August can feel like the longest month ever. It’s also the month where my closet just really doesn’t want to cooperate. Sure, everything in it still technically works. The linen, the skirts, the sandals I started out being thrilled about at the beginning of summer…but we are in the point where it’s just too hot to care or put thought into anything. It’s still going to be hot for weeks especially around here.

The move isn’t new categories but new combinations. If you’re like my you probably own at least a few of the following pieces that you can easily throw on and here is the outfit inspiration to get you through the next few weeks.

White Tee, Serious Skirt

A slim boatneck tee and a broderie anglaise midi skirt. That’s the whole thing. Adding anymore interest to this outfit would be a mistake or start tipping toward costume. Flat sandals and a striped shoulder bag adds the texture the outfit without adding tons of color. Big geometric sunglasses, one thin gold bracelet and full stop. It’s chic and honestly a no brainer.

Silk Before Dark

When I saw this Margot Robbie look I was obsessed. A lace-trimmed silk satin top with a silk mini skirt is objectively an evening outfit, but wearing it in the middle of the day in August is pretty perfect. Silk breathes better than people assume and the mini length means you aren’t really sweating through anything. Ballet flats bring the look down to Earth because, let’s be real, wearing heels would give “leaving a wedding at 4am” probably. A small black rectangular bag, sharp cat-eye sunglasses, and, of course, the perfect bronze legs, and you’re good to go. Not a subtle outfit, but it’s not trying to be.

All White, No Thinking

An oversized white linen boyfriend shirt and long white Bermuda shorts? It’s almost so simple you can’t possibly overthink it. Two pieces, one color, zero decisions. The proportions carry it: the shirt is oversized, the shorts are long, and the whole thing is deliberate and not at all lazy - something that can easily happen when nothing is fitted. Flip flops and oval sunglasses, and you’re set for a day on the boat. If you’re worried it’s too plain, trust me. It almost feels like part of the appeal.

Flannel over everything

This is the first outfit on this list that could survive past August and be worn in October. A white maxi dress with an oversized brushed check flannel over it. Chef’s kiss. The flannel makes it something else. It’s a 7pm layer, not an all day commitment. The ankle boots add some weight and let’s be honest, choosing anything but Dr. Martens would be a bad choice. Add stacked wavy rings, a bolo necklace, and cat-eye sunglasses and you’re good to go. This is the outfit that really has styling at its core. If you get the boots wrong, you just have a sundress with a shirt, am I right?

Voile and a Heel

The cotton voile top and silk skirt with pointed-toe heels? Talk about chic. Heels can be touch and go in the summer, but I think this is the perfect exception. The silk skirt is soft enough that if you chose a different shoe, the whole outfit might collapse. The voile top is substantial enough stylistically but sheer enough to stay cool. It also stops the silk from tipping into formal territory. One tennis bracelet and that’s it. That’s the look. It’s the perfect dinner outfit and to wear when nothing is happening, but you’re really hoping something does.