Dating is so much fun–well, most of the time–but finding new and exciting date night outfits can be tricky. How casual should you be? How dressy? And how can you dress to impress while still being comfortable? And for summer dates, how can you keep cool in the hot weather?
First off: Don’t stress. Dressing for the sunny season is supposed to be fun, after all: the bright colors, the skin-baring styles, and all the summer dresses! So, whether you’re headed to a five-star restaurant or meeting your plus one for a movie date, I’ve got outfit inspiration to help you look effortlessly stylish.
Keep scrolling for the cutest shoppable outfit ideas that work for every type of summer date, from dinner al fresco or rooftop cocktails to a boardwalk stroll or beach picnic.
1. Tie-Front Top + Long Skirt
Long skirts and crop tops go together like vanilla ice cream in an orange soda–two great tastes that are better together and emblematic of summer! Pairing a midi skirt with a bustier-inspired crop top creates a romantic, breezy date outfit that touches on balletcore– especially when you pair it with cute flats!
2. Drop Waist Mini Dress + Sneakers
Drop waist dresses are the moment, and a beige mini with cute striped sneakers is the perfect mix of flirty and sporty. With delicate jewelry, this look is totally day date-ready.
3. Crochet Mini Bodycon Dress + Sneakers
A crochet bodycon dress is urned into the perfect summer date outfit with a pair of clean white sneakers! The shoes add a casual element without dressing it down too much, making for an easy, effortless look ideal for a date with lots of walking.
4. Matching Crop Top + Wide-Legged Pants
If you like a long-legged, elegant outfit but don’t want to worry about summer heat, this all-ivory ensemble is absolutely perfect for you! Lightweight, flowy fabric lets you stay perfectly cool, and the shiny purse adds to the angelic aesthetic.
5. Geometric Print Dress + White Sandals
Do your date plans involve a sunny stroll, perhaps with ice cream on the beach or the boardwalk? If so, a comfy pair of canvas sandals will keep your feet comfy and cute. Wear them with a bright print dress for an effortlessly sweet look.
6. Pink Two-Piece Jumpsuit + Nude Heels
Give all the Barbie vibes in vibrant hot pink! A two-piece set is the perfect combination of playful and pretty, and a summery woven tote bag only adds to the summery aesthetic.
7. White Crop Top + Denim Skort
Enjoy the warm weather and stay comfy while still looking cute in a denim skort and crop top look. Adding heels, a woven bucket bag, sunglasses, and polished jewelry elevate a casual laid back combo to summer date outfit status.
8. Orange Print Dress + Slide Sandals
Perfect for a picnic date, orange is a perfect summer color. This darling dress is so cute with sweet, simple jewelry like layered delicate chains. Just add easy summer accessories like a straw bag and slide sandals.
9. Leopard Sleeveless Midi Dress + Ankle Strap Sandals
Leopard print, satin, and an open back make this dress perfect for a sexy summer date. Give extra La Dolce Vita vibes with red rosette ankle strap heels.
10. Pinstriped Bustier Mini Dress + Slide Sandals
Could blue and white pinstriped shirting be any more summery? This seasonal classic print gets the date-night treatment here in the form of a bustier mini dress; pair it with heels or sneakers–either way you’re giving fresh and flirty.
11. Crochet Lace-Up Midi Dress + Seashell Earrings
Planning a beachfront dinner with your boo? A crochet dress is perfect for a seaside date night–especially when you add oceanic jewelry.
12. Ruffled Halter Mini Dress + Sneakers
For an adventure date, a ruffly mini dress in the summer’s must-have hue, yellow, works with sneakers as well as it does with sandals or heels. For boardwalk strolls, carnival shenanigans, or other classic summer outings, you can’t go wrong.
Chic cutouts and a midi silhouette come together for a sweet, sexy dress. Wear it with a pair of slides for a summer date outfit that isn’t too fussy but is still sophisticated enough for a nice dinner out.
14. Purple Mini Dress + Western Boots
If your dream date involves a honky-tonk or whirling with your partner to the Texas two-step, the combo of a mini dress and tall cowgirl boots is perfect for you! It’s a super cute outfit for a casual evening out.
15. Blue Bodycon Dress + Strappy Sandals
Summer is the perfect season for bright colored outfits, and playing with contrast makes it even more fun! Blue and orange are great together, since they are contrasting colors, and a bright green handbag looks great with both.
16. Jacquard Organza Lace-Up Midi Dress + Woven Straw Boater Hat
For a dreamy, romantic summer vibe, pair a wide-brimmed straw hat with a soft floral print dress. You’ll feel right at home in a sunny garden or on an evening stroll through the park. Complete the idyllic look with a dainty necklace or some bangle bracelets.
17. Yellow Sundress + Chunky Cardigan
Lightweight summer dresses contrast beautifully with the soft, sturdy texture of a chunky crocheted cardigan. Extend the use of your winter wear and keep a comfy cardi with you for chilly nights or to keep the sun off of your shoulders! A woven straw purse completes this summery look.
18. Basic Neutrals + A Pop of Color
Take your summer outfits to the next level with a pop of color. Bright red shoes can take a crisp white tee and a smart cargo skirt from basic to beyond. You can make even more of a statement by coordinating accessories or your nails with the bright color!
19. Floral Print Shirt Dress + Mules + Crossbody Bag
Shirt dresses are cute and comfortable, and a cheerful floral print is perfect for a bright summer date. Dress up this dress with blocky open toe heels that show off a perfect pedi, and add a cute purse for a complete outfit.
20. Floral Print Jumpsuit + Heeled Sandals + Pendant Necklace
Don’t limit tropical prints to vacation clothes! Put on a floral jumpsuit that’ll look great with a margarita (just sayin’), a pendant necklace, and some low heels to channel your inner island babe.=
21. Button-Up Long Sleeve Top + Lace Bodysuit + High-Waisted Midi Skirt
A lightweight long-sleeved top layer over a chic bodysuit is perfect for a summer date that might have you moving between temperatures. Summer nights can be much cooler than summer days, and nobody likes shivering in overenthusiastic air conditioning. Use a cotton button-up as an easy-on, easy-off top layer and stay comfy no matter what the weather is like.
22. Cutout Bodycon Dress + Straw Bag
Lightweight, stretchy, and breathable, this adorable cutout bodycon dress is so cute for a coffee date or even a night at a fancy restaurant. Bring out the boho vibes by pairing this with a straw bag.
23. Blue Strapless Crop Top + Beige Linen Pants
Lingerie-inspired tops are playful and sexy, and pairing them with a classic wardrobe staple like khaki wide leg pants creates a fun, modern summer date outfit.
24. Denim Mini Dress + Bright Clutch
This summer, live your best coastal cowgirl life! Made of breathable 100% cotton, this denim dress is comfortable even in the hot sun–and it has pockets. Pair it with a bright bag for everything from a cute lunch date to a concert.
25. Lemon Summer Dress + Wide Brim Hat
When life gives you lemons, wear them on your sundress! An undeniable summer hit, this adorable lemon print dress screams good vibes. Pair with simple, summery accessories like a wide-brim hat and a cute pair of white slide sandals, and you’re perfectly dressed for a big date.
Did these summer date outfits inspire you? Show us your looks on Instagram or Tiktok @lulus and shop our collection of cute summer dresses for more sunny season styles!
This post was originally published in July 2021 and has been updated with new content.
