How to Style a Summer Outfit for Every Body Type

Let’s be honest: summer dressing is an art form. Between breezy brunches, impromptu beach days, and those “I didn’t know it was going to be that hot” sidewalk strolls, the right outfit does a lot of heavy lifting. Luckily, summer brings with it a buffet of fabrics, silhouettes, and textures that work across a wide range of body types—and personal vibes. Whether you’re apple-shaped, petite, curvy, tall, or just somewhere in between, a thoughtful summer outfit can accentuate your best features while keeping you cool and stylish.

Here’s your sunny-day guide to smart, inclusive summer style—with visual inspiration from Jemma in 10 versatile looks you’ll want to pin immediately.

1. The Linen Maxi Dress

A linen maxi dress is basically the season’s hug in clothing form: breathable, drapey, and perfect for staying chic in the heat. Opt for side slits for added movement and airflow.

• Curvy Figures: A wrap-style version enhances the waist without clinging excessively.
• Petite Frames: Choose a cut with vertical seaming or a slight empire waist to elongate the look.
• Jemma’s Look: She wears a sand-colored maxi with strappy brown sandals and a raffia tote. Laid-back, but brunch-photo ready.

2. High-Waisted Denim Shorts + a Breezy Blouse

The most classic combo gets a 2024 refresh with organic-feeling denim and structured yet loose button-ups in gauzy cotton or linen blends.

• Apple Shapes: Try paper bag waists—they define your middle and add shape.
• Pear Shapes: Pair with a detailed or slightly puffed sleeve to balance the top half.
• Jemma’s Look: Light-wash denim shorts, a white embroidered blouse, and a straw hat. She’s picnic-perfect.

3. Flowy Midi Skirt + Fitted Tank

This silhouette gives an effortless air while striking a balance between tailored and breezy. Bonus: it swishes while you walk, which is just fun.

• Tall Frames: Go for mixed prints or a thicker tank strap to break things up visually.
• Smaller Bust: Ribbed knits add subtle dimension and shape.
• Jemma’s Look: A marigold midi with a slim, white ribbed tank and knotted leather slides. Add sunglasses and she’s golden.

4. Romper, But Make It Tailored

Rompers have come a long way. Structured cuts, natural fabrics, and flattering details make them a warm-weather hero.

• Hourglass Figures: Look for cinched waists or belted styles to emphasize curves.
• Petite Frames: Choose a V-neckline or vertical button detailing to elongate the torso.
• Jemma’s Look: A light slate-blue romper with tortoiseshell buttons, white espadrilles, and delicate gold hoops. Equal parts comfy and cool.

5. Button-Down Shirt Dress

The button-down dress is the answer to “I want to look put-together but also do zero brain work today.” Choose breathable cotton with side pockets to keep things functional.

• Rectangle Shapes: Belt it or choose a dress with a built-in drawstring waist for definition.
• Busty Figures: Secure the top buttons and layer a cami underneath to avoid any gaping issues.
• Jemma’s Look: A crisp white shirt dress, sea-shell jewelry, and tan lace-up sandals. Sun hat optional—but recommended.

6. Light Knit Tank Dress

Drape plays well with warm weather. Light knit tank dresses cling in the right spots while still letting your body breathe (bless).

• All Body Types: That’s the point: it’s universally flattering, especially in ribbed textures.
• Body Confidence Boost: Add a denim jacket tied at the waist or worn open if you’re experimenting with clingier fabrics.
• Jemma’s Look: A dusty rose knit dress with minimalistic hoop earrings and flat woven mules. Effortless elegance.

7. Cropped Vest + Linen Trousers

This outfit puts structure on top and flow on the bottom, which works beautifully for contrast and proportion.

• Broad Shoulders: The clean vest neckline draws eyes vertically rather than horizontally.
• Curvy Shapes: High-waisted straight-leg linen pants flatter by skimming the hips and thighs.
• Jemma’s Look: A biscuit-toned cropped vest and cream trousers paired with flat leather sandals and layered gold chains. Very rooftop-party appropriate.

8. Tiered Sundress + Slides

Tiers add movement and visual interest without heat-trapping bulk. Choose lightweight cotton for the ultimate breeze-catcher.

• Top-Heavy Figures: Look for thicker straps or square necklines for balance.
• Smaller Frames: Opt for two-tier versions rather than full-length layers to avoid overwhelming your height.
• Jemma’s Look: A butter-yellow sundress with layered skirts and tan platform slides. Throw in a woven crossbody for good measure.

9. Basic White Tee + Statement Skirt

Turns out, your best summer outfit might already be in your closet. A good-quality white tee becomes elevated when paired with, well, anything with personality.

• Rounder Tummies: Front-tuck that tee into an A-line or skater skirt to define your waist.
• Minimal Aesthetic: Choose a single bold color in the skirt and let your tee act as the neutral base.
• Jemma’s Look: White tee, cherry-red wrap skirt, leather flip-flops, and oversized tortoise sunglasses. Like a summer postcard.

10. Structured Jumpsuit

A jumpsuit exudes instant “main character” energy—and in breathable cotton-linen blends, it doesn’t sacrifice comfort. Utility-inspired versions are particularly on-trend.

• Inverted Triangle Shapes: A wider leg balances out broader shoulders elegantly.
• Shorter Frames: Cropped lengths can actually elongate when paired with ankle-hugging sandals.
• Jemma’s Look: An olive-green structured jumpsuit, cinched at the waist with neutral platform sandals. Ready for anything.

Final Thoughts

Dressing for summer doesn’t require reinventing your entire closet—it just needs pieces that feel like sunshine and move with your body. Choose natural fabrics, play with color thoughtfully, and pick silhouettes that echo how you want to feel: relaxed, confident, and gorgeously cool.

Pin your favorite look!