Summer Outfit Inspiration: Styling Neutrals for Summer

Happy Monday! I hope you had a great weekend and managed to get a little fun in, too. We really have to dig deep to plan fun things these days, don’t we? But it’s worth it, sweet gal. So I encourage you…and me…to get creative and plan some fun ways to relax a little and enjoy our somewhat unusual summer days.

But first, let’s check out some simple summer outfit inspiration. I’m just gathering up all my summer outfits that feature neutrals. It’s at this time in a season that I start looking for fresh ways to style my favorites. So I hope you can find a little inspiration from this set of looks.

As much as a little color can lift my spirits and make all things cheerful, I still love my neutrals. And while I think certain colors can make each of us glow with health, I still believe that sometimes too much color can take center stage and leave us in the wings. You should be the focal point of your outfit, not the other way around. That’s why I love dressing in neutrals. They provide a subtle background and cast the attention on your face.

Let’s check out some of the neutrals outfits I’ve shared this spring and summer. Maybe seeing these again…or for the first time, will inspire you to put some things in your closet together in a new way.

Wearing Black in the Summer

For this first set of looks, I’ll feature black. I love wearing black in the summer…always have. I think the key to wearing black is to choose lightweight fabrics, interesting textures and maybe some interesting accessories.

Black & White

You can’t get any more basic than the outfit below. It’s just a black tee and white chinos. But the interesting accessories give this neutrals look some punch. See the full post for all the styling details and to shop the look.

The next look is from a How I Really Dressed for My Day post. Again, this is a very simple black and white look. But a little black and gold jewelry and sharp white sneakers pull it together. See the full post for styling tips and to shop the look.

This next look is from the same How I Really Dressed for My Day post, and it turns out that was in May. So I guess I technically wore this in the spring. But I know many of my readers live in places where they wear long sleeve cotton sweaters all summer, especially in the cool mornings or evenings. And I absolutely love a long sleeve black sweater with white pants, whether they’re chinos or jeans.

Finally, here’s the look in reverse with black chinos and a white popover. This is a great work look for summer. See the full post for styling tips and to shop the look.

Black & Grey

Now let’s make a subtle pivot into black and grey. Actually, this first look is sort of a trio of black, white and grey.

The above look features the Brooklyn Wide Leg Crop Pant. I absolutely love these easy-to-wear pants. They were part of my What to Wear While You Get There video. See the full post for styling tips and to shop the look.

The next look is ultra basic with black chinos and an easy grey crewneck tee, but I think it’s so sharp. This crewneck tee is ultra soft and has a beautiful drape.

Here’s another easy grey and black look. This time I’m wearing my railroad stripe shorts. They’re no longer available in the length I’m wearing, but they’re still fully stocked and marked down in the Bermuda length.

And while my particular grey graphic tee is no longer available, I think this outfit is worth showing just to remind us how great this combo can look. I LOVE a grey graphic tee with black pants. AND these Chelsea wide leg pants are now marked down 30%.

Black & Camel

Let’s consider one more combination with black…camel or caramel or butterscotch…whatever you want to call this rich, toasty brown.

Also keep in mind that this color combination is a great pairing when you’re trying to take your summer wardrobe into fall months. I wear this a lot in September. And yes, animal print is definitely a neutral. That’s the beauty of styling it really.

My animal print tee below is from last summer, but you’ll find two great options from the same brand here. And they’re great prices, last I checked.

I’ve really enjoyed my silky cotton lantern sleeve top from Everlane this summer. So I recently purchased another one in white. They’re marked down 31% and selling fast. You won’t believe how silky soft this shirt is.

While I wouldn’t wear the black cardigan below most summer days, I absolutely would add it if I were wearing this next outfit to church since the air conditioning can be very cold.

Or you could add a denim jacket to ward off the air conditioning.

By the way, if you’re looking for a denim jacket for the fall (and every gal needs one!), you might want to check out my Levi’s Original Trucker denim jacket at Kohl’s. Mine is in sweet Jane and I’ve had it for over 25 years. Love, love, LOVE.

Other Neutral Combos

My final category of neutrals is simply other. Ha! I’m including flax or beige, olive green and various combinations with white. You’ll see a lot of my natural colored linen pants because they’ve become a seasonal favorite for sure.

I almost didn’t show the above outfit because the tee is no longer available. But the sandals – clear summer favorites that I wear sooo often – are marked down 60% again. Anyhow, since the idea of this post is pure summer outfit inspiration, you could certainly duplicate the above look with another t-shirt in neutrals.

I’m throwing the next outfit into this category because, while it looks colorful with the addition of the print scarf, it’s really just a great combination of neutrals elevated with the right accessories.

And here are a few more with those great utility pants. Did you know that they never even carried those utility pants in the stores this spring and summer? I’m pretty sure I’ve sold every pair they’ve sold right here at Dressed for My Day. Raise your hand if you have a pair and love them! I’m pretty sure that’s about 60 of you. No joke.

Okay, let’s get back to those natural colored linen pants. The look below is definitely one of my favorite of the summer. In fact, this is probably the outfit I’ve worn most frequently of all of them, too. Yes, this is summer 2020…

I’m surprised to discover that the white embroidered gauze blouse above as well as its navy counterpart is still in stock and marked down. This has been one of my summer favorites for sure.

You can find more great ways to wear those natural colored linen pants in this video, 7 Ways to Style Linen Pants. Truthfully, I probably wear them with this simple cotton blend tank in white or black top more than anything.

And my final look is this easy breezy shorts outfit from J.Jill. While the cotton-stretch shorts are just about sold out, the white linen easy shirt is still fully stocked. And really that shirt is what makes this outfit look oh so chic.

I hope you enjoyed this little trip down “neutral lane.” Ha! I think I’m going to change out of my colorful Sunday dress (this one from last year) and put on those linen pants now.

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Blessed for My Day

Let’s talk this week about how we can become more like Christ. When we choose to follow Him and to accept His gift of salvation, we also commit to becoming more like Him. The Holy Spirit comes into our lives and begins the work of transforming us. So we don’t have to “clean up our act” on our own. He directs and enables this process.

But we do need to cooperate. And the level to which we cooperate and avail ourselves to God’s transforming power in our lives, we will be useful vessels in God’s kingdom. Ultimately, there is nothing more transforming than simple obedience. And yet, there’s absolutely nothing simple about obedience! Today may we be women who are aware of the precepts of God’s Word and who choose to obey them diligently.

But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. ~ James 1:22