A Guide to Summer Date Night Outfits

Every Avaraista looks forward to summer date nights as the perfect excuse to dress up. Whether you’re enjoying a casual dinner out on the patio or sneaking in ice cream on the couch after the kids go to bed, you’ll want a look that’s effortless yet chic. It should be something you feel comfortable in but look confident wearing, ready for whatever and wherever the night takes you. 

In this guide, we’re going to share our favorite summer date night outfits to keep things fun and flirty. From breezy dresses like our Avara Exclusive Tristan Dress to elevated denim looks with our Kollyns Denim Jacket, we’ve got all the pieces to bring on the compliments.

What Makes the Perfect Summer Date Night Outfit?

Fashion and lifestyle expert Jess Keys shares that some of the best summer date night outfits are ones that are simple and can work for any occasion, like a black top, white jeans, and nude heels. At Avara, we know that the perfect summer date night outfit is one that combines cute and comfortable, because why can’t you have it all? You’ll want lightweight fabrics that breathe so you don’t sweat through dinner, flattering fits that make you feel your best, and fun details like a subtle slit or a pop of color. Go bold or keep it classic in neutrals. It’s all about balance, so you look effortlessly chic. Let’s take a look at summer date night essentials that you should have ready.

Summer Date Night Essentials

Keep it easy and breezy with summer date night essentials like lightweight fabrics so you stay cool while still bringing on the style. Versatile staples like a flattering midi dress can work for everything from rooftop drinks to a last-minute movie night at home. Summer is the perfect time to play around with pretty patterns and bold brights to make a statement. Feeling good starts with what you’re wearing, so let’s get into it.

1. Lightweight Fabrics

Lightweight fabrics are your new summer date night best friend. They’re breathable, flowy, and easy to move in, so you stay cool without sacrificing style. Our summer collection is filled with breezy tops, cute dresses, sandals, and other must-have summer accessories to keep you cool. Try our lightweight Melody Top paired with white denim or shorts, or the Mavis Dress with heels or wedges to elevate your next beach date.

2. Versatile Staples

Not sure what kind of date to wear on your next summer date night out? Take a look at our guide to types of dresses for more fashion inspiration. Dresses are really the ultimate summer date night staple because they do all the work for you. Just slip one on, and you’ll be pulling in all the compliments. There’s a dress for every occasion. You can dress them up with heels or keep it casual with sneakers or sandals. Swapping accessories or layering with a denim jacket can suddenly change the whole look. Nothing beats the one-and-done outfit for every busy gal who needs to rush out the door.

3. Colors and Patterns

Your summer date night palette should be filled with colors and patterns that pop and keep you cool. Consider crisp whites, vibrant corals, and soft pastels that are sure to glow under those warm evening lights. Play around with plaid or florals for a fun vibe, like our Sommer Dress, which has that total printed plaid. If you’re feeling daring, accessorize it with our statement Kayla Bag with an all-over woven raffia finish or our classic and chic Carley Hoop Earrings.

Upgrade Your Summer Date Night Look

Outfit Ideas for Different Dates

Get ready to dazzle at that hot new restaurant in town in our trendy Missy Skirt in red. If you’re enjoying a backyard patio dinner, try a flowy maxi dress layered with a denim jacket for a cozy touch. Shine on your next day date adventure by wearing high-waisted shorts, a breezy blouse, and sandals. Rock a cute Avara blouse with denim or a maxi skirt to enjoy a walk around the town. 

1. The Nice Restaurant

Impress your date with our trendy skirts that pair with just about anything. The Missy Skirt comes in a vibrant summer red and is designed with a lightweight, tiered A-line that’s sure to impress your date. Pair it with a crisp white fitted top tucked in to highlight the high-rise and self-tie waistband. Add on strappy heeled sandals and delicate gold jewelry to complement the rick-rack trim and lace inset. Keep it breezy with a sleek clutch and soft, wavy hair. Tie the look together with a bold lipstick color.

2. The Backyard Dinner

If you’re enjoying dinner and drinks out on the patio, wear a flowy maxi dress like our Nalia Dress and layer up with our Avara Exclusive Savannah Jacket in white. As you slip on the dress, pair it with flat sandals for an easygoing vibe and then add a crossbody bag and dainty earrings. Tousle your hair for a relaxed look. Blend a little fun and comfort, and you’ll glow under those backyard string lights!

3. The Day Date

Our gorgeous Lori Top in an all-over floral print is perfect for your next day date. Pair it with a maxi skirt as you peruse your local independent bookstore or rock it with denim as you wander through a museum. Date nights don’t just have to be about wine and cheese. There’s plenty to do and so many ways to look fabulous while the sun’s still out. Wear this top with relaxed denim and sneakers as you go mini golfing or see a matinee show. The evening — or day! — is yours!

4. The Beach Date

If you’re looking for an option that can take you from the beach to the boardwalk, try the Indie Dress as our perfect vacation coverup. Wear it over a swimsuit for an elevated poolside look. As another option, look cute on your next summer date night in any of our cute tops. You can wear the Beatrice Top, made from an all-over crochet knit for perfect swimsuit coverage. Any of these lightweight tops will have you ready for a beach dip. Just add flip-flops and a wide-brim hat to stay stylish and beach-ready.

5. The Night In

For a cute date night, try our Dahlia Romper or Annabelle Jumpsuit. Either option will have you looking as cute as you are comfortable. Jumpers and rompers offer the perfect blend of fashion and comfort. Add on a layered necklace and keep your hair down or throw it up in an effortlessly chic bun. Drape a lightweight cardigan around your shoulders for extra snuggles.

How to Accessorize Your Look

Take your summer date night look up a notch by accessorizing with simple yet standout pieces like statement earrings. Accessories are what can pull your date night look together in a snap. A strappy heel or dressy sandal instantly changes the vibe of your outfit. The goal is to look effortless but not overthought, so your look remains complement-worthy at all times. Try delicate necklaces, a structured clutch, or woven bags or hats. If you’re looking for some accessories you’ll love to wear over and over again, keep reading to learn more about some of our favorites!

1. Accessorizing Tips

Stick to lightweight pieces, and you’ll stay cool with delicate gold hoops or a layered necklace while avoiding heat overload. Match your accessory to the date mood, like playful charm bracelets for a flirty cocktail hour date or a statement clutch for a night you’re going all-out on the town. Keep the metals consistent for better matching. A crossbody bag ensures you’ll have hands-free fun. Less is more, so choose one main accessory to complement your entire outfit.

2. Choosing Accessories to Match the Mood

Set the perfect tone for a flirty dinner date by wearing delicate, feminine pieces like our must-have Alma Earrings for a pop of color or the Penelope Necklace for those sunny days ahead. Casual outings like a picnic in the park or a stroll on the beach call for something that’s playful and relaxed, like a woven tote or stackable rings. Headed for a night out at the club? Try a structured clutch or chunky earrings to match the energy as you’re dancing the night away. Match your lightweight accessories to your outfit’s fabric and make sure the colors complement each other.

3. Our Favorite Avara Accessories

If you’re ready to shine from the beach to the bar this summer, we’ve got plenty of Avara accessories you’ll love for your summer date night. In fact, we have a whole bunch of Avaraista curated accessories you’ll only find at Avara, like our Hayden Necklace that can be worn with a fun dress or kept casual with a blouse and denim. Add a little gold detail to your evening look with the Cassandra Bracelet with snake multi-chains and a neat toggle clasp. Finish off your look with our simple yet elevated Reese Earrings that come in a natural mother-of-pearl styling and gold-tone hardware.

Common Date Night Dilemmas

As much as we all love the warm weather and longer days before nightfall, summer date nights bring their own outfit dilemmas and other challenges. One of the top date night dilemmas you’ll run into is having uncertain plans. Depending on the weather, you might either go mini golfing after work or end up with a night indoors if it starts to rain. You might be worried about looking overdone or sweating in the heat. Don’t worry — these date worries are super common, and we have some summer date night dos and don’ts to help find you a look that works no matter the situation.

Summer Date Night Dos

• For a stellar summer date night, pick a breathable outfit like a cotton dress so you stay cool and confident. 

• Prepare your look in advance by testing it before you go out so you know for sure that it’s comfortable and fits well. 

• Stick to lightweight accessories to avoid overheating in the summer heat. 

• Consider packing a small crossbody bag, like our Jasmine Bag, with essentials including your ID, credit cards, keys, and lipstick.

• It’s best to wear sweat-proof makeup and anti-slip shoe pads for worry-free fun.

Summer Date Night Don’ts

• Don’t wear thick fabrics like wool or velvet that’ll leave you sweaty and uncomfortable.

• Don’t overdo it with accessories like bulky jewelry that can weigh you down in the summer heat.

• Avoid last-minute wardrobe changes and don’t wear any untested outfits before going out.

• If the date is going to be outdoors, like on the grass or involving plenty of walking, skip the stilettos and opt for comfier shoes with a low heel or flats.

• Don’t overload your bag and stick to sleek crossbodies and cute clutches.

• Don’t compromise style for comfort because even the nicest-looking clothing can kill your confidence if they don’t feel comfortable.

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How to Get Date Night Ready

Nothing says “date night ready” quite like pretty dresses. After all, the right outfit sets the tone for the night. Whether you and your beloved are getting ready for a milestone anniversary or you’re going on a first date with a new special someone, your summer date night look is all about feeling good, looking great, and making the most of it all. With any of our Avaraista-approved picks, you’re ready to turn heads and soak up the golden hour. And if you’re still not sure what to wear, be sure to look at all our fabulous clothing at Avara to start snagging those compliments!

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