Summer Wardrobe Essentials for a Casual Lifestyle Over 50
With summer fast approaching I’m organizing the wardrobe essentials I’ll reach for again and again. I know that one woman’s wardrobe essential could be another woman’s not on your life because our needs are all unique. I’ll be sharing some of my essentials over the next few weeks and would love to hear what some of yours are.
SHOP THE LOOK
A classic white tee tops my list. I wear them often throughout the year but during the summer they are a must-have for me. They’re a building block which I accessorize to create both casual and dressy looks.
For a day of house hunting, I wore a crew neck version with a simple stretch skirt and topped it with a denim jacket. My finishing touches were a pink scarf, pink sandals, straw bag with pink handle and striped earrings with a pop of pink. Strategically placed pink dances the eye up my outfit and draws attention to my face where I am wearing pink lipstick.
My white tee’s seldom last from one season to the next because sunscreen and deodorant discolor them. Because mine get replaced each year I don’t like to spend much for them but won’t wear cheap looking ones. I prefer opaque fabrics you can’t see through. Who wants to wear a cami in the hot weather? Not me.
I wear tanks under cardigans or jackets and short or 3/4 sleeve versions on their own. My neckline of choice is a vee to offset my broad shoulders but also wear crew and deep scoop necklines.
What is the one item you wear the most during the summer?
Thanks for readings ladies and have a great day!
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I am a sucker for a white shirt and have them in many variations. The basics get replaced yearly but I hang onto the ones with unique details as long as I can! I also love denim jackets as they seem to go almost everywhere my casual life takes me. I have a roomy distressed one that I wear over thicker sweaters in the fall and early spring, a dark wash from J.Jill that has a little Lycra in it and is so comfortable, and a white one I break out for summer.
I need a roomier one for sweaters, thanks for the idea Margot. I just love denim jackets!
Love, love, love your outfit!
Thanks Linda
My favorite white tee is the boat neck with 3/4 sleeve, plain and striped ( since I have a pear shape and small shoulders). Light blue tops are another cool favorite for me. Lately I have been wearing white cotton poplin button down shirts with the sleeves rolled up, some times I size up for some air flow. And any cotton blouse with sleeves I try to snap up, I don’t care if I have to iron, I just feel cooler in them. And my favorite pants are cotton poplin, pique, or seersucker ending at the ankle, or a loose wider linen pant. The longer pants work better when sitting. I am not a fan of pants cutting me off at mid leg, I have larger calves, so no mid length dresses either. Walking shorts, skirts and dresses are all useful, it just depends on the style and fabrication. The hardest thing for me is finding quality cotton, rayon and linen, I just returned from France, and their fabrics are much better than our selection, and there was less polyester, ( not my first choice in the heat), and their linen clothes were much nicer. Jennifer, I love your pink shoes and bag, fabulous!
I’m not a fan of polyester in the summer. It’s doesn’t breathe. Looking forward to hearing all about your trip!
How cute! Yes, Jennifer, we can still look cute at our age, n’est-ce pas? I love the way you have put this outfit together adding that all important pop of a third color (pink). Basically, these are all staples that should be in every well-dressed woman’s wardrobe. Where would we be without the LWT (little white tee)? I love the shoes. Every time I put on a shoe tied around my ankles I feel as if I should go on point. Trust me, they look much more comfortable than point shoes tied tightly around your ankles. Just had a ballet flashback!
The bag is also adorable. Nothing says summer like a great straw bag.
I agree!! I always look forward to bringing out my wicker and straw handbags. I remember tie shoes very well and have the bad feet to show for it!
You look awesome in this outfit, Jennifer. I love white tee shirts and have several versions. My favorite here though are your shoes…love them! This whole look is stepped up casual in a big way.
Thanks Pam, they are surprisingly comfy
I just love your classy outfits, Jennifer. What is your feeling about women wearing shorts when they no longer have youthful-looking knees? I’m nearing 59 years old and won’t wear Capris because I think they look frumpy on most women, so I wear walking shorts. I’ve seen a lot worse than older-looking knees, but what do you think?
My knees are wrinkling like an elephant but that’s life. I just bought a pair of long shorts for pickleball and will be slathering on the self-tanner to help offset the wrinkles. If the weather is hot and the activity calls for shorts, I think we should go for it.
I am the same age, Kristine. I do not like the look of capris, usually, because they really seem to cut us off. When I do choose them, I wear the fitted ones with a looser top. I also tend towards the walking shorts. Since I am short-5-1″, they hit me right at my knee and cover the wrinkles. Ahh-so sad. I still have nicely shaped legs but hate the saggy skin. White white white for summer! Jennifer, please continue to wear what makes you feel good about yourself. You never said every woman should wear it. Just offering suggestions. I give you kudos for blogging. I couldn’t handle the haters and naysayers. . Some people squash others to make themselves rise up. “Keep on keeping on!’
Thanks for your support Lizzie. Social media has given everyone a forum to speak which makes the landscape a bit rocky at times. My goal is to share what I know and do with the hope it inspires other women to dress with confidence.
I love that the black skirt is adjustable and can be worn short or long. Very creative to add the pink accents. Love the style and color of the shoes. You look very lovely. I wear lots of dresses and skirts in the summer. White pants, pedal pushers in all different shades are paired with my collection of white, cream, and lightweight navy and black tee shirts. I’m always on the look out for good quality quarter sleeves tee shirts. Linens are featured in my summer wardrobe but limited to one item per outfit. I haven’t fully embraced the all over wrinkles effect of this beautiful and comfortable fiber. Thank you Jennifer. ~Amelia
Your essentials sound lovely Amelia. I wish I looked better in pedal pushers. They’re such a great middle of the road answer.