Summer chic is polished and festive, but suitable for warm weather. Women wear an elegant dress, a skirt with a lovely top or a blouse with light trousers. Men wear light trousers with a shirt or a fine-knit polo, possibly with a blazer, but without a tie. Choose light colours and breathable fabrics, and avoid both beachwear and evening wear. Below you can read what does and does not work and how to apply the dress code easily.
Where do you see summer chic on the invitation?
You mostly come across the dress code at summer weddings, garden parties, anniversaries, summer drinks and parties at a beach pavilion or on an estate. You can see it as smart casual with a more festive summer character. The idea is that you arrive looking polished, without being dressed too heavily.
Summer chic alongside other dress codes
| Dress code | Women | Men |
|---|---|---|
| Casual | Jeans, T-shirt, sneakers | Chinos, polo, sneakers |
| Summer chic | Dress, skirt with top, blouse with light trousers | Light trousers, polo or shirt, loafers, blazer optional |
| Cocktail | Cocktail dress or elegant suit | Suit, tie optional |
| Black tie | Long evening gown | Tuxedo |
The four building blocks of summer chic
- Light colours. Light blue, cream, sand tones, light grey and soft pastels. Navy works as a calm base. Black is possible, but quickly looks heavy in the summer sun.
- Airy fabrics. Lyocell, linen blends, cotton, fine knitwear and blouses with a fluid drape.
- A polished fit. Airy does not mean baggy. Well-fitting trousers and a top with the right fit are often enough.
- Elegant shoes. Loafers, smart sandals, espadrilles with a heel or leather sneakers if the venue is informal.
For women: three outfits
1. The summer wedding. A Rosamund blouse in light blue with a lavallière collar and satin look, on Florence trousers in grey with a flared leg. Light blue and grey make a soft, festive combination, and trousers are more practical than a dress at an outdoor venue with grass or gravel. Note: at a wedding, do not wear white, cream or ivory as your main colour.
2. The garden party. An elegant top with a knee-length skirt. The Rosa skirt in black has a short slit for seated comfort and instantly becomes summery with a light top. Flat sandals and a straw bag.
3. The anniversary on a terrace. A polo dress or a jumpsuit with a lovely belt. Easy, polished and cool.
You will find more inspiration in our Signature Occasions for women.
For men: three outfits
1. The summer wedding. Light trousers with a shirt and an unlined blazer. Choose a shirt in light blue or white and wear it without a tie. Bring the blazer for the ceremony and the speeches, and take it off during the party.
2. The garden party. A fine-knit open polo, such as the Theodore in light blue made of lyocell, with the Winston trousers in cream. The open collar without buttons lies nicely flat, even under a blazer. Suede loafers without visible socks.
3. The party at a beach pavilion. A pique polo with a quarter zip, such as the Julian in cool grey made of cotton, silk and linen, with navy trousers and leather sneakers. Relaxed, but clearly dressed for an occasion.
Also see the Signature Occasions for men.
What is not summer chic
- Beachwear: flip-flops, towelling shorts, tank tops, caps.
- Sportswear: sneakers with thick soles, joggers, sports tops.
- Evening wear: long gala gowns, tuxedos, lots of glitter.
- A suit that is too heavy in dark wool, which you will no longer enjoy wearing after an hour in the sun.
Summer chic and the weather
Summer chic assumes warm weather, but of course it can also be cool or rainy. So always bring an extra layer. If it is warmer than 25 degrees, choose the lightest fabrics and leave the blazer in the car until the ceremony begins. If it is cool or rainy, add a layer that goes with the outfit: a fine-knit cardigan for women, a light blazer or wool cardigan for men.
Think about the ground too. On grass, stiletto heels sink in, and on gravel suede shoes get damaged more quickly. Block heels, espadrilles with a sturdy sole and leather loafers are the safest choice at outdoor venues. Check the venue's website beforehand, so you know whether you will walk over grass, sand or cobblestones.
Summer chic for couples
If you go together, choose outfits that go together without matching exactly. Choose one shared colour that returns in both, for example light blue in his polo and in her blouse, and keep the rest neutral. That way each of you stays true to your own style. Avoid one of you wearing a blazer and the other a casual summer dress: choose the same level of formality.
Accessories that complete summer chic
- Women: a straw or leather bag, small gold earrings, sunglasses and perhaps a silk scarf in the hair or on the bag.
- Men: a leather belt in cognac or brown, a watch with a leather or fabric strap and a pocket square if you wear a blazer.
Keep it to two or three accessories. So keep accessories limited. If you are looking for the right base, see the trousers for men.
In doubt? Use this checklist
- Would you wear this outfit to a smart lunch? Then you are fine.
- Can you stand outside in it for two hours at 25 degrees? Then the fabric is well chosen.
- Can you wear a layer over it after sunset? Then bring a cardigan, scarf or blazer.
With these three questions you will arrive at an outfit that works for almost any summer invitation.
Shop the look
Theodore: open lyocell polo, light blue
Winston: light high-waist trousers, cream
Julian: knitted quarter-zip polo, cool grey
Rosamund: lavallière blouse, light blue
Florence: flared ankle-length trousers, grey
Rosa: elegant knee-length skirt, black
Frequently asked questions
Can you wear shorts for summer chic?
For men, preferably not. Light trousers are the norm. For women, a smart skort or shorts with an elegant top can work, depending on the venue.
Should a man wear a blazer for summer chic?
It is optional. An unlined blazer looks lovely at a wedding or formal venue, but a good polo or shirt with trousers is summer chic too.
Can you wear black for summer chic?
Yes, but combine it with light colours and airy fabrics, so the outfit stays summery.
