It may seem counterintuitive, but one of my favorite looks this time of year is a lightweight sweater and shorts. When we spent a month in La Jolla, California last August where mornings are cool and afternoons warm up, I developed an appreciation for lightweight summer sweaters I could slip on and off throughout the day.

A sweater with shorts is just as practical from late spring to early fall on the east coast, whether for comfort in the A/C, nights out once the sun goes down, or evenings at the beach.

See below for a summer sweater and shorts outfit to try this season, plus a selection of lightweight sweaters and shorts to pair that add just the right mix of warmth and style.

The key to making this combo practical in the warm seasons is all about the fabrication and style of the sweater. The J.Crew short sleeve crewneck sweater I’m wearing is cashmere, which is breathable and light, and I love that it’s available in more bright colors that fit the season.

Outfit Details: J.Crew Sweater, Rebecca Taylor Shorts, Nine West Sandals (sold out, similar here), Celine Belt Bag

I paired it with these comfy high-waisted shorts and block heeled sandals for a dressier summer outfit.

For a relaxed, weekend-ready sweater and shorts outfit you could swap in a pair of high rise denim shorts (AGOLDE cutoffs are one of my summer essentials) and flat sandals.

Lightweight Sweaters

When browsing for lightweight sweaters, cardigan sweaters, knit tank tops, and long sleeve pullovers to pair with shorts keep an eye out for breathable fabrics like cotton, cotton blends, cashmere, rayon, linen, and bamboo.

Loose knits like crochet will allow air to flow through (if you can see through it when you hold it up, that’s a good indicator it will be breathable enough for the summer heat). Also, just a note—you can carry the sweater shorts combination into early fall by swapping in block heel booties.