Summer is the season of bold prints, effortless layering, and statement pieces, but some occasions are harder to style for than others when you want to stay sun safe. That's why we asked the POPSUGAR audience which looks give them the most trouble, and they gave us three clear answers: long festival days, outdoor workouts and classic backyard barbecues. Georgia and Eden took on the challenge, teaming up with expert stylist Amanda Bardas to tackle the summer outfits that audiences said are hardest to get right.
Georgia was craving a wardrobe refresh, admitting she'd been in a bit of a style rut, while Eden felt it was the perfect season to be bold with colour and playful prints. Together, they worked through each of the occasions our audience highlighted, showing how festival weekends, backyard barbecues, and busy Saturday mornings can be styled to highlight natural features while staying sun safe.
With Amanda guiding the session, every outfit was carefully considered, from lightweight, breathable fabrics that keep you cool, to broad-brimmed hats, covered shoulders, and sunglasses that make sun protection feel effortless.
Festival-Ready and Sun Safe
Amanda started with festival outfits that let the girls' personalities shine. Eden immediately fell for a dolphin-print shirt, while Georgia tried on a broad-brimmed hat, with Amanda explaining that the most important element is covering the face. Lightweight fabrics kept them cool, and careful layering ensured shoulders and knees were protected. Amanda also demonstrated how mixing textures and patterns in similar tones can keep festival looks playful without feeling chaotic. By the end of the session, both were festival-ready, stylish, and sun safe.
Weekend Barbecue Style That Works
Next up were weekend barbecue looks. Eden's outfit highlighted the natural tones of her eyes and skin, while Georgia's warm-toned look made her glow. Amanda showed that choosing colours that complement your natural skin tone instantly makes your features stand out, proving that even casual summer outfits can feel polished. Lightweight, breathable fabrics kept them comfortable outdoors, while hats, sunglasses, and layered pieces ensured sun protection didn't compromise style. Georgia said, "I'm kind of obsessed with it! I feel ready," after Amanda gave the look her approval.
Saturday Morning Athleisure Made Practical
The final styling round focused on versatile Saturday morning athleisure, from early walks with friends to Pilates classes. Amanda curated pieces that were colourful, comfortable, and fully sun safe. Eden's look featured pops of bright shades, while Georgia's warm, cohesive palette enhanced her natural skin tone. Accessories like broad-brimmed hats, sunglasses, and oversized totes tied the outfits together while providing UV protection, showing that even everyday casual or activewear can feel intentionally styled with coordinating colours and well-chosen accessories. Lightweight, breathable fabrics kept the looks practical for movement, proving sun-safe doesn't have to mean boring. "80% of visible ageing is caused by sun exposure," Amanda reminded Eden as they completed her look.
By the end of the session, Amanda summed it up with "Now your natural features are the highlight, and you're perfectly sun safe." Eden agreed, "And I feel like this is how we'll be styling every summer from now on."
One thing's for sure, this expert styling session proved that sun protection and style don't have to compete. Thoughtful outfit choices, strategic layering, and the right accessories mean you can look and feel your best while keeping your skin safe. By embracing Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek, and Slide (slipping on clothing that covers, slopping on sunscreen, slapping on a wide-brimmed hat, seeking shade, and sliding on sunglasses) you can protect your skin without compromising on style. Instead of chasing a sun tan, embrace your natural beauty and let your wardrobe do the talking.
Watch the full video below and get inspired.