Style Edit Over 50 in Black and White Linen

We’re due for a spot of rain this week, and our temps have dropped again, but I’ve swapped my wardrobe over and gearing up for the hot weather that I know is headed our way. By the time summer sets in here, I’m planning my escape from the heat and living almost exclusively in lightweight cotton and linen. I know many women struggle with the way linen wrinkles, and it’s an acquired taste, but I could not survive the summer without it.

For our style edit over 50 this month, Cindy and I are sharing how we’re styling a few Eileen Fisher pieces into our spring wardrobe that were generously gifted to us. Everything gifted is marked c/o. Mixing and matching pieces helps stretch your wardrobe, so getting dressed is easier. There’s nothing easier than black and white, so today, I’m showing several ways to mix things up

Here’s a column of white, topped with an airy, crochet-type linen top. I have fond memories of a similar pullover many years ago, which was invaluable to pop over so many things for arm coverage. This seems to run larger than usual, and I could have worn an XS, so I suggest you size down. If it came in white, I would order it in a heartbeat. Since I’m larger on top than the bottom, I front-tucked this into my Mother straight-leg jeans to show some shape. I’m one of those people who put their jeans in the dryer and really appreciate that Mother jeans are designed to do just that and come out looking brand new.

I kept details simple in this look so as not to overpower the weave of this top. I’m wearing pearls studs with this short black seed bead & pearl necklace because anything longer could get snagged in the top.

For this look, I paired an organic linen cropped cardigan over a simple black cotton/spandex tank. This is a look I will wear all spring. The cardigan length nods to my (non-existent) waistline without having to tuck anything in. This is a great little cardigan for arm coverage that won’t be too hot in the summer. It will be slightly warmer than my blue one I shared here simply because black absorbs the sun making it feel hotter. My jeans are a straight-leg medium blue wash, and I added my super comfy Franco Sarto sandals.

Here, I tossed the same little cardigan over my Eileen Fisher cotton dress that I styled 5 ways for you here. Several ladies thought this dress was hitting my leg at an unflattering, wide spot, but you can see here that it doesn’t. I must get on my photographer (husband) to watch those angles 🤣.

I added an Eileen Fisher Obi belt (similar here) that’s as old as the hills and nude sandals to elongate my legs. FYI, ankle straps visually chop your legs at the ankle and are not usually elongating. However, if they’re a nude shade that blends into your skin, you can get away with it.

Here I’m pairing a button-up white linen dress, worn open as a duster, over a white tank and black linen trousers. I love a simple white dress in the summer, but knowing me, I’ll probably wear this like a duster more than I do a dress. It comes in 4 colors, and I could not resist classic white. The linen trousers are much more flattering than most pull-on styles because these have a zip front and add less bulk around the tummy but still have an elastic waist. They come in four colors and are a great weight for the summer, so I bought the natural color.

Here’s the same linen dress worn over my white jeans with the black tank. I sized up in the tank because I hate when they cling to my torso. I’d also like this look with a white tank or a column of another pale color under it. I’d wear it as a dress with a natural straw bag, some raffia earrings, and nude sandals.

This head-to-toe black linen look is only punctuated by nude wedges, a silver bracelet, a short necklace, and my favorite hoop earrings. I could have worn black sandals, but I’m really loving the effect of nude shoes these days. I’ve had these wedges for years (similar here) and find them very comfy.

Let’s go see how Cindy is styling some of her pieces at Cindy Hattersley Design.

Thanks to Eileen Fisher for sending these gorgeous pieces for me to share with you. Thanks also to my readers for supporting the brands I love!