As summer’s song swans, here’s a little inspiration for looking cute when going out, while still keeping yourself at more of a glisten than a full-on sweat. All of these outfits will work well into fall, especially with a denim jacket tossed over your shoulders.

These three outfits are from my birthday, at the end of July. I turned 41 this year and was lucky enough to celebrate for an entire weekend!

First up, here’s my ubiquitous maxidress. My beautiful sister-in-law Sarah rocks a maxi–she says it’s like wearing a nightgown in public, while feeling dressed up–so I felt inspired to give it a try. I found this grey heathered cottony number at my local Ross.

Dress, Ross; sandals, Aerosoles; earrings, Marshall's, I think

I love how it feels both dressy and casual, depending on how I accessorize. Here, I wore it to the art museum with my guys. I kept my accessories simple, just earrings and my once-coveted leopard-print sliver wedges from Aerosoles.

Aerosoles sandals: vegan! comfy! adorable!

When I got chilly in the museum I added a chambray shirt with the sleeves rolled up, tied around the waist. (A great addition for fall weather, too!)

Later that night, I got together with my girlfriends for drinks and to watch a bout of the Big Easy Rollergirls. (They won!) I wanted to feel a little rock-and-roll but still cute for cocktails.

Earrings, Burlington Coat Factory; top, Buffalo Exchange; jeans, Marshall's; sandals, thrifted; clutch, TJ Maxx

Skinny jeans rolled up a few inches, a slouchy tank with sequins along the bottom, and cool accessories felt right: earrings that brushed my shoulder, sexy but still low-heeled shoes, and this great studded purse.

I did up my makeup, too, with big black eyeliner wings and glittery red lips, and pumped up my hair. I had a great time, especially when we ran down to the floor during halftime to dance!

The next night, my husband and I went out to dinner, so I wanted to look a bit classy.

Dress, Trashy Diva; platforms, Very Volatile; clutch, TJ Maxx; earrings, made by friend

I wore my Trashy Diva halter dress, Very Volatile patterned wedges (surprisingly comfortable because of the platform and padded insole), and these amazing clip-on earrings a friend made years and years ago. The studded purse made its second appearance. I love that thing.

We hit this crazy vegan Korean barbeque place, Wandering Buddha, that’s literally in the back of a dive bar–to say I was overdressed is a big understatement. But the food was amazing, I felt pretty, and my husband told me I looked great. So, success!

I think the trick to dressing up when it’s hot is in the accessories. Great shoes and a bit of glitz go a long way. Showing some skin–even if it’s just arms, shoulders, or a bit of leg–helps me feel more cool and comfortable. Add a dab of perfume (or glitter!) and I feel transformed.

What do you like to wear for dressing up when it’s hot & sticky (and/or overly airconditioned)?