It’s August, and you know what that means — late-summer style is having a moment. Whether you’re headed to a rooftop party, chillin’ at a beach bonfire, or just dressing cute to romanticize a Target run (as you should), we’ve curated the best fashion pieces to elevate your look right now.
From crochet sets to chunky heels, these editor-approved must-haves are giving main character energy — and we’ve got picks for every aesthetic. So if you’re a soft girl, a streetwear baddie, a downtown cool, or a little bit of everything (aren’t we all?), consider this your stylish older sister’s closet you can raid.
Let’s get into it.
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Tops
August is the month for tank tops that hug in all the right places, baby tees with attitude, and layers that don’t make you sweat. These tops are cool-girl currency — wear them with cargos, skirts, or your favorite lived-in jeans.
- Baby Tee: The sassier the slogan, the better. Baby tees are a capsule essential, especially when paired with a denim mini or low-rise cargos. Think early 2000s Lindsay Lohan getting papped with a Starbucks.
- Sculpt Knit Tanks: This is the tank you’ll want in every color. Structured, stylish, and slightly snatched. Toss it on solo or layer it up — it just works.
- Collared Zip-Up Polo Tops: Channel your inner sporty spice with this clean, preppy vibe. Perfect with tennis skirts or parachute pants for that “I play tennis, but mostly for the outfits” look.
- Linen Vests: A tailored vest over bare skin? Instant cool. Especially in lightweight linen for peak summer wearability. Add loose trousers and a claw clip and you’re giving model-off-duty.
- Convertible Tube Tops: These stretchy, scrunchy tops mold to your body and give you options. Wear them bandeau-style or ruched with straps — either way, you’ll look like that girl.
Bottoms
If it’s breathable, low-rise, or a little unhinged, we’re wearing it. August bottoms are all about balancing comfort and spice, with playful skirts and slouchy pants that say, “I didn’t try hard but I still look amazing.”
- Full Tilt Low Rise Women’s Boxer Shorts: These boxer shorts are the unsung hero of hot girl summer lounging. Toss ‘em on with a tee or hoodie for that off-duty tomboy vibe that still looks styled.
- Vanessa Turquoise Sequin Skirt: A literal disco ball for your lower half. This piece is perfect for parties, festivals, or just feeling like the moment. Throw on a baby tee and let the skirt shine.
- Cargo Mini Skirt: Utility meets flirt. With pockets (!!!) and endless styling potential, this is a wear-on-repeat kind of skirt.
- Low-Slung Denim Shorts: Y2K is alive and well. These slouchy, low-rise denim shorts are the ultimate cool-girl summer staple. Pair with a belt, tube top, and boots.
- Reworked Vintage Track Pants: Track pants, but sexy. Look for color-blocked or side-stripe versions and pair them with a cropped tank or fitted tee. It’s giving streetwear baddie without trying too hard.
Dresses & One-Pieces
Slip into something effortless. This season’s dresses and rompers give just enough drama with zero fuss — perfect for daytime dates, night outs, or simply existing in your main character energy.
- Yumiko Romper: The easiest one-piece you’ll ever throw on. Sleek, minimal, and hot with literally any shoe. Looks good, messy-bunned or full-glam.
- Mesh Overlay Mini Dresses: Whether you're posting selfies or pulling up to dinner, mesh dresses are Insta-gold. Add boots or a leather jacket to contrast the sheer sweetness.
- Halter Mini Dress: Brings you straight back to your Tumblr girl era. It's flirty, breathable, and actually danceable. What more could you want?
- Printed Slip Dresses: It’s giving ‘90s indie film girl. The prints keep it playful, the silhouette keeps it sexy. Add a shoulder bag and go live your downtown dreams.
- Soft Lounge Long Slip Dress
A viral fave for a reason. You can wear it literally anywhere and look expensive. Bonus: it’s like being wrapped in butter.
Shoes
Your shoes should do more than just match — they should make a statement. Whether you're stomping in platforms or sliding into something nostalgic, these are the shoes to finish your August fit.
- High Chunky Platform Heels: Bratz doll energy. These chunky black platforms add height and attitude. You’ll want to wear them with everything — even to the corner store.
- Shox Sneakers: The comeback kid of summer. These chunky, bounce-back sneakers are equal parts chaotic and iconic. They pair best with low-rise bottoms and a fearless attitude.
Accessories
Accessories can make or break the fit — and these ones definitely make it. We’re leaning into statement pieces, nostalgic details, and just the right amount of sparkle.
- Mother of Pearl Cross Necklace: A little bit vintage, a little bit “blessed and booked.” Perfect for layering or wearing solo — it’s elegant, cool, and personal.
- Crochet Shorts & Matching Sets: Yes, crochet is still trending — and yes, it’s still cute. This teal set is breezy, beachy, and best styled barefoot with salt in your hair. Add chunky earrings and you're the whole mood.
- Beaded Phone Charms & Bag Accessories: It’s giving camp counselor meets downtown cool. These little accents pack personality, and yes — people will ask where you got them.
The Takeaway
This month is all about remixing comfort with confidence. You can lean into coquette-core, soft grunge, or city club kid — whatever your vibe is, there’s a look for you. Just don’t forget: the real must-have is the energy you bring when you wear it.
So throw on those crochet shorts or that sparkly mini and own it.