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 so relaxing to unplug from nature!

If you were planning on doing some hard-core, deep woods camping, I’d suggest you focus on serious outdoor clothes that you didn’t mind getting dirty or ripped and that kept you dry and warm. But since this is more of a social weekend at the lake, and you are sleeping indoors, (or glamping- glam camping), then it’s still all about being practical and very comfy, but also looking stylish too. Why not?

Here are four cute outfits to wear to the lake.

1.  Shorts and a Floral Tee

Take your cue from nature and bring along a pretty floral tee to go 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 mosquitos.

Jeans are nice and thick and cover you up and if for some reason the weather changes suddenly they are a lifesaver. Whether you wear skinny, boyfriend, bootcut or whatever, don’t forget to pack them.

A colorful v-neck tee is all you need to look cute and summery. It’s so much more feminine and flattering than your basic crew neck t-shirt. Don’t forget a hat and a modern pair of practical walking sandals, These blue suede ones have great style and add a lot to this basic cottage outfit.

3.  Cropped Joggers

Now we’re talking! If there’s one thing you do at the cottage, it’s eaten, and eat, and eat. A soft pair of drawstring joggers are 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 comfy to wear anytime.

Just because you are in sweats doesn’t mean you have to look frumpy. Take along some cute tops – 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 back can make elevate such a simple 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 super popular in the last year because it is so laid back but a little flirty too. I love the relaxed but upscale vibe of this button-up Henley and how it makes a basic weekend look seem 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 things to consider putting on your packing list for your trip to the lake:

• sweatshirt or hoodie
• long sleeved tee
• 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!