5 modest summer outfits to cover up in style

The first day of summer has officially passed, so if you haven’t had the chance to revamp your warm-weather wardrobe, the time is now. Dressing modestly when the temperatures soar can feel daunting, but the right choices of materials and silhouettes can keep you cool and stylish until October.

The best modest outfits for casual outings with friends, relaxed days on the beach, or looking stylish yet professional at the office all have something in common: breathable fabrics—like cotton, linen, and lightweight denim—and wide, breezy designs. Cotton and linen allow for natural perspiration—unlike synthetic fibres like polyester, which trap moisture—while voluminous shapes prevent too much unnecessary contact between the fabric and your skin, keeping you cooler.

To look and feel your best for the remainder of the season, here are our fave summer-approved modest outfits, courtesy of some of the most stylish modest content creators.

Hate to love it or love to hate it, the controversial Canadian tuxedo has made its fashionable return in 2023 and, most importantly, makes for a stylish and edgy modest outfit.

A long-sleeved denim shirt and loose-fit jeans are perfect for weekends on the town or casual-leaning workplaces, as long as you stick to lightweight denim.

When it comes to styling denim-on-denim, both matching and contrasting denim pieces are fair game: it’s up to you whether you prefer your denim pieces to be sisters, twins, or strangers. Pair with elevated accessories, like leather loafers and a classic handbag, to take the look from casual to refined.

Whether you’re off to work or to a beach picnic, the classic modest oversized shirt + satin slip combo is your best friend during the hot summer months.

To achieve this look, layer an oversized button-up shirt with your favourite t-shirt or sleeveless top and a satin maxi skirt. 100% cotton and linen are the best materials for your top layers—i.e. tops and shirts. When it comes to slip skirts, try to steer away from polyester satin: as we mentioned earlier, polyester is quite literally plastic, so it’ll make you feel hot. A graphic tee or a fun printed skirt—or both!—will add a touch of whimsy and personality to your look.

For a chill day, finish off your look with a casual pair of clogs, or switch things up with a formal pair of mules or heels for a professional event.

Ultra-pointy kitten heels are a huge trend in shoes this year, and there are a plethora of modest-friendly ways to channel your inner Carrie Bradshaw this summer. Whether you’re heading to an after-work event or a dinner with friends, kitten heels are a stylish yet practical choice.

One of our favourite looks for the season involves pairing your pointed-toe kitten heels with baggy, wide-leg jeans, a loose, voluminous blouse for added breeziness, and a leather bag in a contrasting colour.

This time again, naturally breathable fabrics like cotton and linen are a surefire way to keep yourself cool. A printed headscarf that matches your blouse is a great addition to this look.

A more casual and romantic alternative to the slip skirt is the white tiered skirt. White skirts, especially voluminous designs, are the undisputed warm weather heroes of summer 2024. Not only does a crisp white skirt offer a soft silhouette that can gracefully handle the highest temperatures, but it can also be styled in a myriad of ways, making it a summer capsule wardrobe must-have.

Just like with the slip skirt, we love styling a white tiered skirt with a white t-shirt or sleeveless top and an oversized button-up shirt worn unbuttoned. Leaning into the romantic vibe is a must with this style: go for a pink—striped or solid—button-up, and complete the look with a pair of ballet flats. Add delicate accessories, like a leather shoulder bag or a simple necklace, to enhance the ensemble’s charm and elegance.

A modest wardrobe worth its salt would only be complete with a shirt dress, whether you go for a casual and cool t-shirt style or a classic and refined shirt style. A maxi length is a must, and you can easily dress it up with heels and a leather belt or keep it chill with a pair of platform sandals.

A maxi dress is the cornerstone of every modest wardrobe, a workhorse piece that will take you from the beach to the office with ease, depending on the accessories you style it with.