Rocking a Sweater All Summer Long

Summer is mostly about basics, as you tend to stray from layering. The great thing about cooler weather is that wearing a jacket or sweater can pull together your entire look––but that's probably the last item of clothing you want to grab in the summer. Sometimes, it gets so hot that even looking at a sweater or jacket makes you sweat. But don't put up your fall and winter gear up just yet; some of it might be useful in the summer! 

With your Summer jacket or sweater, aim for a more comfortable and breathable fabric. Now is not the time to bring out your best cashmere sweater, as wonderful as it may feel. Think of a sweater or jacket you might wear on a warm day in the fall or spring. You will also want to stick to lighter colors. Wearing black and other dark colors attracts heat, which could make your summer jacket days short-lived. There are also a few styles you should aim for when it comes to summer outerwear.

Go for Oversized

Wearing thin, oversized sweaters or cardigans in the summer provides comfort and style all in one. These sweaters are perfect for a breezy beach day. Of course, don't forget to layer the sweater over something in case the sun becomes unbearable. It’s always easy to take off layers of clothing when you get hot, but you can only take off so much in public. The Soft Joie Gideon Cardigan captures summer perfectly, as it’s light in color and fabric.

Cropped Sweaters and Jackets

Why not rock a cropped sweater or jacket? The less fabric, the better! Cropped sweaters look great with high-waisted skirts, and cropped jackets look amazing with sundresses. The Luna Cropped Top from Free People is an example of a great cropped sweater to wear in the summer. Not only is it cropped, but the sweater also incorporates the open knit feature for breathability. If you're insecure about wearing a crop top, don’t fret. Crop tops are versatile; you can pair them with high-waisted bottoms to cover your midriff or have a camisole underneath. 

Open Knit Sweaters

Ever look at knit sweaters with large gaps and think, "How is this supposed to keep me warm?" This is the very definition of a summer sweater! The see-through aspect may be a turn-off, but just pair it with your swimsuit, a cute bandeau, or a crop top, and you're good to go! The holes give you room to breathe and allow for the breeze to cool you off. This Open Knit Hi-Lo Sweater from Express is the ideal summer sweater. Not only is it open-knit all around, but it has side vents for extra openings. 

Rolled Up or Short-sleeves

These sweaters and jackets may defeat the purpose of keeping you warm in the winter, but they are perfect for the summer. You can essentially roll up any sleeve of a jacket or sweater, but buying one pre-rolled makes it less bulky. This Caslon Denim Jacket is a great staple for the summer. Wearing lightweight denim helps you avoid overheating. 

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