15 Breezy, Cotton Gauze Summer Travel Outfits

With summer almost here, I’m already rearranging my closet and packing lists with lightweight travel pants, breezy dresses, and other clothes that prioritize comfort and help make heat waves more bearable. Lucky for me, I’ve already found my “it” outfit for the season: Gap’s Cotton Gauze Easy Barrel Pants and matching Cotton Gauze Dolman Shirt. 

This set has quickly become a summer essential that I’ve worn in multiple colors, including standout pink and dazzling blue. The lightweight cotton gauze fabric makes it breathable even on the warmest days, and the wrinkle-free, loose fit design offers a versatile style I can dress up or down for different occasions. 

Gap Cotton Gauze Easy Barrel Pants and Dolman Shirt

On a recent trip to Rosewood Miramar Beach in Montecito, it was the perfect oceanside attire for a sun-drenched day dining al fresco at the Michelin-starred Caruso’s restaurant. I’ll also be packing it for multiple walking tours around Europe this summer, swapping out the pants for Gap’s matching Cotton Gauze Easy Shorts when temperatures rise on my favorite cobblestone streets in Italy. 

Learning which fabrics are conducive to your travel style and outside temperatures can make or break a trip, and cotton gauze is a great option for breathable, easy-to-throw-on options. Below, read on for 14 more of my favorite styles to make the most of this summer-ready fabric.

Gap Cotton Gauze Tiered Skirt 

Another winner from Gap, this flowy, tiered maxi skirt is a summer essential; it’s made from a double-cotton fabric that’s comfortable, airy, and versatile enough to wear multiple times on any getaway. Tuck your favorite tank into the elasticized waistband for an easy, stylish look you can wear on a sunny walk by the beach or out to dinner.

Quince 100% Organic Cotton Gauze Smocked Wide-leg Jumpsuit

I used to shy away from jumpsuits as they often felt restrictive, but this voluminous jumpsuit from Quince quickly changed my mind. The breathable, double-knit cotton gauze feels like a second skin, with adjustable straps and wide legs that give you plenty of room to move freely. This one piece is easy to dress up or down with your favorite heels or flats, and best of all, it doesn’t require an iron.

Old Navy High-waisted Crinkle Gauze Super Wide-leg Pants

Slide on these high-waisted, crinkle gauze pants for an ultimate beach day or walking tour. Relaxed through the hip and thigh, these wide-leg pants hit right above the ankle for an easy fit when it’s time to get steps in. Plus, the 100-percent, double-weave cotton feels light on the skin, giving even your best pair of comfy pajama pants a run for its money. 

Flygo Womens Casual Cotton Linen Set 

This stylish matching set at Amazon includes a button-down shirt and high-waisted shorts available in over 25 eye-catching colors. It’s a summer essential for anyone seeking a quick, cute get-up-and-go look. The elastic waistband ensures comfortable wiggle room around the waistline, and the button-up shirt can double as a versatile top layer to cover your shoulders or worn on its own.

Madewell Oversized Button-up Shirt

Every wardrobe can benefit from a versatile oversized button-up shirt. This Madewell top offers a crisp, linen-cotton blend with a comfortable fit and a versatile cut that you can pair with your favorite pair of jeans or shorts. When the weather cools at night, this lightweight top layer will offer just enough warmth. 

Nordstrom Marine Layer Double Cloth Cotton Maxi Dress

Herald the colors of summer with this dip-dyed, tiered maxi dress from Marine Layer. Made from a soft, textured, double-cloth cotton, it easily slips over the head with a roomy V-neck fit—and it even has side pockets. Also available at Nordstrom, Reformation’s Mireille Ruffle Puff Sleeve Dress offers the same summer-ready fabric with festive details like dainty ties and an ultra-soft viscose material.

J.Crew Airy Gauze Button-up Shirt

I love the versatility of this gauze button-up shirt from J. Crew. It has medium-length sleeves that offer some cover, plus a high-low hem that you can tuck into your jeans or wear loosely over your favorite pair of shorts. The oversized fit allows you to layer under it, and I’ve found it to be a great cover-up for the beach as well. 

Garnet Hill Easy Cotton Gauze Cover-up

Speaking of the beach, this versatile cover-up from Garnet Hill offers a stylish, A-line silhouette in the breezy, gauzy crinkle material that adds a little bit of flair to the look. Plus, it has a V-neck and relaxed fit that hangs just above the knee and ensures a flowy fit whether you’re at the beach or walking down the pier.

Quince 100% Organic Cotton Gauze Tiered Maxi Dress

Your perfect, airy summer dress has arrived with Quince’s tiered maxi dress. Made from organic cotton gauze, the lightweight material hangs as a flowy tiered bodice. It comes in pretty summer colors, including coral blush, vintage cream, and indigo blue. Pair it with your favorite sandals and jewelry to complete the look. 

DL 1961 Ilana Dress

This classic summer dress from DL 1961 is a favorite in my rotation of gauzy outfits. The loosely woven fabric provides an airy drape, and the detailed gold buttons and ankle-length make for a classic look anywhere you go. The collared neck also makes it the perfect option for a summer Friday look at the office. 

Peixoto Jesse Top

Perfect for a beach cover-up or a casual day outfit, the Jesse top from Peixoto offers all the summer vibes for your next great getaway, and I never leave home without it in my bag when I’m headed out on a warm-weather trip. The semi-sheer material promotes great ventilation, and a front tie detail that elevates the look. Pair it with the brand’s pull-on style matching Evy pants to complete the outfit.

Express High-waisted Striped Gauze Ankle Pant

If you’re looking for gauze pants with some flair, consider this black and white striped option from Express. The easy pull-on pants feature roomy pockets, a drawstring waist, and a classic pattern that pairs well with your favorite linen tank or equally breathable cotton T-shirt. 

Marie Oliver Maury Dress

The Maury Dress from Marie Oliver is my favorite crinkled style for summer, particularly when I have a packed travel schedule and little time to think too long about what I want to wear. The slip-on silhouette provides ultimate ease and comfort, and the waistband is designed to sit at your natural waist, giving it a more stylish, fitted look that makes it blend seamlessly from day to night. The periwinkle blue hue gets me excited to spend another summer by the Mediterranean, with water that nearly matches its gorgeous color. 

Goldie Lewinter Ruffle Sleeve Dress

Made from a Peruvian pima cotton fabric that feels like silk, this ruffle-sleeve dress from Goldie Lewinter has reignited my love for Goldie Lewinter’s incredibly soft, functional pieces. The scoop neckline and double-ruffle sleeves of this dress give a stylish upgrade to any summer wardrobe. The A-line silhouette is a flattering fit that will move with you without getting in the way, and best of all, you can grab it on sale now for 75 percent off. 

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