeal of a wrist watch and creates styles that look both timeless and current. I love this.

Not only does Nordgreen produce elegant, modern watches that are functional and precise, but they also promote and live by their Nordic sensibilities of caring for the environment and improving life for others. For instance, when you purchase a Nordgreen watch you have the opportunity to select one of three impressive global charitable organizations to gift a portion of the proceeds from your purchase…at no additional cost to you. And Nordgreen also works hard to minimize waste, recycle used products and leave a neutral carbon imprint.

I’ll share more about Nordgreen along the way, but let’s get started on those ten tips to help you elevate your simple summer outfits.

Style Tip #1 – Keep it simple.

Resist the urge to complicate your summer style and lean into the simplicity of the season instead. Remember, simple separates (worn simply!) are trending. In fact, I talked about that in this recent video (also sponsored by Nordgreen).

You’ll notice that in most of these photos I’ve kept my jewelry simply to earrings and a Nordgreen watch. And yes, I mean really keep your outfits simple. There’s just something elegant and classy about accessorizing just enough to indicate that you thought about it, but not so much as to imply that you overthought it. Remember, thoughtfulness translates as chic, when it comes to style.

Style Tip #2 – Do a solid.

I love patterns and prints, especially florals and plaids. But if you’re trying to create a more elevated look, opt for solids. And the fewer colors you introduce into your simple summer outfit, the more chic your look will be.

You’ll notice I’m wearing these same green wide leg crops in all of the photos. But I’ve switched up my footwear, tops and accessories. Above I’m wearing the simplest summery version of this outfit formula with just a baby blue tee and slide sandals. But by choosing simple, summery solids I’ve created a fresh and sophisticated look all the same.

Style Tip #3 – It’s at your fingertips!

Maintaining a well polished manicure becomes a little more difficult in the summer. If you’re in and out of the water, working in the garden or building sandcastles on the beach with grandchildren, your nails can take a beating.

But I’ve discovered that while we like to think we’re hiding our own hands, most of us would agree that we notice other people’s quickly. Guess what! They’re noticing our hands, too. And our hands say a lot about us. We can’t necessarily eradicate all the age spots and wrinkles. But we can put in a little extra effort to keep our hands soft and manicured. The biggest game changer I’m trying to practice is wearing gloves when I’m doing the dishes or gardening.

If keeping your nails polished is just impossible with summer activities, ditch the color and simply try to keep your nails shaped and clean. That’s definitely better than chipped polish.

Style Tip #4 – Step it up!

The fourth way to elevate simple summer outfits is to choose elevated footwear.

Sure, I’m all for adding classy pumps to an outfit to really raise the style level. But you don’t have to wear heels to elevate your simple summer outfits. You can even wear sneakers or flip flops. But still choose those casual shoes in upgraded iterations. Leather sneakers, for instance, will elevate your look a little more than canvas ones.

And if you do choose to wear fashion sneakers, wear some no-show socks for the classiest look. The key is simply to remember that your footwear can make or break an outfit. Make sure your shoes are clean, in good repair, functional for the occasion and easy to walk in. There’s nothing elevated about blisters or hobbling about due to uncomfortable shoes.

Style Tip #5 – Stay with the times. Wear an updated classic watch.

There’s just something about wearing a classic timepiece on your wrist that makes you look important, knowledgeable, organized and wise. Now you may be none of those things in reality. Hahaha! But wearing a modern, classic watch in a day when so many people are opting to refer to their cell phones for the time, definitely communicates that you are extraordinary.

I love that Nordgreen’s watches are made so that you can easily swap out the bands, no tools required. That one little feature has compelled me to wear my watches almost daily. I love swapping out classic metal bands for fun, casual leather bands and vice versa. You can use my code KAYHRMS to get 15% off your purchase at Nordgreen. But you could also use my code KYHMF instead to receive a free strap of your choice with the purchase of a watch. The offers are not combinable.

Adding a modern classic watch is such a fun…and practical…way to elevate your simple summer outfits.

Style Tip #6 – Add some structure.

Adding just a touch (or two or three…) of structure can elevate any look. Consider topping those casual pants and t-shirt with a summery linen blazer. It’s no more difficult to wear a sharp blazer than it is a zip-up hoodie, cardigan or denim jacket. And it adds so much more polish…with very little effort.

But you can also add structure to your simple summer outfits with classic pumps, a pair of tailored slacks, a button up collared shirt, a satchel handbag, nice glasses or, yes, a classic watch.

Style Tip #7 – Put your money in the bag.

Speaking of your handbag, let’s not forget that the bag you grab on your way out the door will either elevate your outfit or cancel out all the effort you’ve put into it. That’s not to say that your handbag or shoulder bag has to be a designer bag. But I do find that this is one accessory worth investing in. Think about it. You could feasibly carry – or wear – this one accessory almost every single day. And it really does say something about you in the first few minutes someone meets you.

By the way, I love shoulder bags and crossbody bags. But if you really want to look a little more sophisticated, carry a satchel. Also known as lady bags, these purses just exude femininity and class.

Style Tip #8 – Belt it!

I mentioned adding structure, and strapping on a belt is one more way to do that. When pants started featuring lower rises about 20 years ago or so, many of us ditched our belts and untucked our tops, opting instead for tunics and long sweaters. And having worn our jeans and pants that way for so long now, some of us are hesitant to tuck and belt again. But ladies, a defined waist is structure at its core…literally. And structure = elevated style.

Now I know some women have unique proportions or protruding tummies that trump this style hack. You are excused from this exercise. But the rest of us need to practice wearing our shirts tucked and our pants belted at home so that we can tuck and belt with confidence when it matters. Give it a try. If nothing else, tucking and belting causes me to stand up a little straighter, hold my tummy in a little and carry myself with more poise. And poise = elevated style. That’s why tucking and belting is a great way to elevate your simple summer styles.

Style #9 – Give’m lip!

Don’t forget to add some lipstick before you step out the door. And if you’re game, go bold.

My lipstick was not as bold as I imagined it was in the photo above. Ha! Or maybe I’d just lost it in all the changing clothes. Hehehe! But you get the idea. I love a bold pink or red lip for a truly elevated look. A great lipstick can really add some sizzle to your simple summer outfits.

Style Tip #10 – Add some black. The more the better!

Now I love me some black on black on black. But not all of my readers share my affinity. Still, it’s worth noting that even a little touch of black can really elevate your simple summer styles.

You could add a black belt, t-shirt, jacket, sandals or handbag. Shoot, you could even add a black baseball cap to a very casual look and that simple touch of noir would elevate that summer outfit. Black just has that effect.

Thanks so much for joining me for a little style inspiration today. I’d love to hear from you in the comments. What’s your favorite tip for elevating your simple summer outfits? And if you have any questions about my Nordgreen watches, I’d love to field those, too. I’m loving all three of my watches and multiple straps.

Remember, you can use my code KAYHRMS to receive 15% off your entire purchase at Nordgreen. And then you get to choose one of their three global charitable organizations to “give back” a portion of the proceeds of your purchase. You can check out Nordgreen’s full selection of men’s and women’s watches HERE. But you could also use my code KYHMF instead to receive a free strap of your choice with the purchase of a watch. The offers are not combinable.

This post was sponsored by Nordgreen. That means I was paid to include considerations of the brand in my post and I was gifted merchandise. However, your trust is important to me. All the opinions I have shared about Nordgreen and their watches are honest and genuine. I am thankful to be able to work with brands I believe in heartily such as Nordgreen.

Don’t Miss a Post:

If you like what you’re seeing here at Dressed for My Day, I invite you to subscribe to my email list. You can receive an email each time I post (about 6 times weekly) or just on Saturdays. You choose! But you’ll also receive the password to open up all the subscriber freebies I offer.

Would you like to subscribe to Dressed for My Day?

First Name

Last Name

Email Address

Frequency preference: New daily posts (6/week) Weekly digest (1/week)

Leave this field empty if you’re human:

---

Blessed for My Day

This morning my Bible reading took me to 1 Chronicles 11 and 12, where we read about King David’s mighty men. As I read through the unfamiliar names and took note of their exploits, I was struck by the fact that no one does great things on their own. Even this man after God’s own heart was surrounded by men who fought for him, counseled him, encouraged him and celebrated with him.

Just like David needed his mighty men to accomplish great things for the Lord and for Israel, you and I need the mighty people in our lives who fortify our efforts. We are wise to surround ourselves with women who speak truth with love, seek a godly perspective, take the higher ground and encourage us toward excellence and virtue. Let’s nurture those relationships today so that we can grow in wisdom in the future.

Listen to advice and accept instruction,
    that you may gain wisdom in the future. ~ Proverbs 19:20