Are you ready to return to the full-time job of being a student? Neither are we. Labor Day weekend acts as a last farewell to pool days and bonfire nights. A key rule for Labor Day outfits? It must be stylish, but sweat-proof. For example, dresses are a great breezy option and an opportunity to sport a bold color or print. Sleeveless tops and high-waisted jeans are another staple combo for the summer that keep you cool and Insta-ready. So whether you’re heading home to a cookout with your family or staying on campus to celebrate the long weekend with friends, we curated a few of our favorite trends from the summer as inspo.
Make it Festive with a Flounced Wrap Dress and Classic Loafers
Not only are wrap dresses a super flattering silhouette, but they are also an easy statement piece. A lightweight fabric and ruffled details will help keep you cool as the summer heat comes to an end. Go for a bold pattern or color (or both), and throw on a pair of comfy loafers to complete the outfit.
Get the Look: Nordstrom Colie Ruffle Wrap Dress ($49), Urban Outfitters Loafer Mules ($34), Urban Outfitters White Oval Sunglasses ($18)
Keep it Simple with a Sleeveless Sweater and Cropped Denim
Raw hems and crop jeans were (and still are) in everyone’s closet this season. A neutral, sleeveless sweater will actually prevent you from sweating during your Labor Day festivities.
Get the Look: Loft Sleeveless Sweater Tank ($30), Topshop Wide Leg Crop Jeans ($45), Adidas Original White and Green Stan Smith Sneakers ($80), Quay Australia Bold Sunglasses ($25)
Embrace Separates with an Eyelet Top and Mini Wrap Skirt
A clean, white top and trendy wrap skirt create the image of summer in an outfit, so it’s a perfect option for the holiday weekend. White vans dress down the combo, making it ideal for any Labor Day cookout.
Get the Look: Daisy Street Mini Wrap Skirt ($32), Forever 21 Off-the-Shoulder Peasant Top ($18), Vans White Slip-on Shoes ($50)
Switch up the Canadian Tuxedo with White and Blue Denim
Can’t get enough of denim? Neither can we. Pair a button-through denim crop top with high-waisted white jeans for a different take on your favorite tuxedo variation.
Get the Look: Reformation Denim Crop Top ($49), Uniqlo White High-rise Boyfriend Jeans ($20), Coconuts by Matisse Pink Slide Sandal ($30)
Stay Cool with a Basic Sleeveless Dress and High Pony
If your main goal is to avoid overheating during the Labor Day celebrations, then opt for a shorter dress in a fun color. Pulling your hair up does double duty by keeping extra weight off of your shoulders and adding an edge to the overall look. Finish it off with your favorite pair of sneakers and go-to sunnies.
Get the Look: Tobi Red Zoey Red Strip Knot Skater Dress ($34), Aldo Meacham Sunglasses ($16), Adidas Cloudfoam Sneakers ($44)
PHOTO: Monica San Luis
Take the Patterned Sandals for One Last Summer Stroll
Labor Day outfits don’t have to be boring. Get at least one more wear out of your favorite summer heels before we transition to booties. Let the shoes shine by wearing a simple, yet stylish pair of high-waisted jeans and a black lace crop top.
Get the Look: Free People Sweet Carolina Cami ($28), Topshop Straight Leg Jeans ($75), ASOS Polka Dot Heeled Sandals ($43), Urban Outfitters Corduroy Fisherman Hat ($19)
Go Monochrome with White on Off-White
Will you be wearing white after Labor Day? If you’re saying goodbye to the staple neutral, bid it farewell with an all-white look for the holiday. For all of the rule-breakers out there, sport this look all year long.
Get the Look: H&M Lyocell-Blend Pants ($50), Urban Outfitters Future State Modern Shapes T-Shirt ($34), Feisedy Vintage Small Oval Sunglasses ($14)
Stay Breezy with a Flowy Maxi and Sporty Sneakers
You can actually embrace the sun with a baggy maxi dress that keeps you chill and leaves room for one final tan-line of the summer. Layer a mesh bralette underneath to add detail without compromising your coolness.
Get the Look: Hinge Tiered Print Maxi-dress ($89), Free People Mesh Bralette ($38), Nike M2K Tekno Shoes ($100)
Personalize Your Look with a Colorful Neck Scarf and Mirrored Sunnies
Can’t stop wearing your go-to summer look? Don’t stop! Change up a classic blouse and shorts by styling with accessories like a two-toned neck scarf and oversized sunglasses. You can create the chicest Labor Day outfits by combining a few accessories you already own.
Get the Look: Urban Outfitters Iris Gauzy Button-Down Shirt ($49), Levi’s 501 Shorts ($58), Nordstrom BP 60mm Oversize Mirrored Aviator Sunglasses ($14), Urban Outfitters Vintage Silky Printed Scarf ($10)
Make a Statement with a Wide-leg Jumpsuit and Fierce Pose
This wide-leg gives the illusion of a dress with the comfort of a one-piece. All of that volume won’t constrict your legs and will actually let them breathe. Pro tip: use this piece to transition into fall by layering it under jackets and sweaters.
Get the Look: Urban Outfitters Striped Wide-Leg Jumpsuit ($79) or Forever 21 Striped Linen-Blend Jumpsuit ($30)
What are you wearing for Labor Day weekend? We want to see! Tag @cfashionista in your holiday looks.
Opening image by Chloe Felopulos.
