It's a Cold-Girl Summer—10 Outfit Ideas for When the Weather Is Less Than Ideal

Is it me, or did summer surreptitiously pass us by? I had big plans for this summer (namely, drinking Fanta Lemon in a bikini and shirt), but it's turned out to be a little more of a wash-out than a heatwave. Yes, there were a couple of weeks of sunshine and killer hayfever at beginning of June, but I hadn't factored a grey July into my plans, and after putting all of my cold-weather clothes into storage I find myself with only two options.

One: stubbornly wearing my summer clothes in the wind (and likely, rain), or two: wearing leather jackets and jeans and invariably sweating my way through a sunny afternoon. So, what exactly does one wear in the middle of an unseasonably cold summer? I'm happy to say that I've done the research and come up with some very handy ideas for us all.

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(Image credit: @anoukvye)

The trick here is in clever layering and balancing the right fabrics. When it's a sunny morning there's nothing wrong with reaching for a pretty summer dress, just be sure to grab a cosy cardigan or heavy-duty jacket that you can carry should you need it. Don't fancy shouldering the extra weight? Swap cotton tops for slightly thicker knits so you can confidently forgo your jacket without having to freeze. It really is that simple.

So, if you're looking for summer outfit ideas that toe the line between cute and cosy, keep scrolling. Here are 10 cold summer outfit ideas that'll have you covered, whatever the weather.

1. LONG-SLEEVED SHIRT + TAILORED LINEN TROUSERS + SANDALS

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(Image credit: @deborabrosa)

Style Notes: Don't pack away your linen trousers quite yet—I'm optimistically manifesting a warm August. Until then, wear them with a long-sleeve linen shirt that keeps you warm and lets your skin breathe.

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2. LOOSE SHIRT + JEANS + SANDALS

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(Image credit: @cortnebonilla )

Style Notes: It was difficult enough facing the prospect of shelving our jeans for an entire season, but thankfully, now we don't have to! Keep them cool with sandals and an airy shirt and you won't have to worry about overheating on your commute.

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3. BUTTON-UP SHIRT + KNIT SKIRT + LOAFERS

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(Image credit: @nlmarilyn)

Style Notes: On those rainier days when you still want to look chic, swap your sandals out for a pair of loafers. A cotton button-up and knit skirt is a perfect mid-weather combo that will wear well with a classic loafer for when those grey skies roll in.

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4. LONG-SLEEVE SUMMER DRESS

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(Image credit: @borislavasekova)

Style Notes: Perhaps it's psychological, but there's something about a long-sleeve dress that feels instantly warmer and it helps that it looks impossibly chic, too.

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5. BLAZER + TANK TOP + LINEN SKIRT 

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(Image credit: @styleidealist)

Style Notes: You shouldn't be surprised to see the blazer make a second appearance on this list—it is, after all, the ultimate transitional wardrobe wonder. In this case, I'm taking notes from Karina (pictured above) and wearing mine with light linen and open-toe sandals. As soon as it gets a little cooler, I'll just swap out the tank for a long-sleeved top.

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6. CASUAL TOP + TAILORED TROUSERS + RAFFIA BAG + SANDALS

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(Image credit: @_livmadeline)

Style Notes: The Breton knits we wore throughout autumn have had a summer makeover and gone sleeveless for the season, and they just so happen to look especially good with wide-leg trousers and heels in the office.

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7. SHIRT + WHITE TEE + MAXI SKIRT

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(Image credit: @anoukvye)

Style Notes: There's no chance of overheating in lightweight layers, and should the day get a little bit breezier, a maxi skirt provides enough coverage that you needn't worry about getting too chilly.

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8. LONG-SLEEVE T-SHIRT + TAILORED SHORTS + KNITTED JUMPER + LOAFERS

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(Image credit: @daniellejinadu)

Style Notes: That knitted jumper you bought in winter to wear with jeans is still proving its cost per wear. This will act a perfect throw-on for your tailored shorts and long-sleeved tee combo when it gets chilly, and I love Danielle's elevated take on tailoring (pictured above), especially with long socks and loafers.

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9. SUMMER DRESS + CARDIGAN 

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(Image credit: @bubblyaquarius )

Style Notes: Easy, simple, reliable. All it takes is the addition of a fluffy knit to make your favourite summer dress feel a little more practical.

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10. DENIM SHACKET + WHITE TROUSERS

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(Image credit: @marina_torres)

Style Notes: This could quite possibly be the ultimate transitional outfit. The white trousers say "summer" whilst the denim shirt has one foot in autumn, and depending on the weather on any given day, you could keep it on reserve until the evening when you're going to be glad you have a comfy layer to cover bare arms.

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Remy Farrell
Fashion Editor

Remy Farrell is a London-based shopping editor with nearly 10 years of editorial experience covering fashion, beauty and lifestyle. After graduating with a journalism degree and working on the editorial and fashion teams for titles such as Grazia, Elle, Cosmopolitan and British Vogue, she moved into the luxury e-commerce sector, working as fashion assistant at TheOutnet.com styling for the social media channels and helping to develop the collections for the in-house brand Iris Ink. After expanding an assisting and styling portfolio that includes shooting talent such as Gigi Hadid, Victoria Beckham and Miquita Oliver, she also branched out into beauty, creating tried-and-tested reviews and diverse beauty content.In her role as shopping editor atBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing , Remy is interested in discovering new and exciting brands to share with theBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing readership and particularly loves uncovering hidden gems at affordable prices to make shopping accessible to everyone.Born and raised in Sheffield, Yorkshire, Remy moved to London in 2014 and lives in the Docklands with her partner and pug Billie.