13 outfit ideas for all summer long
Summer has arrived. Sunshine, beach time, and plenty of good food. Looking stylish in the heat is a fun challenge. I’m always looking for inspiration for new outfits to try. Here I wanted to show my favorite ideas for summer outfits for women over 50.
I love picking up fruit and vegetables now when they taste the best. Gazpacho anyone?
On the way home, I like to stop for a coffee and some people-watching. Beige is one of the summer’s biggest trends, so here I picket an adorable beige midi skirt. I like to match it with a white short-sleeved shirt. Very Audrey Hepburn.
Or go for a black top
If white is too fragile for your errands, I would choose a 3/4 sleeve top for that elegant look we are always striving toward in our 50s. Bring on the holiday feeling with a straw bag and a pair of espadrilles.
Summer is the time to do a bit of traveling and catch up on new exhibitions.
White jeans with a printed top are one of my all-time favorite outfit combinations, it looks both fun and chic. Since museums can be pretty cold, even in the summertime, I would bring a cardigan.
White denim looks great in the summertime
Don’t think you are too old for white denim, they look good regardless of your age. Even a 90-year-old would kill it in this outfit.
Another great summer activity is to try new restaurants. The perfect outfit for an indulgent al fresco dinner is a nice printed skirt, either maxi length or midi length. Find one in your favorite color. Match it with a white shirt for that crisp fresh look that just screams summer.
I love a sleeveless shirt like the one in the picture, but choose one with sleeves if you want to be more covered up.
A leather jacket
Black can wash us out as we grow older. So I recommend getting a leather jacket in a flattering shade, such as cream. You are also never too old to wear a leather jacket. You just need a one in a softer color. 😉
When you are wondering about the best summer outfits for women over 50, don’t underestimate the power of mixing black and navy. Combining these two colors gives you that French chic feeling.
Just add silk
If a silk camisole feels too revealing (even after you added the cardigan), I recommend buying a silk T-shirt. A silk T-shirt is an easy way to dress up for more casual events such as an outdoor concert. I love to layer a gold necklace over my silk T-shirt.
For more French-inspired stylish outfits, check out my article on How to dress like a French woman over 50.
Getting together with family and relatives and lighting up the BBQ is one of my favorite summer activities. Here I took some inspiration from one of the best actors, Kristin Scott Thomas, to create an epic moment of summer essence. (Don’t forget to re-watch her movies this summer.)
Go for earthy tones
Earthy tones look great for summer, and for women over 50, so I chose a brown knitted polo shirt and a ridiculously yummy cardigan. Just add a metallic bag for that trendy and timeless feeling.
I also especially love the chunky gold necklace she is wearing in the picture. It is a great way to dress up your earth-colored outfit.
Being comfortable is key when I travel. But if you want to look more elegant (and who doesn’t?) I recommend a longer skirt. A brown skirt combined with white sneakers and a white T-shirt looks both polished and casual, perfect for train rides or catching a flight.
Add a wrap cardigan
A wrap cardigan is just lovely and will keep you warm in any blasting air condition.
Looking good for a date is often one of the biggest challenges when it comes to getting dressed. My solution is to wear something red. Men love red. It is a cliché because it works.
If red feels too much for you, I would try burgundy or a red scarf, or a red necklace.
Wear something red
But don’t shy away from red. It actually looks better the older you get. The easiest way to wear red is with a black asymmetric skirt.
Summer is the season for many party invitations. So there is always the question of what to wear. May I present my idea? Lose-fitting linen pants in a nice color, combined with a printed cotton blouse.
Cute sandals and a light-colored tweed jacket make you dressed up enough for most parties.
Wear a printed top
People generally don’t notice your pants as much when you wear an eye-catching top. But the nicer the occasion, the nicer the pants should be the formula here.
Organize a festive picnic with all your loved ones. Keep your outfit both cute and casual by combining a colorful tank top with a printed skirt. Choose your favorite color.
Keep it colorful
Cover up from the sun with the help of a linen shirt. A white linen shirt is also a good way to tone down the outfit if you feel uncomfortable with this much color.
Having that said, summer is the season to embrace color.
If you have an important meeting, I recommend picking a pair of serious pants in a nice light color (since it is summer.) This is another opportunity to wear a simple white T-shirt. A fitted cardigan in a light color finish of the look.
Great pants
I know the struggle to find a good pair of pants. But when you do find them, you are set for years. They are worth the search. I think they look the best with casual items such as T-shirts and cardigans.
Trying out a new brunch spot is a great opportunity to embrace a couple of summer trends. Having great style is all about keeping that balance between classic style and adding a couple of modern pieces.
Try something asymmetrical
Here we are stepping up our game by wearing a metallic asymmetrical skirt. You will absolutely get compliments from everyone. Another trick to look more put together is to wear a body, it just looks smoother.
Keep an eye on the trends
Take this outfit in a fashion-forward direction by adding chunky sandals and big sunglasses. If you need even more inspiration, read my article Summer capsule wardrobe for women over 50, Summer 2023.
Spending time by the beach (but not necessarily on the beach) is one of my favorite activities. Go for a long walk and enjoy the salty air. Dressed in a striped top and a cotton skirt, you will look classic and age-appropriate (if there is such a thing.)
Wear a peasant blouse
Another good idea when you are wondering about the best summer outfits for women over 50, is wearing a romantic peasant blouse. I have loved them since I was 5; they truly have no age.
The one in my collage is particularly good; it’s both romantic and grown up. You can also find great ones at vintage stores since this kind of blouse has been around since the 70s.
I wouldn’t say no to Wimbledon tickets. Wondering what to wear? It’s always a good idea to cover up with a nice big striped shirt. You will get that sporty tomboy look.
Dress pants and brown accessories look sharp and are some of the best things for women over 50.
A final note on Summer outfits for women over 50
Now is the time to point out that whatever you feel happy and comfortable in is a good outfit for a woman over 50. Fashion has no age. It is about expressing our personality. Don’t shy away from your former favorites, such as jeans, military jackets, and miniskirts just because of your age. Wear whatever makes you feel like yourself.
Moa Ailert is the founder and editor-in-chief of Her Brilliant Friend.
She has a bachelor’s degree in philosophy and plenty of insight into human psychology from traveling and living in different places around the world.
Moa is currently based in Portugal where she has a guesthouse; Villa dos Irmaos.
She has various websites, among others Ericeira Insider, but Her brilliant friend is her true passion project.
