Sunshine & Style: Her Go-To Summer Outfits

As temperatures rise and the days stretch long into golden evenings, summer arrives with a certain kind of magic. There’s something about this season that invites ease—sun-kissed mornings, breezy evenings, and wardrobes that lean into comfort without sacrificing style. For women who see fashion as both expression and utility, summer presents the perfect opportunity to embrace laid-back elegance.

For stylist and lifestyle curator Amara Lewis, summer is not a time to complicate things. It's a season to simplify, soften, and shine. Her warm-weather wardrobe is a masterclass in balance: effortless yet polished, cool but composed, and always with a hint of timeless charm. Every piece has purpose. Every outfit, a mood.

This is a look into Amara’s summer style philosophy—her go-to outfits, essential pieces, and how she creates a wardrobe that mirrors the beauty of the season itself.

Her Summer Style Philosophy: Cool, Curated, Confident

Ask Amara to define her summer style in three words, and she doesn’t hesitate:
“Light. Intentional. Unbothered.”

To her, the most stylish women in the summer are not the most overdressed or trendy—they’re the ones who look comfortable in their skin, know what works, and don’t chase heatwave fads.

“I don’t need 100 outfits. I need 10 good ones I feel amazing in,” she says. “Summer should feel like an exhale—my clothes should reflect that.”

The Seasonal Reset: Editing with the Weather

As the weather warms in late May, Amara does a full closet switch-over. She carefully stores away heavier layers and reevaluates what truly belongs in her summer lineup. This includes:

Rotating fabrics (no synthetics—only cotton, linen, silk, and breathable blends)
Reassessing fit (because even a slight shift in tailoring can affect comfort)
Refreshing essentials (replacing worn-out tees, sandals, and swimwear)
Color filtering (out with heavy blacks, in with crisp whites, earthy neutrals, and sun-washed tones)

Her summer wardrobe is based on a curated palette: ivory, terracotta, olive, soft denim, sky blue, and amber gold. It’s cohesive, mood-boosting, and made to mix and match.

Go-To Outfit #1: The Classic White Dress

Why she loves it: “It’s the blank canvas of summer.”

Amara’s white dress collection includes a cotton poplin midi, a linen wrap dress, and a romantic eyelet mini—each chosen for different vibes. She dresses them up or down depending on the day.

Style it with:

Flat tan leather sandals
A raffia tote bag
Gold hoops and layered bracelets
Oversized sunglasses

This outfit moves from farmer’s market to patio dinner effortlessly. Clean, feminine, and heat-proof.

Go-To Outfit #2: Wide-Leg Linen Pants + Fitted Tank

Why she loves it: “Elegant without trying. The silhouette is relaxed, but still pulled together.”

Linen trousers in beige, white, or soft sage are a non-negotiable for Amara. Paired with a fitted ribbed tank or crop top, they strike the perfect balance of flow and structure.

Style it with:

Woven slides or espadrilles
A straw fedora
A silk scarf tied on the bag or in the hair

Ideal for city strolls, museum visits, or casual brunches, this look is pure understated chic.

Go-To Outfit #3: Cotton Button-Down + Denim Shorts

Why she loves it: “It’s the ultimate smart casual look.”

Amara elevates the classic shorts outfit by pairing light-wash high-waisted denim with an oversized cotton or linen button-down, either worn loose or tied at the waist.

Style it with:

Canvas sneakers or leather sandals
A bucket bag
Simple stud earrings

She often rolls up the sleeves and leaves a few top buttons undone for that lived-in, sun-drenched vibe.

Go-To Outfit #4: Slip Dress + Light Knit Sweater

Why she loves it: “It’s like wearing a breeze.”

Silky slip dresses in neutral or jewel tones are a staple. She layers a lightweight cardigan or a cropped sweater over the top for cooler evenings or rooftop dinners.

Style it with:

Heeled sandals or mules
A statement earring
A clutch bag or minimalist crossbody

Bonus: Slip dresses double as vacation-ready evening wear. One item, endless versatility.

Go-To Outfit #5: Matching Sets (Shorts or Skirt)

Why she loves it: “You look instantly styled—and it takes zero effort.”

Whether it’s a linen co-ord with a crop top and shorts or a matching wrap skirt and blouse, Amara lives in two-piece sets during summer. They're ideal for packing, layering, and mixing with other wardrobe pieces.

Style it with:

Platform sandals
Hair up in a claw clip
Shell jewelry or bangles

Sets allow her to get dressed in under five minutes and still look put together.

Go-To Outfit #6: Oversized Shirt Dress + Belt

Why she loves it: “Polished meets practical.”

A shirt dress is a summer MVP. It’s business-casual with sneakers, weekend-ready with slides, and beach-appropriate as a cover-up. She cinches the waist with a belt or wears it loose depending on the day.

Style it with:

Tan leather accessories
A silk bandana
Simple gold chain necklace

Her favorites are in lightweight linen or crisp cotton, and she often opts for stripes or solid neutrals.

Go-To Outfit #7: Swimwear + Cover-Up as Streetwear

Why she loves it: “I blur the lines between beachwear and streetwear.”

Amara doesn’t reserve swimsuits for the pool. She wears one-piece suits as bodysuits under wide-leg trousers or a pareo skirt. Bikini tops get layered under sheer blouses or knotted shirts.

Style it with:

High-waisted linen pants
Barely-there sandals
A straw bag with a change of shoes

It’s her favorite trick for spontaneous beach days or impromptu sunset drinks by the water.

Her Summer Footwear Essentials

Amara rotates just a few high-quality pairs throughout the summer, including:

Flat leather sandals (tan, black, and white)
Espadrilles for casual afternoons
Low-heeled mules for dinners or events
Canvas sneakers for travel days
Slides for ease and versatility

She chooses footwear that can breathe, walk comfortably, and still polish off an outfit.

The Summer Accessories Edit

Accessories are how Amara transforms basic pieces into statement looks. She keeps them intentional, not overwhelming.

Essentials:

Straw hats (a wide-brim for sun, a fedora for style)
Silk scarves (worn as hair ties, bag accents, or around the neck)
Oversized sunglasses
Chunky gold jewelry for evening
Natural totes and woven bags for day
Slim crossbodies for night

Her rule: "Accessories should add texture or contrast—not clutter."

A Note on Beauty & Fabric Care

Because summer style is as much about feel as it is about appearance, Amara also focuses on the quality of her fabrics and the simplicity of her beauty routine.

She:

Air-dries most of her linen and cotton to preserve texture
Uses a handheld steamer before dressing
Keeps her skincare minimal (SPF, tinted moisturizer, lip balm)
Embraces heatless hairstyles and natural curls
Maintains a “less is more” makeup philosophy

“Summer beauty should be skin-forward, not product-heavy,” she says.

Style on the Go: Summer Travel Wardrobe Tips

Amara travels frequently in summer, and her packing philosophy is in sync with her home wardrobe: quality, versatility, cohesion.

Her packing rules:

Choose 2 base colors + 1 accent color
Every top must match every bottom
Bring only 2 pairs of shoes
Accessorize to diversify outfits

She often packs:

1 dressy set
1 casual set
2 dresses
1 pair of shorts
2 tanks, 2 blouses
1 swimsuit + cover-up
1 knit or sweater
1 pair each: sandals & sneakers

It all fits in one carry-on—with room for souvenirs.

Final Thoughts: Summer Style as a Feeling

For Amara, summer style isn’t about standing out. It’s about leaning in—to your body, your environment, and your mood. It’s about wearing clothes that don’t weigh you down, mentally or physically.

“You should feel like the sun kissed you, the breeze found you, and your outfit was made for that moment,” she says.

Style in summer should move with you. Breathe with you. Glow with you.

So whether it’s a white cotton dress, a two-piece linen set, or a pair of sandals that feels like second skin, let your wardrobe reflect the ease and joy of the season.

Because when you dress for summer with confidence and clarity, you don’t just look good—you feel radiant.