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Summer can be one of the hardest seasons to dress for, especially if you live in a hot climate with a capital H. You want to look chic, yet you know you would suffocate in .2 seconds should you walk outside in a classy sweater. Then, when you account for your age and desire to look timeless, you feel lost when shopping. As a mature woman, you are not into the warm-weather fashion trends of today and are deflated by seeing short shorts, crop tops, and cutouts everywhere you turn. Though a hot, weather-appropriate, classy wardrobe for women over 50 sounds like a tall order, you’ll find what you need to start looking your best this season!
First things first:
This capsule wardrobe does not have cutouts, crop tops, ripped or booty shorts. (I am not telling women how to dress; it’s just that most women over 50 do not want to wear these.)
Taking into account my friends who live in more of a tropical climate, it also does not have heavy fabrics or too many layers either. But you know I have to add at least one blazer. 🙂
It does have neutral colors, timeless pieces, and mature-friendly silhouettes! And though I am not 50, this is how I would dress.
And though my picks are neutral because I think that’s the best way to build a wardrobe, most of these items come in different colors, as I understand it can be fun to wear some bright colors this season!
You can recreate this summer capsule wardrobe by shopping at your favorite retailer. As always, even if you don’t get these exact pieces, you can still copy the style and essence of these looks.
Before building a summer capsule wardrobe for women over 50, it’s important to know your personal style and body type first. I have a resource that will help you uncover all of this and more!
Okay, let’s get into it.
TOPS
Striped T-Shirt– A great place to wear this shirt is everywhere. Any classic wardrobe needs a striped shirt! And if it’s too warm for you to wear your Breton top, then a striped T-shirt is the next best thing. Wear with virtually anything in your wardrobe, from linen shorts to flowy midi skirts.
Linen Button-Down– Linen is one of the best materials for summer because it’s comfortable, breathable, and regulates heat. So, make it linen if you want to wear a classy button-down shirt this summer. This wardrobe workhorse will easily become your favorite as you can wear it tucked into skirts, worn with shorts, layered open over a dress, or even used as a swimsuit coverup.
Tank Top– With thick straps, this tank top beats the heat without leaving you feeling too exposed. It’s simple, but it exudes class with its subtle ribbed detailing. The lightweight material makes it layering-friendly if you want to style it under a linen button-down, but it would also look effortlessly chic tucked into high-waisted shorts. There are so many different ways to wear this staple!
Sleeveless Blouse– A sleeveless blouse is perfect for hot days when you still need (or want) to look dressy. A blouse in silk (or a less expensive alternative- viscose) drapes well and feels cool. A top like this instantly dresses up your outfit.
Blue Striped Button-Down– Nautical-inspired, a blue striped button-down is a summer must-have. The light color is so fresh and beachy and instantly makes you think of summer when you wear it. Like the linen button-down, it’s a wardrobe workhorse with infinite styling possibilities.
Neutral T-Shirts– Though they’re not the most expensive-looking pick, they’ll be invaluable to your wardrobe, especially a white T-shirt. To strike a balance between casual chic, pair your basic t-shirt with a midi skirt, or if paired with shorts, don’t forget to accessorize with your favorite gold or silver pendant necklaces.
Popover Top– The easy silhouette and gauzy material make it the perfect thing to “pop over” any bottoms. A slight v-neck makes this more breathable, plus the relaxed material means it can be dressed up or down.
White Blouse– Every summer wardrobe could benefit from a white blouse, and a peasant or smocked top is a good choice. Flattering, flowy, and airy, this style will look great on you and feel good to wear. Pair with linen pants for a look that reads sweet yet casual.
Linen Blazer– An extra layer may be out of the question for those in the southern states, but if you get only one outerwear pick this season, let it be a linen blazer. You can wear this over your striped t-shirt for an effortlessly chic look. Plus, it has the power to dress up even your most basic tank top or t-shirt. A denim jacket could be a more casual alternative if your weather allows it!
Optional: If you are comfortable with skin exposure, you could add a cami to your wardrobe.
BOTTOMS
Linen Pull-On Pants: This style is everything you want in a pant: comfortable to wear, easy to slip on, versatile to match, and yet lightweight enough for the heat. Whether you’ve got a long flight or book club meeting, these can be worn out and about, on vacation, or even around the house.
Linen Pleated Pants– The same breathability as linen pull-on-pants, slightly more elevated. These high-waisted linen pants feature a wide-leg (for breeze) and a flattering drape. They’re breathable and light and are the perfect alternative to denim, looking just as put-together – if not more so.
Midi (or Maxi) Skirt- A flowy midi skirt is feminine and classic, allowing you to copy all your favorite vintage looks. On the days when you want to look pulled together but still stay comfortable, reach for a pull-on cotton skirt. You’ll instantly look classy without sacrificing comfort.
White Jeans– Cool summer days were made for white pants or crisp white jeans. They instantly add a fresh look to all your tops, too. Perfect for everyday wear or vacations! These can help you create those beachy, breezy looks too. The perfect jeans are usually mid to high-rise and have slim/straight legs.
Linen Shorts– These incredibly versatile and incredibly comfy (per reviews) shorts can be worn in myriad ways, depending on how you style them. Whether you pair them with flip-flops for the beach or espadrilles for dinner, you are guaranteed to look simply stylish!
Cropped Wide-Leg Pants– These pants feel like PJs but look anything but. A roomier silhouette than the pull-on linen pants and a more comfortable fit than the high-waisted pleated pants, these pants fill in the gaps in your summer wardrobe.
High-Waist Tailored Shorts– Though these look fancy, they are made from stretchy Italian linen and are roomy throughout the legs. The comfort and versatility mixed with the classy silhouette means there will be a go-to pick all summer for all your timeless looks.
Light Wash Jeans– Though jeans may not be your first choice this summer when you do reach for jeans, reach for white or this light-washed hue. This vintage sunbleached color is the perfect shade for summer, and no matter the season, jeans are the foundation of every wardrobe.
DRESSES
Caftan– The beauty of a caftan is not that it’s comfortable (though it is) but that it is incredibly versatile, working as beachwear, workwear, and loungewear. This pick features an adjustable waist tie, which solves the problem that some caftans can be shapeless and unflattering.
Tank Dress– For lounging around at home or heading to a grandkid’s sporting event, a tank dress belongs in your wardrobe for casual days. Pair it with sneakers, an open button-down, and sunglasses to complete the look. Though to dress it up, you can add shape with a belt or add structure with a blazer and head out to dinner!
Midi or Maxi Dress– Longer dresses are feminine and nice to wear in the cooler mornings or evenings when it feels too cool or cloudy to expose many legs. Or they can be a great option if you are not short but still want an option that doesn’t leave you feeling overheated.
White Wrap Dress– A white dress is the equivalent of the timeless LBD (little black dress) and gets even more classic in a wrap style. Whether for church, vacations, or grabbing lunch with your friends, this little number will be the perfect thing to throw to look summer chic.
Shirt Dress– This “utility” style will work for various occasions. Plus, buttons add to the versatility because you can wear it buttoned-up as a dress and wear it open over shorts for an extra light layer.
Linen Dress– It’s not summer without some easy, breezy dresses you can throw on, and a flowy linen dress does not disappoint. Pair with your favorite accessories and call it a day!
SHOES
Lace-up Sandals– An elevated staple, these shoes are still versatile and stylish. They’re a slightly new look and are a step up (pun intended) from your everyday sandals.
Espadrille Flats– To get the look of espadrilles without the height of wedges, opt for espadrille flats instead. Easy to slip on and comfortable, these can be worn for all your summer activities this season.
White Sneakers– For errands, traveling, sightseeing, going to the farmer’s market, or shopping, white sneakers are the go-to these summer months when you need a fresh pair of comfy shoes.
Brown & Black Leather Sandals– If you want shoes that match many different outfits, get a style like these. A classic pair of brown & black leather sandals will match all your outfits, stand the test of time, and add a classic element to every outfit. Neutral sandals are an easy way to finish getting dressed if you don’t know what to wear.
Mule Slides– Slip on a pair of mule slides with a block heel for date nights, weddings, work, or other special occasions when you need a little oomph. Chic yet still walkable!
ACCESSORIES
Sunglasses– Sunglasses are one of those overlooked wardrobe essentials. It’s not summer without sunglasses! Throw these on before heading out the door for the ultimate chic summer vibes.
Straw Hat– From shielding your face in the backyard while you sip a drink on the patio to keeping your eyes shielded as you stroll on vacation, a straw hat is a practical must-have that adds style to your outfit!
Straw Tote Bag– A straw bag is the perfect summer accessory, and choosing one that could work as a purse and for the beach is not a bad thing.
Crossbody Satchel Bag– This is perfect for summer as it strikes the right notes between classy yet summer-appropriate.
Gold/Silver Hoops & Pendant Necklace– These simple jewelry pieces could be all you need this summer. Subtle and simple, they can complement all clothing pieces and make your outfit feel complete and elevated!
Now that you’ve got a good list of what to have in a classy summer capsule wardrobe for over 50, below you’ll find outfit ideas of how to style the items, too!
You’ve got plenty of outfit ideas, but if you want even more tips on how to mix and match your capsule wardrobe, here you go.
It’s kind of like getting your hair done at the hairdresser – you always feel like it’s harder to copy unless you know exactly what they did!
How to Mix and Match Your Capsule Wardrobe
You’ve established your capsule wardrobe pieces, chosen a color palette, kept prints limited, and put an emphasis on lightweight and breathable materials. You have your variety of tops and bottoms, now let’s mix and match!
- Mix and Match: Once you have your summer capsule wardrobe, you can begin to mix and match the pieces. Pair basic t-shirts with floral skirts or striped shorts. Dress up your jeans with a stylish blouse.
- Add in Accessories: Remember that accessories are a great way to dress up or change the look of an outfit. Invest in some good summer hats, scarves, necklaces, or a fun pair of sandals.
- Layer for Even More Outfit Options: Even in the summer, it’s a good idea to include a couple of layers like a light cardigan or a denim jacket in case of cool nights. These pieces will also add more mix and match possibilities to your summer capsule.
- Don’t Forget Swimwear: If you spend time at the pool or beach in the summer, a good piece of swimwear is a must. A stylish cover-up that could potentially double as a top is an even better idea!
- Shoes and Bags: A neutral bag and pair of shoes can be worn with a wide range of outfits, further enhancing your capsule’s mix-and-match possibilities.
- Just Start Styling: Once you’ve mixed and matched styles, colors, and occasions, get even more outfit ideas by having a “styling sesh” in your wardrobe – you never know what you’ll come up with!
The key to a good summer capsule wardrobe is versatility, and don’t be afraid to add a pop of color or pattern. As long as all pieces complement each other, the options for mixing and matching will be endless.
There are no hard and fast rules to summer fashion. Not only do you have to account for your body shape and personal comfort, but you also have to consider your weather and travel plans.
But the beauty of creating your own summer capsule wardrobe using the pieces in this post means you have the building blocks to create your great style, which I know you have!
How to Get the Most Out of Your Summer Capsule Wardrobe for Over 50s
With the winter season of 2023 behind us, it might seem early to start considering your outfits for summer, but you might find it more effective to know what to get ahead of time.
Planning your outfits is about more than just finding clothes to keep you cool in the heat. Your summer capsule wardrobe needs to be tailored to your specific needs and can even be designed to match aspects of your body that can’t be changed (like skin tone).
Creating your summer capsule in advance can help you identify the best accessories and outfits to invest in when the summer shopping season begins and how to implement old ones into a revitalized wardrobe.
Here are some additional tips to get the most out of your summer wardrobe:
- Define Your Style: Consider what suits your personality and body shape. At this age, comfort can take precedence, but it does not mean compromising style. Go for classic cuts, neutral colors, and ageless patterns. Need additional help? I have this resource for you!
- Pick Quality Basics: Choose pieces like plain T-shirts, simple blouses, classic jeans, and neutral dresses. Prioritize quality, since these items will be the building blocks of most of your outfits. Opt for natural materials such as cotton, silk, or linen, as they are more breathable and durable.
- Include versatile items: For a capsule wardrobe to work, all your clothing needs to be versatile. Ensure your clothes can be mixed and matched, creating various combinations for different occasions.
- Opt for Light Layering: Include items that can be easily layered like lightweight cardigans, wraps, and denim jackets. Layering will enable you to adjust to the fluctuating summer temperatures while keeping your style game on point.
- Add color: While basics are important, pops of color will add versatility to your wardrobe. Choose some tops or accessories in your favorite colors and patterns.
- Invest in comfortable shoes: Shoes are an important part of your capsule wardrobe. Go for comfort – like wedge heels or stylish flats instead of super high heels. Neutral tones in footwear are always a safe bet as they pair well with anything.
- Choose multipurpose accessories: Accessories can take an outfit from plain to polished. Think lightweight scarves, versatile jewelry, a classic wristwatch, and sun hats. Remember that a little goes a long way, so you don’t need a lot.
- Prioritize items that don’t require ironing: In the summer, consider clothing that doesn’t require ironing such as wrap dresses or pieces made from crease-resistant fabric. These items are easier to care for and more suited for traveling. (By the way, it’s okay if linen wrinkles.)
- Take care of your clothes: Always make sure your clothes are well-maintained. Regular washing, careful storage, and mending when necessary will keep your pieces looking their best all summer.
- Revisit your wardrobe regularly: As the summer goes by, your needs may change. You may discover you’re not wearing some pieces as often, or you’re missing something crucial. Be flexible and willing to reassess and make changes as needed.
- Buy only what you need: Always buy pieces you need and will actually wear, rather than those you like but will probably never wear. Impulse buys can clutter up your minimalist capsule wardrobe.
Crafting the Perfect Summer Capsule Wardrobe for Over 50s
Creating a capsule wardrobe for summer helps simplify life and makes dressing for the day easier and faster. Always keep it personalized and reflective of who you are, ensuring that every item makes you feel confident and comfortable
Do you need even more summer outfit ideas? I’ve got just the thing: 11 Modest and Classic Summer Outfits for Women Over 50
