Summer outfits can be tricky to style at any age. It’s hot and humid, and sometimes the only solution seems to be a loose pair of shorts and a tank top. But don’t worry! There are ways to still stay true to your personal style, even when the sun is beating down. If you’re in a rut when it comes to styling summer outfits for over 60, the following post is full of tips and tricks to inspire your chic style this season.
1. striped tee + linen pants + denim jacket + sandals + woven bag
denim jacket | pants | t-shirt | sandals | bag | earrings
When you’re dressing for summer, light layers are key to staying comfortable as you move from activity to activity. As you move in and out of air conditioning, the temperature change could be drastic! You don’t want to be caught shivering inside, or melting as you’re walking outside. Light, breathable layers are the key to staying comfortable (and chic) all day long.
Are you searching for the perfect casual look comprised of classic pieces? This is a great place to start. First, reach for your favorite pair of white linen pants. Linen is airy, comfortable, and breathable fabric. It will give you the coverage that you might be looking for as an elegant older woman, without unnecessary bulk or stifling heat.
On top, reach for a striped tee to add a pattern to your ensemble. Then, layer a denim jacket. It will be easy to remove if you get too warm! Finally, accessorize with classic black sandals, a woven bag, and a pair of gold hoop earrings.
2. little black dress + white denim jacket + shoulder bag + sandals + hoops
dress | jacket | bag | sandals | earrings
No matter your age, you’ll want to have at least one little black dress in your closet. It’s an extremely versatile piece that you can style for everything from special occasions to casual days. If you want to wear it this summer, here’s what to pair with it for an elevated casual outfit.
First, start with a classic black tank dress. Next, on a white denim jacket. This color combination always looks elevated, even when it comes to laid-back looks. Then, finish your look with double-strap sandals, a minimalist shoulder bag, and gold hoop earrings.
3. white blouse + light-wash jeans + earrings + belt + flats + crossbody bag
blouse | jeans | flats | bag | belt | earrings
When you’re in doubt about how to start a summer outfit, I always recommend starting with a white shirt. There are so many different directions you can take a white button-down or a white blouse, and it will give you a starting point! Just as artists often start with a base wash on their canvas, a white shirt will move you past that moment of indecision.
If you’re meeting friends for lunch or doing a bit of shopping, try pairing a white blouse with light-wash jeans. Then, add a pair of woven leather flats. Accessorize with a suede belt for texture, a crossbody leather bag, and gold pearl earrings for the finishing touch.
4. white shirt + midi skirt + gold earrings + sunglasses + block heels
skirt | shirt | heels | sunglasses | earrings
When it’s just too hot for any kind of layers, you can’t go wrong with short-sleeve white blouses and midi skirts. This vintage-inspired look is perfectly in line with the style of Audrey Hepburn or Grace Kelly.
First, start the look off with a white blouse. The detail and small cap sleeve on this style make all the difference to elevate this piece beyond a simple white t-shirt. Next, add a polka dot long skirt for a playful, youthful touch that’s still classic. Keep your accessories minimal. A pair of block heels, gold earrings and sunglasses are perfect! This look is perfect for those who live in a very warm climate, and is ideal for every body type.
5. light sweater + shorts + gold earrings + sandals + watch
sweater | shorts | watch | sandals | earrings
If you prefer to have a good amount of coverage in your looks but still want to beat the heat, try a balanced look with shorts and a light sweater. This is also the perfect look for the evening or early mornings, before the temperature peaks for the day.
This pair of white shorts is ideal because of its longer inseam. These shorts are a great neutral for your capsule wardrobe, and they’re a classic style you’ll find yourself reaching for again and again. On top, add a light sweater. Choose a style that has more of an open-knit, as this will allow air to pass through and keep you from overheating.
As for accessories, you can’t go wrong with classic summer sandals. I love the double strap on this pair, and the thick sole. Accessorize with a classic gold watch and gold hoop earrings, and enjoy watching the sun set on a beautiful summer evening!
6. striped button-down + white shorts + belt + sneakers + crossbody bag
shirt | shorts | sneakers | bag | belt | earrings
A striped button-down is one of my favorite capsule wardrobe pieces for summer. If you’re looking to style an effortlessly chic look this season, this timeless piece is the perfect way to start your look. When paired with white shorts, you have a great go-to outfit base that can easily be dressed up or down depending on the occasion.
For an elevated outfit idea that fits right in with an East Coast, Ralph Lauren style aesthetic, accessorize with a thin brown belt, bright white sneakers, a simple leather crossbody bag, and gold earrings.
7. linen dress + navy cardigan + woven basket bag + sandals
linen dress | sandals | basket tote | sweater
Try styling a monochromatic look in varying shades of blue for another easy, go-to outfit formula. Navy pairs beautifully with French blue, and this linen dress and cardigan combination is great for a lunch or dinner date. If you love styling looks using a minimalist wardrobe, don’t worry about going overboard with your accessories. Keep the attention on your chic outfit with a pair of brown leather sandals (the ankle strap gives you extra support and comfort) and a woven tote bag.
8. chambray shirt + white tank + linen pants + metallic sandals + woven bag
shirt | tank top | linen pants | sandals | bag
As I’ve mentioned, light layers are key if you prefer to still keep the majority of yourself covered, even in the summer months. For this time of year, breezy, key pieces in a lighter color will help keep you cool. Try styling white linen pants with a white tank, a chambray button-down, and metallic accessories that are effortless, elegant, and easy to wear all summer long.
9. white blouse + floral midi skirt + belt + metallic sandals
Of course, not everyone is a big fan of neutral colors. If you prefer to incorporate different shades into your summer wardrobe, this next look is for you. Don’t be afraid to add a bold pop of color to your outfit! When bright colors are used sparingly, you can create stunning looks that are beautiful and bold, but also don’t overwhelm you or look too flashy.
Start your look with a floral maxi skirt. This style of skirt doesn’t cause you to overheat, but can be very flattering for older women who wish to cover their legs. Even if you don’t mind wearing shorts, long skirts can be very comfortable and breathable in the hottest months of the year!
On top, reach for your favorite white blouse. Once again, the little details set this style apart and add interest to the otherwise simple wardrobe staple. If you want to highlight your waist, try adding a white belt. This will flatter your natural body shape for an hourglass effect.
Finally, add a pair of fun metallic heels. Gold is still neutral here, but it does contribute to a fun, interesting look overall!
10. striped sweater + white jeans + earrings + flats + woven bag
jeans | bag | sweater | flats | earrings
White jeans are another great capsule wardrobe staple to have handy in your summer wardrobe. The bright denim is ideal for warmer temperatures, and provides great contrast to darker colors on top – like navy. For this easy but chic summer outfit formula, pair white jeans with a striped navy and white sweater. This look is French-inspired mixed with the relaxed, effortless aesthetic of the East Coast. I own this rollneck sweater from J.Crew myself, and can testify that I wore it all the time with jeans, skirts, and shorts last year.
For your accessories, lean into seasonal accessories like a woven bag, flats, and chunky gold earrings. You’ll have a go-to look that you can wear for a dependably chic look from spring through early fall.
11. shirt dress + striped sweater + red flats + pearl earrings + woven bag
dress | shoes | pearls | sweater | bag
No capsule wardrobe for summer is complete without a stylish white dress! If you want to go for the most versatile option, go for a midi dress. This style is easiest to dress up or down, and looks great with a variety of different shoe types. It’s also fitting for a wide variety of occasions, and easy to throw on for a number of different settings. I love the shirtdress style, because the button details and collar make it appropriate for business casual looks as well.
If you want to add fun accessories to spice up this look, try a pair of cherry red ballet flats. Then, tie a striped sweater over your shoulders in case it gets cold later on. Finally, accessorize with classic pearl stud earrings and a woven tote bag.
12. jacket + tank top + linen pants + straw hat + sunglasses + sandals
jacket | pants | tank top | sandals | bracelet | sunglasses | hat
You can still style your smart jackets when it comes to summer outfits for over 60! A light jacket is the perfect piece to tie your outfit together and make it look more cohesive. Underneath, keep things light with a simple white t-shirt or tank top. Then, add a pair of comfortable linen pants. A monochromatic color palette in cream, tan, and white makes this ensemble look more elevated.
Accessorize with textured pieces like a straw bucket hat, woven and leather sandals, a pearl bracelet, and sunglasses.
13. gingham button-down + black trousers + watch + pearl earrings + work tote + loafers
shirt | trousers | loafers | tote bag | watch | earrings
Need office-appropriate summer outfits for over 60? Start with a pair of black trousers. Because of the looser silhouette, they’ll help keep you cool in the warmer months. On top, try a gingham shirt for classic looks. Then, accessorize with loafers, a leather work tote, pearl stud earrings, and a gold bracelet watch.
Chic Looks All Summer Long
Summer doesn’t have to mean the end of elegant, classic looks! The change of seasons is a new opportunity for a mindset and wardrobe refresh. It’s the perfect time to get creative and rediscover your sense of style with a few new challenges mixed in. With the right inspiration to help get you started, you’ll be excited about summer dressing again in no time.
Ready for more outfits over 50? Up Next: A Classic Summer Capsule Wardrobe for Women Over 50
I enjoyed the post , so good to get advise for an older women . Like the outfits some of them i already own thankyou .
So glad this was helpful!