Yes, You Can Wear Black in the Summer — and These 12 Breezy and Chic Wardrobe Staples Belong in Your Closet

Published May 15, 2025 9:13 am ET


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Summer is often associated with florals and bright colors. But if there’s one color that pairs well with anything year-round, it’s black. Now, you might be asking yourself, “Can I wear black in the summer?” And the answer is yes, you can! When it comes to styling black clothes for the summer, look for options that are lightweight and airy — think breezy, flowy blouses and loose-fitting pants. Below, we’ve compiled a list of 13 stylish black dresses, tops, pants and accessories that you’ll want to wear all summer long.

  1. Nothing screams “summer” like a good pair of shorts, and we love these cotton-linen CHEERYAH Bermuda Shorts, which have a comfy elastic waistband and pockets in both the front and the back.
  1. Your wardrobe isn’t complete without a basic black dress. This Amazon Essentials Classic Cap Sleeve Dress has a figure-flattering wrap style with ruching that creates a slimming effect. Reviewers say the jersey fabric is lightweight enough to keep you cool during the summer.
  1. This VIISHOW Chiffon Blouse has a classy scoopneck design with loose, drapey short sleeves and an elastic hem, and reviewers over 40 say it’s great for summers in the office.
  1. If you’re looking for a more casual blouse, go with this flowy Dolnine Henley Top that has pretty lace detailing and pleats down the front. Reviewers say it’s “super cute and comfortable” and it gets them compliments when they wear it.
  1. Go for a dressy look by pairing these Willit Wide-Leg Pants with a floral blouse or tank top. They’re made of a breathable cotton-linen blend and feature a self-tie belt that cinches your waist. Plus, they have pockets!
  1. Sport these Amazon Essentials Camisole Tops on a casual day or layer them under a sheer blouse for a night out. Crafted with a soft, stretchy fabric, reviewers say they’re breezy and lightweight in the hot sun.
  1. Feel like showing some skin? Grab this Tobrief Spaghetti Strap Tank, which features a low-cut V-neckline with an even more low-cut back. The longer length also makes it great for throwing on over your swimsuit as a cover-up.
  1. If you prefer something more modest, reach for this sleeveless Hount High Neck Tank Top. It’s casual enough to pair with jeans or shorts, and reviewers say the buttery-soft material and loose fit make it ideal for the summer.
  1. Thanks to the spaghetti straps, ruffle hem and fashion-forward peplum waistline, this Amazon Essentials Midi Ruffle Dress will be a quiet standout in your wardrobe.
  1. Heading to a summer wedding? Stay cool and comfy in this flowy, off-the-shoulder Ever-Pretty Chiffon Dress, which reviewers say “fits like a glove.”
  1. Light as air and breathable, these Rihero Flat Sandals are easy to slip on and go when you’re walking out the door. These shoes have a classic square toe design with a unique cut out, and reviewers even say they look like they’re from a designer brand.
  1. Punctuate your summer ensemble with this JW PEI Gabbi Handbag, which has a ruched design and plenty of space for your summer essentials like sunscreen and sunglasses inside.
Lauryn Jiles

Lauryn Jiles

Author McClatchy Commerce

Lauryn Jiles is a Content Commerce Assistant at McClatchy. She is based in South Carolina and graduated from the University of South Carolina with a bachelor’s degree in Journalism. Lauryn has written for numerous brands and is well-versed in the fashion, beauty, health, and lifestyle verticals. She enjoys yoga, coffee, fashion museums, sushi, and traveling.

Kayleigh Drake

Kayleigh Drake

Editor McClatchy Commerce

Kayleigh Drake is a Commerce Content Editor at McClatchy. She’s based in Birmingham, Alabama, and holds a bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Kayleigh has written and edited content for numerous publications, with a particular focus on the food, kitchen, home and lifestyle verticals. When she’s not fulfilling her editorial duties, she loves record shopping, playing guitar, baking and buying entirely too many plants.