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 for going out 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 for dinner or meeting your plus one for a movie date, I’ve got summer outfit inspiration to help you look effortlessly stylish.
Keep scrolling for the cutest shoppable outfit ideas that work for every type of summertime date, whether you’re going out to dinner, grabbing rooftop cocktails, taking a boardwalk stroll, or having a daytime beach picnic.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
Give all the Barbie vibes in vibrant hot pink! A two-piece set is the perfect combination of playful and pretty, and a woven tote bag only adds to the summertime aesthetic.
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.
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.
Leopard print, satin, and an open back make this dress perfect for a sexy summertime date night outfit. Give extra La Dolce Vita vibes with red rosette ankle strap heels.
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.
Planning a beachfront dinner with your boo? A crochet dress is perfect for a seaside date night–especially when you add oceanic jewelry.
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.
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-yet-casual summer going out outfit.
Summer is the perfect season for brightly colored date night 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.
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 going-out look with a dainty necklace or some bangle bracelets.
Black and white polka dots are absolutely timeless–and seasonless–so try the summer’s trendiest pattern in a sultry slip dress with a cowl back detail. Wear with pointed heels in a rich hue or simple neutral sandals for a summer dinner date outfit; either way, you’re giving retro screen siren.
For a cute summer day date look, a lace-trim button front midi is both pretty and practical. The lightweight design is comfortable and cute for warm temperatures, and a roomy tote is perfect for carrying an extra layer if needed.
A little black dress for summer? Absolutely. With gold jewelry and accessory details, this classic look will give polished Old Money sleek–perfect for summer date night outfits.
Fluttery details and vintage-inspired prints are pretty and feminine if girlcore is your going-out vibe. Try an outfit with an off-white or cream base for a soft, romantic look–and add neutral ankle strap sandals for an easy finishing touch.
For everything from coastal cocktails to a park picnic, a handkerchief top and matching wide-leg pants are summer day date or date night-perfect, especially in playful gingham. Don’t forget the straw bag!
Lightweight and breathable, a striped matching set is the ideal easy-breezy summer going out outfit. Bring out the boho vibes by pairing this with a straw bag.
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.
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.
Whether you’re dating in a tropical climate or just living for summer vacation vibes, a dress adorned with palm tree embroidery is peak preppy summer perfection.
For a summer date by the beach, there’s nothing like a crochet knit midi dress! A body skimming silhouette and playful fringe detail check all the boxes.
Did these summer date night outfits inspire you? Show us your looks on Instagram or Tiktok @lulus and shop more summer going out outfits in our Going Out edit!
This post was originally published in July 2021 and has been updated with new content.
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