How to Style a Shirt Jacket in the Summer
Welp, summer finally arrived in Boise. It was downright HOT here these past couple of days! We almost reached the record high on Monday. 🥵 I sweat just looking at this outfit now, haha. I’m glad I took advantage of the nice, unseasonably cool weather while it lasted.
Summer outfits can be tricky, and I have a hard time making my summer outfits interesting simply because it’s too hot for layers during the day. At night, though, it cools down enough here that it’s not unusual to throw on a light jacket. And if it’s an unseasonably cool summer day like we’ve had recently, light jackets abound! This is a fun outfit perfect for those milder summer days, or if it the temperature drops a bit as the sun sets.
Even though denim jackets are usually the summer go-to, why not try a shirt jacket?! They’re not just for spring and fall! Shirt jackets fall into the oversized trend that is popular nowadays, and they’re a fun alternative to denim! (I also don’t currently own a denim jacket, so this is all I had to work with, haha.) Below I shared my tips for styling a shirt jacket in the summer!
How to Style a Shirt Jacket in the Summer
Keep the base of your outfit fitted
Generally, when opting for a jacket or other top layer (cardigan, etc.) that is oversized, it’s best to keep the rest of your outfit fitted so that you don’t feel like your clothes are swallowing you whole. A base outfit of a fitted tank and denim shorts is a summer go-to, and it’s the perfect outfit to add an oversized layer when it cools down.
Opt for bottoms that hit at or just below the shirt hem
To keep the outfit looking balanced, pick a pair of shorts (or a skirt) with a length that hits just at or below the hem of the shirt. Of course, this is personal preference and you might want to wear shorts that hit shorter than the shirt length. I like how the shorts I’m wearing are just about the same length as the shirt jacket. Sometimes you can see them peeking out, and sometimes you can’t!
Add interest with texture and color
My shirt jacket is corduroy, which in itself adds some much-needed interest to a relatively boring summer outfit. A denim jacket wouldn’t add any more textural interest to a base outfit with denim shorts. My shirt jacket is a vibrant color that is the star of the show against the neutral base outfit. I also added snakeskin-print flats for even more texture, and the neutral colors in the flats don’t compete with the colorful shirt jacket.
Have you tried wearing your shirt jacket/shacket in the summer? I was pleasantly surprised by this outfit and definitely plan to pull out my shirt jacket when it cools down again in a couple of months. (Ha!)
Shop Shirt Jackets
OUTFIT DETAILS
Madewell shirt jacket / exact style or similar from Saks Off 5th or Amazon (last seen here)
Everlane top / similar or similar from Gap, Banana Republic, or Aerie
Madewell shorts / exact (curvy version / regular version) (also available from Zappos and Nordstrom)
Earth flats c/o / old; similar by Sam Edelman (last seen here)
Madewell hat / exact
Le Specs sunglasses / exact via Revolve, Shopbop, or Nordstrom
Dior Lip Glow in rosewood / exact