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This post will show you 13 outfits for summer college classes that are cute, comfortable, and affordable.
Summer (style) school is in session!
If you’re taking classes this summer, you may be in need of some outfit inspiration for those busy (and hot) days spent on campus.
That’s why I’ve put together 13 outfit ideas perfect for the summer semester with all items under $150, so you won’t have to break the bank to look stylish, either.
Whether you’re heading to class, hitting the library, or hanging out with friends, these outfits are as practical as they are cute and, most importantly, will help you stay cool on those sweltering hot summer days.
Now I know that summer school may not be as fun or relaxing as a summer vacation, but you should still try to “romanticize” the day-to-day with cute outfits that are going to make you look and feel your best.
So, put your best foot forward with these 13 budget-friendly looks, and get ready to take on the summer semester in style!
Table of Contents
Summer College Outfit #1
Denim shorts are a summertime staple, whether you’re taking classes or not! You’ll find yourself reaching for these almost daily, as they are pretty much just as versatile as jeans, and go with almost every kind of top.
While you can certainly keep the shorts basic with a plain t-shirt or tank top, I say take things up a notch with a cute summery top, like this linen-look smocked tube top with a ruffled design. It’s nearly just as easy to wear as a t-shirt but will make you look more put-together, and its lightweight material is ideal for the summertime heat.
(And did I mention that these denim shorts have stretch? I find stretchy shorts to be much more comfortable to sit through lectures in compared to stiff denim!).
Add in a trendy cord pendant necklace, and consider this canvas tote bag for carrying your school necessities around. It features an adorable gingham trim and is made from heavyweight canvas, so it can handle your laptops and books without breaking down.
Some simple black slide sandals with a comfy footbed complete the ensemble, which can be worn to hang out with friends after class, too!
Summer College Outfit #2
Cute dresses aren’t just for weekend wear; they’re actually amazing for beating the heat on campus while also making you look super put-together.
The key is to pick a dress made from a lightweight material, like this woven floral print midi dress with a sweet lace trim. It can be worn casually for classes or dressed up for weekends, and it is so easy to throw on and head out the door in!
Keep it looking laid-back with some comfortable walking sandals, like these blue Tevas. They match perfectly and feature a low-profile design that makes them versatile. A hair claw clip is a great way to keep your hair up and off your neck during the summer, and this large blue one complements the outfit nicely.
Bring the look together with a delicate necklace like this gold heart pendant option and with a sturdy cotton canvas tote bag that has a pop of blue to match the rest of the outfit.
Summer College Outfit #3
Rompers and overalls are some of my favorite items to wear during the summer since they make such a style statement but are so comfy and effortless to wear. They are also surprisingly versatile since you can wear them with many different kinds of tops underneath, giving you multiple looks.
This easygoing romper-meets-overalls hybrid has a comfortable, relaxed fit and is made from lightweight woven fabric. It also has adjustable spaghetti straps that create a racerback-style design for bonus style points, and its washed black hue adds to its versatility.
One of the easiest ways to wear it is with a simple white tank top underneath, along with some comfy walking sandals, like the classic Birkenstock Arizona footbed sandals. This romper would also look great over tube tops, graphic print t-shirts, and basic tees.
Since this romper already makes a statement, you don’t need many accessories to jazz it up — keep with the easygoing vibe and wear a beachy layered necklace for a cute, summery touch. Grab your backpack (this neutral-colored pack is a functional option), and you’re good to go!
Summer College Outfit #4
IDK about you, but I always end up going for sporty, athleisure looks when I don’t know what to wear and am rushing out the door. They’re pretty much guaranteed to be comfortable, and require so little effort!
Swap out your go-to black leggings during the summertime for some black biker shorts instead. These stretchy, high-rise biker shorts are just as great for workouts as they are for heading to class or the library (or all of the above if you want to squeeze a workout in before or after class!). Wear them with an oversized t-shirt or an athletic tank top with a built-in bra and made with weightless fabric to keep you cool.
I’m obsessed with this graphic print baseball hat that matches the outfit’s color palette and will also help shield your face from the sun (don’t forget SPF, either!). Along with some sporty sneakers and your backpack, you’ll be all set for wherever the day takes you, Hot Girl Walks and all.
Summer College Outfit #5
One of the biggest trends this summer is gauzy tiered white maxi skirts, and they are just as perfect for vacation as they are for school. This versatile clothing item works in a ton of different settings, and its easy-breezy fit makes it great for just about any summertime activity, including class.
While you can just as easily wear this skirt with sandals, try a sporty, street-style look by wearing it with equally on-trend sneakers, like some Adidas Sambas, along with a tank top. This black Y2K-inspired tank features a red trim for contrast and a little pop of color.
I’m loving this gingham tote bag made with heavyweight nylon to take on the load of your laptop and books, and best of all, it’s packable, making it super functional for travel, too.
Complete the ensemble with a cute hair clip, like this claw clip with an adorable cherry print rhinestone design.
Summer College Outfit #6
In case you haven’t noticed, Tennis Core is *the* aesthetic of Summer 2024. And luckily, it’s a functional look to wear during the summertime, since it involves cute yet sweat-wicking athletic styles that will help you beat the heat on campus.
Regardless of whether you actually play tennis or not, take style notes from court-goers by wearing a flouncy tennis skirt or skort made from a stretchy, lightweight material. This skort features built-in shorts plus a hidden pocket that will fit your cell phone, making it oh-so-convenient.
You can go the country club route by styling your skort with a polo top or opt for an athletic top like this sweat-wicking racerback tank with a blue trim and built-in bra. Its contrasting trim adds a stylish touch and matches the skort perfectly, and it won’t show traces of sweat (which is crucial if you are trekking across campus on an extremely hot summer day).
Complete the look with some vintage-inspired tennis shoes like these classic Reeboks, along with your backpack or an athletic belt bag, depending on where you’re headed and how much you need to bring with you.
Summer College Outfit #7
It’s tube top season! Summer is the season to break out the tube tops — and I love the way they look paired with denim shorts.
You can’t go wrong with a classic black and cream striped design worn with some black denim shorts. These high-rise jean shorts are a good pick for class since they are not ultra-short and have a loose fit, meaning they are more comfortable to sit in.
No matter the season — summer or otherwise —wearing comfortable shoes on campus is a must, especially on days when you will be trekking back and forth. That’s why I suggest investing in at least one pair of comfortable sandals that you’ll be able to wear throughout the summer and into the fall semester, like some Tevas or Birkenstocks.
These Teva Universal Sandals come in a bunch of different colors and patterns (how cute is this color-blocked pair?), are quick-drying, and have adjustable straps to fit your feet just right.
Don’t forget your backpack and a beachy necklace to accent the strapless neckline of the tube top, like this beaded starfish necklace.
Summer College Outfit #8
Going for a more elevated, Old Money-inspired look? This outfit is for you!
Take things up a notch with some pleated trouser shorts, which look more polished than denim shorts. These tailored shorts can even work in certain internship or work environments (but always consult the office dress code and use your best judgment) or for a summer class presentation.
Wear them with a sleeveless vest, ideally in a lightweight fabric like this linen option. It has a menswear-inspired feel with a summery twist thanks to its linen fabrication, which makes it airier.
Accessorize with chic pieces like a large, structured, quilted tote bag a black belt with a gold buckle, and some chunky gold earrings with a vintage vibe.
These quilted black three-strap footbed sandals feature gold hardware that ties in with the accessories and look luxe; ballet flats would work, as well.
Summer College Outfit #9
Just because you’re in summer school doesn’t mean you still can’t show off your sense of style and embrace fashion trends! Try a trendy look by wearing a cargo mini-skirt (since it’s likely too hot to wear your cargo pants) and some cool sneakers.
These platform Adidas Gazelle Bold sneakers are ultra-trendy this season yet have a sporty vibe that makes them functional for everyday wear.
Another trend this summer? Graphic print t-shirts and tank tops featuring destination logos and designs. So maybe you aren’t in Italy for the summer… but you can pretend that you are with this Italy graphic print tank top!
Gold jewelry will elevate the ensemble, including simple pieces like a gold snake chain necklace.
Summer College Outfit #10
You can never go wrong with basics! Everyone can benefit from having a button-down shirt, simple white tank top, and denim shorts in their closet (they are capsule wardrobe must-haves), and these items look great when worn together.
Start with the most simple combination of blue denim shorts and a plain white tank top, and wear a blue and white striped button-down shirt on top.
This button-down is linen, which is perfect for summertime since it’s such a lightweight fabric and makes for the ultimate lightweight layer for air-conditioned classrooms. You can also tie the shirt loosely around your shoulders when you’re outside in the heat.
Add a subtle pop of color with a beaded necklace featuring a shell initial pendant, plus whatever dainty jewelry you may wear daily. As for footwear, opt for some comfortable, neutral-colored footbed sandals or the sneakers of your choice.
Summer College Outfit #11
Shorts, dresses, and skirts tend to be the go-to options during a summer semester, but lightweight pants are also an option, especially if it’s not scorching hot outside.
For example, these 100% cotton striped pants have a loose, relaxed fit, which makes them both comfortable and airy. Plus, their navy blue and white striped design has a nautical feel, which is super summery and similar to the boxer shorts trend that is major this season.
Style them with a matching navy blue (or white) tank top, along with your school bag and some low-top sneakers or sandals.
Charm necklaces are also a big fashion trend this summer, and this beach charm necklace, featuring shells, fish, and other beach-inspired charms, pairs perfectly with the nautical aesthetic of the pants, pulling the look together in a fun, fashionable way.
Summer College Outfit #12
As I mentioned before, short overalls are such a fun clothing item to incorporate into your summer wardrobe, and IMO even more comfortable to wear compared to denim shorts since they generally have a looser fit.
These denim short overalls can be styled in many different ways, but there’s nothing wrong with keeping the look simple and opting for a plain white t-shirt.
The goal here is to keep things as uncomplicated as possible in case you’re rushing to get to class or have a long day on campus! Plus, you probably already have a white tank top somewhere in your closet.
A cute necklace, like this colorful beaded necklace with a shell pendant, will add interest to the ensemble (plus a bit of color) without being overly complicated or taking up too much time to put on.
Complete the outfit with some sandals or sneakers, like these New Balance 550s, which come in a bunch of eye-catching colorways to choose from, including this neutral, sage green pair.
Summer College Outfit #13
One of my favorite pieces to wear during the summertime? An activewear dress with built-in shorts.
These dresses are so easy to throw on and are one of the best things to wear on a hot summer day since they are sweat-wicking! Plus, Tennis Core is one of the trendiest aesthetics of the season, and they have a total tennis player vibe that works on or off a court.
Since these dresses are a “one and done” outfit, all you’ll need are some sneakers and your school bag. During the summer, I often prefer mesh sneakers like these New Balance 530s, which are lightweight and airy (and look great with high socks, too).
As for your school bag, this multi-pocket tote bag is made with water-repellent fabric, which will give you peace of mind if you get caught in a summer thunderstorm, and it stands up on its own, making it easier to find whatever you’re looking for inside its roomy main compartment.
Bring the look together with a cute baseball hat, like this tennis-inspired cap made with activewear fabric that will help keep you cool.
What do you think of our summer college outfits?
Would you wear these outfits? Which summer college look is your favorite? Leave a comment and let us know!
