Regardless of our age, dressing for warm weather can present some unique challenges compared to colder temperatures. If you prefer a sophisticated look, it can be challenging to work with less fabric and fewer layers. Women over 50 often lean toward polished, classic looks and find it challenging to navigate the short shorts and cropped tops that make their yearly appearance when the temperatures heat up. But don’t worry, there is hope! You can still get the look you’re going for this year with the help of a few go-to outfit formulas. Keep reading for 9 looks that will help inspire your summertime women’s fashion over 50.
1. linen shirt + light pants + gold jewelry + leather tote bag
button-down | flats | jeans | earrings | bracelet | tote bag
Linen might just be your best investment for summertime looks over 50. If you prefer full coverage, even during the warmest months of the year, linen will save the day. It’s a fabric that’s light, breathable, and won’t cause you to overheat. Adapt your favorite cold-weather wardrobe staple for summer looks by swapping it out for a 100% linen version. Button-up shirts are the perfect example! If a button-down shirt is part of your core personal style, don’t feel like you have to give it up in the warmer months. This linen button-down from Everlane will still give you that look of timeless elegance you’re going for, in a more seasonally appropriate way.
Light colors help keep you cooler when the sun is blazing overhead, so reach for a pair of light-colored denim to go with your top! Then, go for a pair of woven Mary Jane flats – these will give you good airflow, while still looking chic. Finish your look with minimalist, but polished gold jewelry along with a leather tote bag.
2. linen blazer + striped tee + shorts + watch + belt + ballet flats
blazer | t-shirt | shorts | flats | watch | belt
Yes, it is possible to layer with jackets in the summertime! The right fabric is key here. We’re back to linen with this oversized blazer from J.Crew. This piece is light and breathable, which makes it possible to wear even when temperatures are soaring.
Underneath, keep your layers light. A short-sleeved white t-shirt is perfect, along with a pair of tailored trouser shorts. The slightly longer length and front pleats give these shorts an elevated appearance. Then, go for a thin black belt. This will help to draw attention to the narrowest part of your waist and highlight your body’s natural curves. If you feel any hesitation about your changing body in the summer, a belt will help to give you a boost of confidence with a flattering look.
Finish your look with a pair of feminine ballet flats and a gold bracelet watch. If you’re headed to tea or somewhere nice for lunch, this is the perfect go-to outfit formula to save for women’s fashion over 50.
3. tunic dress + sunglasses + necklace + straw bag + gold sandals
dress | sandals | bag | necklace | sunglasses
If your personal style leans more toward a relaxed, yet elegant look, you’ll love a linen shirtdress. With long sleeves and a midi length, it gives you great coverage while still being appropriate for warm weather. Whether you’re running errands or relaxing at home, this is a great summer dress to throw on in the morning and be ready for wherever your day takes you.
Depending on the occasion, you can dress this piece up or down with ease. If you’re headed to brunch with friends, have fun with your accessories. Add a gold pair of sandals to the mix for an eye-catching statement. They’ll pair perfectly with a chunky gold pendant necklace. Next, add texture to your look with a straw bag. Finish your look with a pair of tortoiseshell sunglasses.
4. white blouse + linen pants + sunglasses + straw hat + sandals
blouse | pants | sandals | bag | sunglasses | hat
Tonal outfits are always a good idea if you’re going for a slimming look. A monochromatic color scheme will make you appear taller and more slender because there is an uninterrupted visual line extending vertically down your body. Plus, tonal looks always make it appear like you put more thought into your outfit than you actually did! Monochromatic outfits are one of my favorite fashion tricks to always look polished and put together.
An all-white outfit is perfect for a day spent out in the sun. Reflect the sun’s rays in style while wearing a white blouse and white linen trousers. Next, add in your seasonal accessories. Raffia and straw are perfect for warm-weather looks. Finally, finish the ensemble with a straw hat – it’s a chic statement piece that also gives you added protection from the sun!
5. linen top + navy pants + gold earrings + straw bag + sandals
linen top | pants | sandals | bag | earrings
If you tend to favor short sleeves in the summertime, this next look is for you. First, start with a linen or cotton shirt in white. This is the perfect capsule wardrobe staple that will pair with any number of bottoms, from linen pants to skirts to the perfect pair of jeans. When it comes to versatile pieces like this one, it can be worth investing in higher-quality items to ensure they’ll last for years to come.
Style a casual look with a boatneck linen top paired with navy linen pants. This combination will outlast any trend, and is an outfit formula that will look great for many summers to come. Plus, these linen pants feature a drawstring waistband, which is especially comfortable and flattering for every body shape.
When it comes to your accessories, think classic pieces. A straw tote bag, leather sandals, and a pair of gold stud earrings fit the bill.
6. short-sleeved button-down + midi skirt + gold jewelry + fisherman sandals
shirt | skirt | sandals | earrings | watch
Do you prefer a feminine touch to your summer looks? You can still get a classy, feminine vibe in the summertime with the right pieces. One of the first picks I recommend is a white maxi or midi skirt. This style of skirt will look great for both special occasions and everyday wear. It’s also extremely comfortable and breathable in high temperatures. A long white skirt is the perfect level up from the mini skirt that many of us loved as young women (Although if you still love a mini skirt, keep wearing it! Great fashion is all about confidence and embracing your personal tastes).
On top, go for a classic navy button-down. The darker color will provide great contrast against the white of your skirt. Next, incorporate a new texture into your look with suede or leather sandals. A gold watch and a pair of simple hoop earrings complete the look.
7. striped t-shirt + white jeans + sunglasses + sneakers + canvas tote bag
t-shirt | jeans | sneakers | tote bag | sunglasses | necklace
When you’re running around checking errands off your list, or maybe heading to a farmer’s market or sporting event, you’ll want an outfit that’s casual and comfortable. However, that doesn’t mean you also can’t look chic! This look is inspired by the easy, breezy nautical aesthetic.
First, start with a nautical aesthetic essential – stripes. You can’t go wrong with black, red or navy! Then, add a pair of quality white denim – these Mid-Way jeans from Everlane are perfect. If you’re going for a polished look, prioritize jeans that have no holes, rips, or other embellishments. Next, add a pair of comfortable white sneakers – they’re truly the shoe that goes with nearly any outfit.
8. shirtdress + loafers + crossbody bag + hoop earrings
shirtdress | earrings | necklace | loafers | bag
I love a shirtdress because of how easy it is to style. You can dress it up for work, date night, or cocktail hour. On the flip side, you can also dress it down for a walk through the park, visiting your local garden center, or a picnic. No matter how you choose to wear it, it’s a timeless staple piece that fits right in with a summer capsule wardrobe for women over 50.
If you want to elevate your shirtdress, try choosing heels, loafers, or ballet flats. These tend to look more polished than sandals. Then, go for a structured bag – this crossbody box-style bag from Quince is perfect. Finish your look with minimalist, yet classy jewelry, like a pendant necklace and thin gold hoops.
9. light sweater + white shorts + gold jewelry + fisherman sandals + straw bag
sweater | shorts | sandals | earrings | necklace | bag
For those women who live in a cooler climate, you might be wearing sweaters all the way through the summer! If you’re dressing for a chilly morning or evening, go for a light cardigan or pullover sweater. Then, you might want to balance your warmer top with a pair of tailored shorts. Accessorize with fisherman sandals (the number of straps makes them easier to walk in), a straw tote bag, and gold jewelry.
Ready, Set, Summer
Summer will be here before we can say “go“, and these outfit formulas will give you a great base for chic warm weather style. And the best part is, these are just the blueprint. You can make swaps as necessary so that the outfit still feels like you and fits your personal style. There’s no need to fear summer looks if you prefer a classic look, and these outfits hopefully proved that to you!
Ready for more tips to strengthen your summer style foundation over 50? Up Next: A Classic Summer Capsule Wardrobe for Women Over 50
