What to Wear to be Summer Chic in the Month of August

Are you staring into your closet and wondering what to wear in August 2020, dear reader? We’ve got ideas and style inspiration on what to wear in August 2020 for working from home, working out, lounging around, happy hour parties, or taking a vacation (all in a socially-distant manner, of course). We even have the all-important chic face masks of August 2020 covered. Spoiler alert: done well, August is the frosting on top of the cake.

what to wear in August 2020

Just for fun, when we think about the perfect wardrobe for a new month, we like to dress in a color palette that channels the true essence of the month.

So what should we wear to channel the essential spirit of August? 

what’s the color of August?

Here at Dandelion Chandelier, we did a quick word association with our friends to see what the word “August” conjures up. Here’s what was top of mind for our community: Sunshine. Sunflowers. Lemonade. Leisure. Farm-fresh eggs. Honey-drizzled pancakes. And tiny glimmers of autumn, including the back-to-school yellow school buses and number 2 pencils.

That pretty well sums up the mood of August. Effortless, serene, liberating. A moment that’s magical and ephemeral, like the light of a firefly on a summer night.

So what is the essential color of the month of August? We’re feeling buttercream. And pale yellow. Citrus yellow. And bold bright straight-up Crayola crayon yellow. Sunshine and optimism and high summer and the merest hint of the golden approach of autumn.

No less an authority than French Vogue decreed earlier this year that it’s yellow’s moment in the sun. How to wear it? “Sometimes in a soft monochrome, modeled on the pastel trend, yellow can equally be imagined in vitamin-rich, vibrant shades for an extra touch of style.”

style inspiration for what to wear in the month of August 2020

If you’re all in on this, come along, dear reader. Wondering what to wear in August 2020 for work from home, working out, lounging around at home or heading outdoors (maybe on vacation)? Here’s how to play buttercream and other shades of sunny yellow all month long, including some of the best face masks to coordinate with your look.

1. what to wear in August 2020: for work (perhaps from home)

Keep your work vibe chill with cool yellow minimalist apparel. And then add some edge and flavor with statement earrings or a bold cuff.

Georgia Alice top ($249) and midi skirt ($440). Marni cropped cardigan ($650). Gold Fallon necklace ($190). Bottega Veneta cuff ($1,500) and cross-body bag ($1,900). Alexander McQueen earrings ($450).

2. what to wear in August 2020: for a (socially distant) happy hour

Keep easy and breezy, whether you’re hosting a virtual happy hour, an intimate date night, or an outdoor dinner party with your fellow pod members. And who says yellow can’t be sexy? Balmain shows us how to turn up the temperature while looking totally cool.

Le Specs sunglasses ($65). Lisa Marie Fernandez dress ($583). Jil Sander wristlet ($490). Cecilie Bahnsen midi skirt ($1,831). Castañer espadrilles ($175). Balmain cardigan ($1,995) and coordinating mini dress ($1,995). Bottega Veneta two-tone belted silk-satin dress ($3,580). Jennifer Behr headband ($625) and earrings ($275).

3. what to wear in August 2020: (maybe at home) workout and active wear

Looking good makes any workout better, no? There are lots of yummy shades of yellow in the active wear world right now. Plus cute swim suits for those days when the pool beckons.

Eres swimsuit ($335) and sarong ($247). No Ka’ Oi yoga mat ($175). Polo Ralph Lauren running shorts ($130).

4. what to wear in August 2020: (small group) outdoor adventures and (driving distance) vacations

Whether it’s a staycation in your hometown, a driving-distance luxury stay in the country, or a good old-fashioned road trip, pack some rays of sunshine for your off-duty adventures.

Jil Sander bag ($760). Burberry tote ($1,190). Bottega Veneta sunglasses ($440). Three Graces sundress ($590). Gucci metallic sandals ($750). Le Sirenuese Positano shirt ($258). Issimo x Solid & Striped bikini top ($92) and bottoms ($81).

5. what to wear in August 2020: (every day) lounging around

Whether it’s an elegant knit dress or a cheeky sweatshirt dress, tie-dyed terry or a chunky sweater, hanging out in comfort during the dog days of August couldn’t be any easier. 

Sweatshirt dress from Christopher Kane ($445). Balenciaga sweater ($1,150). Terry tie-dyed T-shirt ($165) and shorts ($187). Birkenstock slides ($430). Jil Sander knit midi dress ($1,850). Isabel Marant sweater ($890). Frankie Shop tee ($75).

6. Chic Face Masks for August 2020

Don’t forget perhaps the most important of your August 2020 ensemble: the buttercream yellow protective face mask! Here are some luxury face masks that would pair perfectly with the mood of the month.

Face masks from Open Editions ($28); Graf Lanz ($22); Cynthia Rowley ($30); Viva Aviva (from $5); Prabal Gurung ($55); Kes ($ 51 for 3); and Beyond Yoga ($25).

how to dress this August 2020

Those are our ideas for you on how to not just survive, but to thrive this month, led by the color buttercream yellow, including the all-important face mask.

Whether we’re debating what to wear to work via video conference, for a hike or a run outdoors,  a Peloton class, chill time on the weekend, or our next digital dance party, this is what we’re planning to wear in August 2020. How about you? Whatever hue you choose, stay safe and healthy out there, dear reader. 

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