Summer in Texas gets H-O-T, so a simple go-to outfit is necessary when all I can think of is cooling off and getting into the A/C. My go-to outfit is usually a black top and jeans so, in the summer, this turns into a black tank top and denim shorts! I realized I have worn and posted so many variations on this easy summer style this year and I absolutely can’t stop wearing it!
Casual Summer Outfit Ideas: Finding Your Summer Uniform
The outfit formula here is simple. First pair a black tank top with denim shorts. Next, grab comfortable summer shoes. Repeat.
This casual summer outfit is deep in my comfort zone. When I’m not styling outfits for photos, it’s my most worn summer outfit. Don’t get me wrong, I love styling fun looks, but at home, running errands, heading to a friend’s house, I don’t always need a perfectly styled look, so I opt for this casual summer outfit idea for an easy style.
We all have a comfort zone. For some it’s graphic tees and skirts, for others it’s a monochrome look, for others it’s loud prints, for me, it’s black and denim. For a long time, I tried to branch out and blend in with the styles wherever I was, but I’ve come to realize that it’s not a bad thing at all to dress within your comfort zone, even when it doesn’t follow everyone around you.
In high school, I experimented a lot. I was one of the only people who wore heels to school, I kept up with the trends, and lived for dances when I didn’t have to adhere to a dress code. When I got to college, things changed. I no longer had my personal style and instead tried to blend in with my friends and every other sorority girl on campus. I thought that’s what I had to do to make friends and show people I was just like them. But who in the world actually wants that? How boring would we be if we all acted and dressed alike? It wasn’t until senior year when I realized this and finally broke the mold when I graduated and moved to Dallas. It took some time to discover my personal style again, and this blog helped me find it. Along the way, I found some styles I should have left to the trendsetters, but that’s all part of the learning process.
I found my uniform, in a simple black tank and denim shorts. To find yours, make note of outfits you repeat often. Figure out what variations you continue to wear, and see what fills up most of your closet. Your uniform is out there, but until you find it, you can borrow mine!
When It’s Totally Acceptable To Dress in Your Comfort Zone
Comfort zones tend to come in seasonal and occasional variations. For example, while my idea of a casual summer outfit is a black tank top and denim shorts, in the winter or for date night, it’s jeans and a black cami. For work, it’s dark jeans and a black blouse. A more formal occasion, usually calls for a little black dress.
My go-to looks make me feel more confident. I always know what they look like, and I don’t have to worry about not feeling like myself in a situation, or having to awkwardly tug at my clothes because I’m suddenly aware that I never wear orange but suddenly decided to when meeting a new group of people.
Stick with your go-to outfits when you need a pick me up, confidence boost, or you’re unsure of a situation. You’ll be much more prepared for whatever comes your way!
When You Should Step Out of Your Comfort Zone
Frankly, you could totally have a signature style and never leave your comfort zone, but it could be fun, and there will definitely be times you’ll have to regardless of your feelings on the matter. Such as a wedding. Bridesmaids don’t often get to choose the color of their dresses, and sometimes not even the style, if that is the case, you probably won’t love it, and will most likely not feel comfortable, especially not standing up in front of everyone. No matter how hard the bride tries, she’ll probably never have all of her bridesmaids feeling totally comfortable.
Other examples of great times to step out of your comfort zones: Halloween, themed parties, new situations where no one knows you or going out with your best friends where they already know you. There are plenty of reasons to dress it up and step out of your own way. Who knows, you just might love it!
Awesome! Black tank tops are simply superb which is perfectly matched with any denim shorts. Your complete outfit is perfect. Especially I love your bracelets with multicolored and pearls. 🙂
Thanks so much, Joe!