These Chic Summertime Looks Are Perfect for a Day at the Zoo

With the warmer temperatures of summer comes a social calendar filled with outdoor activities. One such trip we love to take at least a few times a season is to the zoo—children or not. Though the parents among us plan a family field trip for obvious reasons, it can also be a nostalgic trip down memory lane.

What to wear when planning a trip to the zoo, though? Comfort is key, as even the smallest of zoos require a ton of walking. Loose clothing is not ideal, as some locations allow the animals to be close by. For summer days, think of outdoor accessories that protect like gorgeous sunglasses and a super-chic hat. And last but not least, layering is key, as you're apt to walk straight from the humid and sticky rainforest into the frigid puffin house before knowing what hit you.

With all the above and more in mind, draw some inspiration for what to wear to the zoo this summer from our favorite street style stars below. And then shop our essentials for the most practical—and most stylish—outfits for the zoo.

Grab that go-to floral minidress, but pair it with simple flat sandals you can walk for miles in.

Go monochromatic but in the most understated of ways. Consider a blue oxford button-down shirt half-tucked into a pair of blue jeans.

Try new and interesting things with your classics, like wrapping the front of your bright white shirting before tucking it into your denim. Finish the look off with a pop of color in your shoes.

Layer up with a cozy, oversize knit when reaching for those denim shorts. The mix of proportions not only keeps your look interesting, but it will also ensure you're warm enough for an entire day outside.

Jumpsuits are everything and more, but enjoy the whimsical look by opting for an equally fun-loving print.

Casual as a day at the zoo might be, that doesn't mean you can't slip into your most exciting summertime miniskirt. Tone the look down with the addition of an oversize shirt or tee and flat loafers.

Show a little skin with those high-waisted jeans. Cuff them up at the bottom to reveal your ankles and pair with a cropped top with statement sleeves.

A throw-on-and-go dress is superb for a day at the zoo, but why not choose one with a little more twirling action like this ruffle-hem style?

Don't be afraid to mix prints. We love to play with gingham, floral, stripes, and more. Pro tip: The more classic the shape of your pieces, the bolder you can be with your prints without going over the top.

All black doesn't have to mean all black—especially come summer. Consider adding bright sneakers or flat shoes to your head-to-toe absence of tone when you're headed to a day at the zoo this season.

We love the high-low mix of a sundress and low-top sneakers. Currently obsessing over silk wrap styles, our dresses are going to be paired with this athletic-inspired shoe all summer long.

Layer a bright white T-shirt under a silk dress for your summertime outing. Though a throwback to the '90s, with longer midi silhouettes, you'll instantly up your elegance factor.

When reaching for that bodysuit-and-denim combo, consider adding a few pairs of tuxedo-stripe jeans to your arsenal. They'll instantly amp up your look and ensure you need little more than that go-to top to complete your summertime look.

Graphic tees are a must, especially for those girls who live in denim all summer. It's just that extra detail your look needs to stand out in a crowd.

Fashion a Canadian tuxedo in new and interesting ways. This summer, we're opting for overalls instead of classic jeans and topping the look with a contrasting trucker jacket for a little something extra.

shop some essentials from the above looks

Ready to hit the zoo? We're wearing those inspirational summertime looks for one of our favorite summertime activities and beyond.