What to Wear To the Lake: 4 Cute Oufits
Hi Deborah,
I have been invited up to a friend’s cottage this weekend and was wondering what to wear to the lake to look cute, casual, and summery. We plan to take it easy…sit out on the dock, maybe take a little hike around the island, and have a campfire. It’s going to be hot. What do you suggest? Thanks, Lucy
Hi Lucy,
That sounds like a great weekend! Spending time at the lake is one of my favorite things to do. It’s incredibly relaxing to unplug and connect with nature!
If you plan on doing some hardcore deep-woods camping, I’d suggest focusing on serious outdoor clothing that you don’t mind getting dirty or ripped, which keeps you dry and warm. However, since this is more of a social weekend at the lake, and you’ll be sleeping indoors (or glamping—glamorous camping), it’s still all about being practical and very comfortable, while also looking stylish. Why not?
Here are four cute outfits to wear to the lake.
Style Snapshot
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Pack four easy outfits: shorts with a floral tee, jeans with a V-neck tee, cropped joggers with cute tops, and a front tie top with shorts.
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Bring jeans for bug and brush protection at night and slip into sneakers, sturdy sandals, or Birkenstocks for uneven ground.
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Round out your bag with layers: a hoodie, long sleeve tee, tank, nylon jacket, swimsuit, cover up, sunglasses, and walking shoes.
1. Shorts and a Floral Tee
Take your cue from nature and pair a pretty floral tee with a pair of denim jeans. This pair is a good length for most women, not too short or too long. Statement sneakers are cute and practical. This pair fits right into the great outdoors with its woodsy green leaf motif. Don’t forget to take along a hat.
2. Your Favorite Jeans
If it is going to be a scorcher of a weekend, shorts may be the only thing on your mind, but if you are going to the lake, you should always bring along a pair of jeans. You might want to take a walk through the woods, and the bushes can scratch your legs, or if you don’t have a pair of jeans at night around the campfire, you may very well get eaten alive by mosquitoes.
Jeans are nice and thick, covering you up, and if the weather changes suddenly, they are a lifesaver. Whether you wear skinny, boyfriend, bootcut, or any other style, don’t forget to pack them.
A colorful V-neck tee is all you need to look cute and summery. It’s significantly more feminine and flattering than a basic crew neck t-shirt. Don’t forget a hat and a modern, practical pair of walking sandals. These blue suede ones have great style and add a lot to this basic cottage outfit. 
3. Drawstring Joggers
Now we’re talking! If there’s one thing you do at the cottage, it’s eat and eat, and eat. A soft pair of drawstring joggers is super comfy when you are sitting around playing cards, reading, or chatting, and feeling very full from dinner – LOL. Of course, joggers are just darn comfortable to wear anytime.
Just because you are in sweats doesn’t mean you have to look frumpy. Take along some cute tops, such as a long-sleeved one and a sleeveless one, like this darling mint green tee. It’s amazing how something as simple as a bow tie can elevate a basic staple.
4. Front Tie Top and Shorts
One of the cutest styles of tops that comes to mind and would be perfect for cottage life is a front-tie top. This type of top has been extremely popular in the last year because it is both laid-back and a little flirty. I love the relaxed but upscale vibe of this button-up Henley and how it makes a basic weekend look so cool.
Of course, you can never go wrong with Birkenstocks when you want a comfortable sandal. So easy to slip on and off and sturdier than flip-flops on uneven cottage terrain.
Other clothing items to consider putting on your packing list for your trip to the lake:
- sweatshirt or hoodie
- llong-sleevedtee
- tank- good layering piece
- Capris are good too if you don’t like shorts
- socks- just in case
- nylon jacket ( possibly)
- leggings ( comfy like joggers if you prefer)
- swimsuit and cover-up
- sunglasses
- a good pair of runners or walking shoes other than sandals
Have a great weekend!
QUICK Q&A
A floral tee paired with denim shorts and statement sneakers makes a cute, casual, and practical daytime outfit. Don’t forget to bring a hat for sun protection.
Jeans protect your legs from scratches during walks in the woods and from mosquito bites at night. They’re also useful if the weather suddenly cools down.
Cropped joggers with a cute top, such as a mint green tee with a bow-tie back, are perfect for lounging, eating, and enjoying cottage activities without feeling frumpy.
A front-tie top is laid-back, slightly flirty, and stylish. It pairs well with shorts and looks great with Birkenstocks for an easy and cool weekend look.
Bring a sweatshirt or hoodie, long-sleeved tee, tank top, capris, socks, nylon jacket, leggings, swimsuit with cover-up, sunglasses, and sturdy walking shoes in addition to sandals.
These are charming ideas!
Thanks for this article! I am headed to the lake this weekend. All of these ideas are good ones.