Your office is blasting the AC and summer Fridays have made a comeback. That means it’s time to bring your warm-weather wardrobe out of retirement and into the sunshine. (No matter your size.) If you’re searching for the best midsize summer outfits for every dress code, we’ve got you.
At Next Level Wardrobe, we dress our clients for success 365 days a year. We know how to look chic no matter what your weather app says, and regardless of your workplace’s dress policy.
Keep reading to learn how to dress your body this summer in five flawless outfits. (And don’t worry, we’ve included the best midsize outfit inspo pics to help you visualize them.)
Table of Contents
1. A Waist-Defining Dress
The last thing you want to put up with in hot weather is complicated outfits. No one wants to spend their morning stressed, sweaty, and trying on countless combinations that don’t quite cut it.
This also isn’t the season for heavy layers.
When you’re a busy professional, you want something easy, simple, and of course, stylish. That’s where a dress is an absolute lifesaver.
It’s just one piece. You slip it on and you’re done. No coordination needed for this midsize business casual look.
They’re also extremely cooling. They give you more airflow than pants, especially if you go for a flowy a-line cut.
Right now we’re seeing a lot of voluminous silhouettes on trend for dresses. But a good waist-cinching dress never goes out of style. We especially love this for creating midsize office outfits.
Why? Because it defines your shape while still being comfortable. You don’t have to worry about getting that “the dressing is wearing you” feeling.
Try something like the button-front dress pictured above with a geometric design and pulled together with a brown belt.
Add neutral shoes to let the dress be a statement piece. Then, sprinkle in color or shine through your makeup or jewelry choices.
2. A Trailblazing Blazer
If this isn’t your first time on our website, we know you’ve already implemented our Next Level Wardrobe Styling System. (First timer? No worries! Click here and thank us later, building midsize outfits is about to get ten times easier.)
Using the NLW Style System gives you a great foundation. It sets you up with well-fitting, high-quality, timeless pieces that go with everything. Once you have those staples, it’s easy to start incorporating bolder colors and prints into your wardrobe.
That’s where a statement (or dare we say, trailblazing?) blazer comes into play.
Whether you need midsize work outfits for a formal environment or a power casual outfits, blazers get the job done.
It gives your outfit structure and professionalism. And in the case of the red blazer pictured above, it adds life and personality to your look.
Summer is the season for playfulness. This is your opportunity to try new, bolder items.
So how do you make this look work? Pick out a top and bottom in core colors (aka black, white, navy blue, or gray). Then, top it off with your eye-catching blazer of choice.
Your neutral foundational pieces balance out the blazer just like that.
3. A Meeting-Ready Monochrome
Do you love the simplicity of wearing a one-and-done piece like a dress but prefer separates?
Then let us introduce you to the wonderful world of monochrome.
The monochromatic outfit formula is one of our favorites for midsize summer outfits. All it means is that you pick one color and wear it head to toe.
You can pick the:
- Same shade of that color.
- Mix it up with different hues and tints.
- Bring some textures into the fold.
Picture partnering a silky bias-cut midi skirt with a knit tank top tucked in, all in a beautiful shade of robin’s egg blue.
Or, try something like the all-white ensemble pictured above: white wide-legs, white blouse, and of course, white heels.
Like this formula but want to make it your own for your midsize work outfits? Add some pizazz with a colorful layering piece.
4. A Playful Print
Remember how we said summer is the season for play? That’s where prints come in.
We know some curvy gals steer clear of prints. They’ve heard old advice about how you can’t wear patterns unless you’re a size small.
Throw those outdated, bad-fashion rules out the window. Midsize outfit ideas can include any color, any silhouette, and certainly any pattern. The only requirement is that you like the pattern.
If you’re a newbie, start with patterns that are simple, or only involve one or two colors.
Like this beautiful skirt in blue and white seen above. Partner it with a blue or white top for an easy, breezy outfit combination.
Once you feel comfortable, you can move on to louder, bigger, or more colorful motifs.
If you’re ever feeling overwhelmed, don’t stress. Just pair back your print to a core color or to one of the colors in the print.
Keep your accessories neutral and simple for an office-friendly ensemble.
5. Chic and Savvy Skirts
What’s one silhouette that’s severely underrated for curvy women? The skirt.
For a few years there it seemed like the only way to look professional was with pants. But skirts and feminine silhouettes are making a comeback and we love it.
Another bonus? They’re ideal for summer outfits, midsize or plus size because they highlight curves, they’re comfortable, and they’re breathable.
Just like dresses, you get more airflow.
For work, we recommend staying away from fabrics and cuts that read super casual. Stick with longer hemlines and stay away from anything too tight or ill-fitting.
Personally, we love a good a-line like this lightweight style seen above. You can dress it up with the more structured vest-style top and ballet flats. Or, go casual after work with sneakers.
Similar to patterns, if you’re new to skirts and still finding your comfort zone, start with core colors. Find a skirt in a color that goes with everything in your summer capsule. That way you have loads of opportunities to find pieces you love wearing with it.
Need help building out your dream midsize summer outfits?
Apply for Next Level Wardrobe’s women’s styling services. From our style system to our curated shopping experiences, we’re here to make style simple. We’ll help you find your personal brand through clothing and teach you how to shop for success.
