Each summer, we face the inevitable challenge of piecing together lightweight and flattering outfits still suitable for the workplace, class room, or restaurant. Luckily, during my first week as an intern in New York, I found my answer early on, having been propelled both by the stifling heat wave and several fashionable colleagues. So what is the cure, you ask?

For this summer, the sartorial answer seems to reside in the pairing of a lightweight white tank and a blue/navy A-line skirt that falls slightly above the knee, additionally punching up the ensemble with a bold statement of a belt, a loose gold chain necklace, and some strappy gold sandles. Also, the feminine look is very in right now.

A lightweight, sleeveless blouse – with ruffles to the degree of your liking – would be very appropriate and charming in lieu of the basic tank. It just has to be tucked into the skirt and belt so its femininity does not overtake the structure formed by the other two pieces.

Here’s a similar example, but the colors (and, well, the tights) are all wrong for the proper summery feel. However, the orange belt does provide the right amount of punch.

Personally, I would rock the look with this wide colorful belt in fuschia – not only is it really cute, it is also sale (60% off!!!) on shopbop.com.