From Pool Parties to Picnics: What to Wear this Summer

How to dress for our favorite summer events.

Find your new favorite must-haves with personal styling.

Is your summer calendar all booked up already? We believe it. Summer is that special time when you get to do all the things you’ve been waiting months for, like picnics and backyard parties and staycations with the family. While you’re busy juggling your summer schedule, we’re helping you figure out what to wear with three kinds of outfits you can live in all season.

Poolside perfection

The trick to putting together a look for a pool party is to make your swimsuit part of your outfit. Start with a suit in a flattering style, and half the work is already done. Next, find a cover-up dress to toss on once your suit dries off. Even though it’s just a throw-on, look for something that accentuates your shape with a drawstring waist or wrap detailing. And no pool party is complete without a lightweight tote and flirty sunnies. Bonus points if your bag is waterproof.

Staycation mode

Sometimes, we forget to appreciate all the little tourist spots our hometowns have to offer. For a mini vacay in your city, a comfortable pair of walking sandals should be one of the most important things on your list. A low (or no) heel lets you stay on your feet all day if a museum tour or long walk is on the agenda, and an ankle strap keeps your shoe from slipping off. The next essential is a backpack. Stay hands-free and fabulous with a faux-leather number for your daytime adventure. And for the ultimate in easy-chic style, a jumpsuit is all you need to pull the rest of the look together.

Family-friendly picnic

There’s nothing that says you can’t look cute—and still be comfortable—while spending an afternoon playing with your kids in the park. One of the simplest summer combinations around is a cotton tee or tank tucked into a pair of high-waisted paperbag shorts. We love fabrics like cotton and linen, because they’re soft, comfortable, and machine washable (if rolling around in the grass is inevitable). Add a matching tote and espadrille flats or sandals to complete your picnic outfit.