16 Cool Suit Outfits for Summer

There's just something about wearing a suit that makes everything look — and feel — polished and put together. Gone are the days of ill-fitting, itchy materials worn only to an office or business event and relegated to the back of the closet for all other occasions. Today's suit outfits are colorful, chic, and actually enjoyable to wear. Thanks to fashion icons like Katharine Hepburn, Marlene Dietrich, and Yves Saint Laurent's 1966 Le Smoking suit that changed the narrative of women's suits forever, today's suit outfits are the stuff of fashion dreams.

But what about in the summer, when temperatures can hit over 90 degrees, and the humidity just won't quit? Or maybe you live somewhere where the temperatures stay around a chilly 40 degrees all year. Well, there's a suit for that, too. Whether you mix and match suiting separates, swear by warm weather-friendly fabrics, or are open to experimentation in cuts and colors, there are several ways to wear suit outfits that perfectly capture your aesthetic. Not to mention, make you look like a total boss.

Whether baggy styles or matching skirt sets and vests, keep reading for 16 easy, fun, and unexpected suit outfit options year-round.

With Shorts

Not to state the obvious, but in our book, suits with shorts are always an option between May and September. We recommend reaching for Bermuda-length bottoms for more formal environments and prefer brightly colored suits with shorter shorts and longer blazers for a stylish day of fun in the sun.  

With a Graphic Tee

When going for a more casual suit outfit, opt for graphic tees. While your favorite band tee may look great with jean shorts, it also exudes a casual-cool vibe when worn with a tailored suit. Play with patterns or stick to neutral colors; this outfit is all business in the back but a surprise party in the front. 

With a Matching Set

If the phrase "suit outfits" conjures images of a blazer, trousers, and a button-down, it's time to think outside the box. Try throwing a lightweight suit jacket over your favorite matching set (a knee-length or midiskirt and sleeveless top work best), and you're good to go. Bonus points for color-coordinated accessories. 

With a Tank Top

If you normally wear a silky shell top, why not swap the traditional top for a cotton tank? Just remember to accessorize accordingly to keep the outfit looking elevated. We recommend a skinny belt, a pendant necklace, sunglasses, and a cute hat.

In Breezy Linen

When an occasion calls for business casual attire, we automatically reach for a lightweight linen suit. Stick to long blazers and loose-fitting trousers to allow the breeze to permeate the fabric and help keep you cool. 

Oversized Styles

Modern oversized suits are not the bulky, shoulder pad styles that dominated the '80s. Reach for a matching blazer and pants in a bright color and pair them with a classic white button-down. Try adding a baseball cap and sporty shades for a more casual look, or keep it sleek and chic with oversized shades, strappy sandals, and a mini bag.

With a Sports Bra

Provided it offers enough coverage and support, a simple sports bra can be substituted for a blouse or shirt with your suit outfits. Keep the rest of the suiting relatively formal — we love the contrast of serious pinstripes and the athletic wear shown above — and switch between stilettos and sneakers for a sporty take on the trend. 

Pajama-Inspired

While we're not suggesting that anyone actually wear a matching set of cotton PJs out and about, we must admit we don't hate the look. Instead, choose suits made of a luxe-feeling fabric with smart tailoring details or unique designs. It might feel like sleepwear, but it works even better as a street-style look. Just don't accidentally leave the house wearing slippers.

In Hot Pink

Hot pink suits are widely available in an array of pieces, fabrics, and fits, thanks to the overwhelming support of the 2023 Barbie movie. Opt for a tailored jacket and straight-leg pants for a vibrant but totally appropriate look, then throw on a pair of matching shades and metallic pumps to complete the fiery suit outfit. 

With Rolled-Up Sleeves

Achieving this look is easy but not always obvious. If you know you'll want to roll up your sleeves at some point during the day, choose a looser-fitting or oversized blazer instead of a super-tailored or cropped style. Matching breezy trousers and a basic white tee make this outfit ideal for an agenda that calls for walking in and out of icy-cold air conditioning. 

In a Summery Shade

If suit outfits are your signature style, then you probably have a slew of black, navy, and tan blazers on hand. Dare we suggest spicing up your suiting with a bit of color? Instead of the same old, try reaching for a structured suit in an unexpected shade like lavender, aqua, or buttercup yellow.

With a Short-Sleeve Jacket

Sleeveless blazers can be easier to find, but a chic short-sleeved jacket is hard to beat. Stick to a typical suit color like black or navy, and dress the look up or down with accessories. Gold jewelry and snakeskin boots are an unexpectedly chic combo. 

With a Tube Top

Bare your shoulders (slathered in SPF, of course) by swapping a tube top in for the standard button-down shirt, and keep the jacket on or drape it over your shoulders. Bonus points for accessorizing with a statement necklace.

With Flip-Flops

Think wearing suits with flip-flops is a faux pas? Think again. A slightly-elevated sandal with thick straps looks seasonally appropriate when paired with a neutral-colored suit. At the very least, try throwing your heels in a handbag and testing the outfit out on your commute. Your feet will thank you. 

Just the Vest

A three-piece suit might feel a little stuffy for the summer, but who says you have to wear every piece at once? Forgo the blazer and let the vest be the star of this look. Try a cropped style with high-rise pants, or keep it casual with low-rise trousers and sneakers. It's buttoned up but not boring.

With a Sleeveless Jacket

A long, sleeveless suit jacket might just be our favorite suiting option. Wear a simple tank and keep it buttoned, or leave it open and wear it with matching shorts or a skirt, and it becomes even more versatile. Pair it with sneakers for a sporty look, or try strappy sandals and a clutch for a night out.  

ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7qrrSrbClnV6YvK570q6kpp2iYsC2tdNmpq6slp7BtHmWbXBycWBp