What do your August plans (and adjoining August outfits) look like? The surprise heatwave took my wardrobe off-kilter, and although I'm not satisfied with the amount of sun I've had this Great British summer (my mind has been tricked into autumn mode)— summer's not over quite yet!
To begin with, there are still holidays to pack for. Many of my colleagues are on a countdown for a long-overdue adventure in Greece, Italy or the south of France. Me? I'll be staycationing and enjoying the best beaches (read: pebbles) Sussex has to offer. But there are parties, weddings, office days, festivals, work events, BBQs and so many more G-cal moments in between, so a little August outfit planning isn't such a bad idea. The month is looking busy, so having an arsenal of trusty throw-on looks that work for multiple occasions is a smart move. Many of the Instagrammed looks I've documented below won't require anything new. For example, I think it's highly likely you have a fabulous dress hanging in your wardrobe and a pair of simple flat sandals that you turn to time and again. Maybe you've already invested in a pair of wide-leg tailored trousers and just need an excuse to keep on wearing them over and over again. Permission granted.
Keep scrolling to see what to wear in August, inspired by the coolest fashion people I know and with a few handy shopping picks for your reference.
1. WIDE-LEG TROUSERS + BASIC TOP
Style Notes: It's as simple as it gets, but it just works! A white vest and slouchy black trousers will never not look chic, and no matter what shoe you pair it with, this monochrome ensemble always looks polished.
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A bestseller for very good reason.
Don't even get me started on how great COS's linen trousers are.
Style Notes: White and blue is another classic summer combination. The addition of tan and black accessories here gives a cool spin and an autumnal nod. Bravo, Brittany.
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This style comes in yellow and white too.
You can get these in below petite and regular lengths for an even better fit.
2. "WOW" DRESS + FLAT SANDALS
Style Notes: What could be more joyful than a dopamine-inducing, printed dress? Nothing of course! All you need to finish this look is a pair of simple yet comfy sandals. Job done.
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The kind of dress that works just as well for a wedding as it does for the beach.
Wear with… everything!
Style Notes: Knitted dresses make the cut too, and whether you're stepping off the beach or preparing for summer in the city, a basket bag and flat sandal are the perfect accompaniment.
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A knitted dress always looks impressive.
The Row's accessories never fail to impress me.
3. COTTON CO-ORDS
Style Notes: Co-ords have become a staple part of our summer and winter wardrobes over the past few years, and they're still a strong low-effort, high-impact outfit idea.
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A very chic set designed to throw-on-and-go.
Ultra roomy.
Style Notes: This Arket set did the rounds on IG last summer, brightening up feeds across the globe. It's long since sold out, but we're grateful for the sheer amount of boxer sets now available on the market to wear with matching shirts.
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Marianne's Arket set is long since sold out, but With Nothing Underneath's cute pink set is irresistible.
4. BANDEAU LBD + HEELS
Style Notes: Bandeaus are back (if they ever left), but especially in the form of slinky evening dresses. They're great with gold jewellery, a strappy sandal and a top handle bag, but swap the shoes for flats and the bag for a slouchy hobo and wear the look for daytime too.
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For something that feels party-ready, this Nobody's Child style is perfect.
Black sandals + black dress = no-brainer.
Style Notes: Tube styles are such an easy win for looking chic and feeling very comfortable. Just don't forget to check out our edit of the best strapless bras.
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Before Kim Kardashian designed Skims, she wore Wolford.
Not your everyday flip flop.
5. DENIM PENCIL SKIRT + CUTE TOP
Style Notes: Denim skirts have been quietly returning to fashion wardrobes over the past few months. The French set is wearing pencil skirts instead of cut-off shorts for a more demure look.
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Practical and cute.
Just perfect.
Style Notes: But your denim skirt doesn't have to be overly girlish—you can easily make one feel sporty and relaxed with white sneaks.
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Tie this into a scarf top.
This comes in two different washes, and I love them both.
6. MATCHING PRINTED SKIRT + TOP
Style Notes: There's something about a printed co-ord top and skirt that always looks romantic and joyful to wear.
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This is making me change my mind about a holiday…
This print is just so pretty.
Style Notes: You can bring extra personality to a set with unexpected accessories.
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This is so elegant.
Wear to work with a black tee and flats.
The perfect finishing touch.
7. MILKMAID DRESS + FLATS
Style Notes: Cute, corseted and normally in shades of white, milkmaid dresses are simply divine. Flattering for any size or shape. this ultra-feminine style is one of the biggest dress trends of 2024, and its easy to see why.
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I swear I dream about this dress!
These M&S pumps have become an office-wide obsession.
Style Notes: Not into minis? No problem, this romantic style lends well to midi and maxi lengths too.
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That pretty lace detailing though...
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